Levels of Biological Organization

Cell Structure and Function

• The cell is the smallest fundamental unit of structure and function in living organisms.
• Organelles are specialized structures within cells that perform specific functions necessary for cell survival.

Classification of Organisms

• Viruses are not considered living organisms because they cannot replicate independently and require a host cell to survive.

Levels of Biological Organization

• The organ level of organization includes the formation of specialized tissues making up organs.

Biomolecules

• Macromolecules are formed by combining smaller units called monomers.

Viral Replication

• The main requirement for viruses to make new copies of themselves is the presence of a host cell.

Cellular Differences

• The main difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is the presence of a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles in eukaryotic cells.

Ecosystems

• The biosphere (Global Ecosystem) includes all ecosystems on Earth, covering all aspects of life and the environment.
• An ecosystem comprises all living organisms (biotic factors) and non-living components (abiotic factors) in a specific environment.

Ecosystem Components

• In a forest ecosystem, all the pine trees collectively represent a population.