Chapter 1: Biology: Exploring life Flashcards
Biology
Scientific study of natural life.
Cells
The structural and functional unit of life. All living beings are made up of cells.
Domains
Sorting mechanism of life. Sorted into three domains: Bacteria, archaea, and eukarya.
Emergent Properties
Properties which emerge at a higher evolutionary level that were not present at he preceding level.
Data
The recorded observations that are the basis of scientific enquiry.
Hypothesis
A proposed explanation for a set of observations.
Experiment
A scientific test carried out under controlled conditions.
Types of variables
Independent variable: the factor that is manipulated by the researchers during an experiment. Dependent variable: the measure used to judge the outcome of an experiment. This variable depends on, or is affected by the manipulated variable.
Controlled experiment
An experiment in which an experimental group is compared with a control group.
Technology
The application of scientific experience and research towards one specific purpose.
Evolution
The process of change that has transformed life on earth from its earliest forms to the vast array of organisms living today.
Natural selection
The mechanism for evolution.
Artificial Selection
Evolution by natural selection, except in this case it is instituted by humans.
Gene expression
The process by which a protein is formed in to a unique shape and functionality.
Genes
Units of inheritance. Provide the instructions for the creation of proteins and other cells.
