ch 1. the 5 core concepts in biology

Question 1

5 core concepts

Answer 1

1. life is subject to chemical and physical laws
2. structure determines function
3. living systems transform energy and matter
4. living systems depend on information transactions
5. evolution explains the unity and diversity of life

Question 2

1. Life is subject to chemical and physical laws

Answer 2

-living systems operate according to know chemical and physical principles. biological systems use very complex chemistry.

Question 3

2. Structure determines function

Answer 3

=proper functioning of molecules, cells, and of tissues and organs depends on their structure.
-when we know the function of a structure, we can infer the function of similar structures in different contexts

Question 4

3. Living systems transform energy and matter

Answer 4

=basic nature of life is to constantly transform both energy and matter. we break down “food” molecules for energy, then use this energy to build up other complex molecules.

Question 5

4. Living systems depend on information transactions

Answer 5

-a most obvious form of the info in living systems is the genetic info carried in every cell in the form of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
-DNA is formed from 2 long chains of building blocks, called nucleotides, wound around each other. 4 different nucleotides are found in DNA and the sequence in which they occur encodes the info to make and maintain a cell.
-continuous of each generation depends on faithful copying of a cell’s DNA into daughter cells. The entire set of DNA instructions is called its genome (3 billion nucleotides long).
-the info in DNA is used to direct the synthesis of cellular components, and particular sets of components can differ from cell to cell.
-living systems are able to collect info about the environment (internal and external), then respond to this information.

Question 6

5. Evolution explains the unity and diversity of life

Answer 6

-retention of conserved characteristics in a long line of descent implies that they have an important role in the success of the organisms.
-unity of life that we see in certain characteristics shared by related life forms contrasts with the incredible diversity of living things in the varied environments of the earth.
-all life evolved from the same original event