Chapter 1 Flashcards

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1
Q

What are the 5 unifying themes in biology?

A

organization
information
energy and matter
interactions
evolution

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2
Q

What are emergent properties?

A

They are new properties that arise with each step upward in the hierarchy of life as complexity increases.

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3
Q

Why are emergent properties important in studying life?

A

They provide insight into how living systems function work together as a whole rather than just individuals.

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4
Q

Differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

A

Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles while eukaryotic cells have those.

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5
Q

What is genomics?

A

The study of entire genomes, including genes and their functions.

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6
Q

How has genomics revolutionized biology?

A

Allows researches to analyze whole sets of genes, leading to a better understanding of gene function and regulation.

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7
Q

What is feedback regulation?

A

A control mechanism in which the output of a process regulates that very process. (It’s like a built in control system in our body like a thermostat in the house).

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8
Q

How does feedback regulation contribute to homeostasis?

A

Feedback regulation is the action to keep homeostasis by keeping the body stable and in check.

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9
Q

How does climate change impact biodiversity and ecosystem?

A

Caused shifts in temp and precipation patterns, which can alter habitats and affect availability of resources leading to extinction.

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10
Q

What is reductionism?

A

An approach that reduces complex systems to simpler components that are easier to study. Like studying individual molecules, cells or genes.

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11
Q

Why is reductionism important in biology?

A

By understanding the smaller parts, we can understand the bigger picture in biology to grasp the details and inner workings of biological systems.

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12
Q

What is the cell theory?

A
  1. All living things are composed of cells
  2. The cell is the basic of structure and organization in living organisms (building blocks)
  3. All cells come from pre-existing cells through cell division
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13
Q

What is the role of DNA in an organism?

A

DNA is the genetic material that encodes all of a cell’s proteins.

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14
Q

What is systems biology?

A

The exploration of a biological system by analyzing the interactions among its parts as a whole. Opposite of reductionism.

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15
Q

What is the role of energy in life processes?

A

Energy is transformed from one form to another in life processes.

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16
Q

What are genomes?

A

Sets of genetic material (DNA or RNA) that carry info for an organisms growth, development and function.

17
Q

What is gene expression?

A

The process in which information from a gene is used to create functional gene products.

18
Q

How does gene expression work?

A

Involves the transcription of DNA into mRNA which is then translated into a protein or RNA molecule.

19
Q

how do organisms interact with their environment at the ecosystem level?

A

Organisms interact with both other organisms and physical facts in their environment.