Chapter 1 Flashcards
The Study of Life
Scientific Method
method of research with defined steps that include observation, formulation of a hypothesis, testing, and confirming or falsifying the hypothesis
Hypothesis
Explanation for an event, which can be tested.
Theory
Tested and confirmed explanation for observations or phenomena
Abstract
opening section of a scientific paper that summarizes the research and conclusions
Applied science
form of science that aims to solve real world problems
Atom
smallest and most fundamental unit of matter
Basic science
science that seeks to expand knowledge and understanding regardless of the short-term application of that knowledge
Biochemistry
study of the chemistry of biological
organisms
Biosphere
collection of all the ecosystems on Earth
Cell
Cells are the lowest level of biological organization that can survive and reproduce.
•Many single cells, such as bacteria and protozoans, exist as unicellular organisms.
•Multicellular organisms, such as plants and animals, are made up of groups of interdependent cells.
smallest fundamental unit of structure and function in living things
Community
set of populations inhabiting a particular area
Conclusion
section of a scientific paper that summarizes the importance of the experimental findings
Control
part of an experiment that does not change during
the experiment
deductive reasoning
form of logical thinking that uses a general inclusive statement to forecast specific results
example:
Major premise: All mammals have backbones. Minor premise: Humans are mammals. Conclusion: Humans have backbones.
descriptive science
(also, discovery science) form of science
that aims to observe, explore, and investigate
Discussion
section of a scientific paper in which the author interprets experimental results, describes how variables may be related, and attempts to explain the phenomenon
in question
Ecosystem
all the living things in a particular area together with the abiotic, nonliving parts of that environment
eukaryote
organism with cells that have nuclei and membrane-bound organelles.
eukaryotic cells contain mitochondrial DNA in addition to nuclear DNA.
evolution
the process of gradual change in a population or species over time
homeostasis
ability of an organism to maintain constant internal conditions
hypothesis-based science
form of science that begins with a specific question and potential testable answers
Inductive reasoning
form of logical thinking that uses related observations to arrive at a general conclusion
Darwin’s theory of evolution by Natural Selection is an example of how inductive reasoning can be used to explain complex phenomena. Rather than drawing from general principles, Darwin made a generalization from many specific pieces of evidence including: Comparing the anatomy of different organisms.
macromolecule
large molecule, typically formed by the joining of smaller molecules
microbiology
study of the structure and function of microorganisms
molecular biology
study of biological processes and their regulation at the molecular level, including interactions among molecules such as DNA, RNA, and proteins
Molecule
chemical structure consisting of at least two atoms held together by one or more chemical bonds
Organelle
small structures that exist within cells and carry out cellular functions
feeds the need of the cell
paleontology
study of life’s history by means of fossils
phylogenetic tree
diagram showing the evolutionary relationships among various biological species based on similarities and differences in genetic or physical traits or both; in essence, a hypothesis concerning evolutionary connections
Physical science
field of science, such as geology, astronomy, physics, and chemistry, that studies Non-Living matter
Population
all of the individuals of a species living within a
specific area
prokaryote
single-celled organism that lacks organelles and does not have nuclei surrounded by a nuclear membrane.
Prokaryotes include Bacteria and Archaea.
Tissue
group of similar cells carrying out related functions
Variable
part of an experiment that the experimenter can vary or change
organ
collection of related tissues grouped together performing a common function
organ system
level of organization that consists of functionally related interacting organs
All living organisms
share several key properties such as:
order,
sensitivity or response to stimuli,
reproduction,
growth and development,
regulation,
homeostasis,
energy processing
Hierarchy of living things
12 levels of biological organization
atoms, molecules, organelles, cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems.
Any Mighty Organism Can Typically Organize Organ Systems, Intensely Promoting Community Efforts, Biomes, Biospheres
Organisms are grouped by
populations, communities, ecosystems, and the biosphere.
natural science
Life science (as opposed to physical science: study of nonliving things)
field of science that is related to the physical world and its phenomena and processes.
ie: astronomy, biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics.
Relies on the use of quantitative data
hypothesis-based science
form of science that begins with a specific question and potential testable answers
Where in a phylogenetic tree would you expect to find the organism that had evolved most recently?
at the branch tips
The presence of a membrane-enclosed nucleus is a
characteristic of
eukaryotic cells
The smallest unit of biological structure that meets the functional requirements of “living” is the
cell
A person notices that her houseplants that are regularly exposed to music seem to grow more quickly than those in rooms with no music. As a result, she determines that plants grow better when exposed to music. This example most closely resembles which type of reasoning?
inductive reasoning
A group of individuals of the same species living in the same area is called a(n)
Population
Which of the following sequences represents the hierarchy of biological organization from the most inclusive to the least complex level?
biosphere, ecosystem, community, population, organism
Viruses are not considered living because they
are not made of cells
The first forms of life on Earth were
microorganisms
The type of logical thinking that uses related observations to arrive at a general conclusion is called
inductive reasoning
The process of ________ helps to ensure that a scientist’s research is original, significant, logical, and thorough.
peer review
order of taxa in biology
Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species,: “Dear King Philip Came Over For Grape Soda” or “Dear Kevin, Please Come Over For Gay Sex”
processes that define living things
MRS GREN: Movement; Respiration; Sensation; Growth; Reproduction; Excretion; Nutrition
Emergent properties
Biological molecules (Characteristics) that depend on the level of organization of matter, but do not exist at lower levels, are called emergent properties.
Life is thus an emergent property of the organization of cells from matter
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
is a large, double-stranded, helical molecule that contains instructions for assembling a living organism from simpler molecules.
Deoxyribose is the sugar backbone of DNA
Metabolism
describes the ability of a cell or organism to extract energy from its surroundings and use that energy to maintain itself, grow, and reproduce.
photosynthesis
in which the electromagnetic energy of sunlight is absorbed and converted into chemical energy in biological molecules.
Model organisms
Example: Mice
have rapid development, short life cycles, and small adult size.
Research on these organisms provides insights into biological processes in larger and more complex ones.
cellular respiration
to break down complex biological molecules with oxygen, releasing chemical energy for cellular activities
