lecture one and two Flashcards
What is inductive reasoning
patterns/trends, based on observations -> generalizing (assumptions)
Specific -> General
Links several single facts together
What is Deductive reasoning
starting with data/facts, definitions -> make more facts (know it will be true)
General -> Specific
Limitations to induction
The number of observations must be large
Observations must be made under different conditions
Observations cannot contradict the hypothesis
Why are general statements important?
allow us to make predictions. required to make natural laws, theories, hypotheses, and models.
Doubt found in Natural Laws
as close as possible to absolute truth, summarizes an observed and consistent phenomenon: tells what happens. Often represented by equations
Doubt found in Theories
well accepted, some doubt remains. Combine to explain related phenomenon: explains why something happens
doubt found in hypothesis
still needs testing: a logical explanation that leads to testable prediction
Model Organisms
simplified organisms that are easier to study, eg short reproductive cycles, etc
Models
a simplified image of a general relation among different variables
Benefits of Model Systems
Benefits: allows for reductionist approach to biology - looking at small scale and extrapolating to large scale
3 points of Cell Theory
All living things are made of cells
Cells are the structural/functional units of life
Cells come from pre-exsisting cells
Why is science provisional
science is an ongoing conversation about facts and how those facts can be linked together - even things that are widely accepted are subject to debate when new evidence is found or new tech to understand old evidence is created- nothing is ever truly known, science just provides the best idea based on the evidence available. Scientists themselves add to provisional nature -
NASA Exobiotic Definition of life
organization (buckets of life)
organization to life form from the molecular to the biosphere. Cellular level has organization
Information (buckets of life)
Genetics stores in DNA, which also encode sequence for all proteins. Allows life to continue. Information is not limited to DNA
Energy (buckets of life)
Chemical, solar, electrical
Energy flow from producers (autotrophs) to consumers (heterotrophs and chemotrophs)
Energy flows in 1 direction, at every metabolic pathway, some is lost as heat
Metabolism - part of which life bucket, and what two processes make it up
Energy and Matter
Catabolic: reactions that break down complex molecules and release energy
Anabolic: reactions that build complex molecules from simpler components
Interactions (buckets of life)
Individuals reactions have interactions with more than just their substances- interact with other cells and their environment
Evolution (buckets of life)
random trail and error filtered by natural selection
which life bucket is essential is central to the other life buckets
Evolution
who set the stage and began to question views
1635: Galileo -earth orbits sun, not other way
Robert Hooke
used primitive microscope to look at cork bark - first description of cells - considered “father of cell theory”
Antione-Van Leeuwenhoek
described animal and bacterial cells 9 years after Hooke, looked at “animalcules” from pond water. Built powerful microscopes and considered “father of microscopy:
Mathias Schleiden + Theodor Schwan
independently concluded all living things are made of cells
