Lectures 1 & 2 Flashcards
What are the seven elements of a living thing?
- Growth, Development and Reproduction
- Metabolise
- Respond
- Cellular
- Display Biological Organisation
- Maintain Homeostasis
- Adapt
What is a cell?
The smallest unit of life, fundamental for all living things.
What is an organelle?
A specialised structure within a cell, preforming specific functions.
What is a macromolecule?
Large biological molecules, including proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides.
What is a molecule?
A group of two or more atoms bonded together, either the same or different elements.
What is an atom?
The smallest unit of an element, made of electrons, protons and neutrons.
What is an organism?
A living individual that shows all characteristics of life (unicellular or multicellular).
What is an organ system?
A group of organs working together for a specific function.
What is an organ?
A structure made of two or more tissues working together for a task.
What is tissue?
A group of similar cells with a shared function.
What is the biosphere?
All regions of Earth where life exists (crust, water, atmosphere).
What is an ecosystem?
A community of organisms interacting with their physical environment.
What is a community?
A group of interacting populations in a specific area.
What is a specie?
Populations of similar organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.
What is a population?
All individuals of the same species in a specific area.
What are the three elements of the Cell Theory?
- all living organism are made of one or more cells
- Cells are the basic units of life
- Cells come only from pre-existing cells
What is a prokaryote?
A single-celled organism without a distinct nucleus or specialised organelles.
What is a eukaryote?
A single or multi-celled organism with specialised organelles and a nucleus containing DNA.
What are the similarities between cells?
All cells contain a plasma membrane, cytoplasm, DNA and ribosomes.
What are the differences in cells?
The shape, size, presence of membrane-bound organelles and the DNA’s location.
What is a gene?
A segment of DNA that encodes a specific product or regulates other genes.
What is a genome?
The complete DNA sequence of an organism.
What is the structure of DNA?
The sugar phosphate backbone and the four nitrogenous bases (held together by hydrogen bonds).
What is evolution?
The change in inherited characteristics in a population over generations.
What is phylogeny?
The evolutionary relationships among species.
What is taxonomy?
The science of classifying and naming living organisms.
What is taxa?
Groups of organisms classified based on similarities.
What is the order of the Classification Hierarchy?
Domain - Kingdom - Phylum - Class - Order - Family - Genus - Species
What are the two types of prokaryotes?
Bacteria and Archaea
Describe Archaea…..
- are thought to be the oldest living organisms on Earth
- more closely related to eukaryotes than to bacteria
- unlike bacteria, archaea cannot form spores
What are the two types of Archaea?
Extremophiles (thrive in extreme conditions) and Methanogens (produces methane gas as a byproduct)
Describe Bacteria…..
- have three main shapes and a rigid cell wall
- can be harmful (pathogenic) or beneficial
What are the five types of Bacteria?
Proteobacteria (gram-negetive), Gram Positive (thick cell wall, retain purple stain), Spirochaetes (spiral shaped, gram-negative), Chlamydias (intracellular bacteria causing infections) and Cyanobacteria (photosynthetic bacteria that produces oxygen).
What is Gram-Positive Bacteria?
Have a thick peptidoglycan wall and stain purple.
What is Gram-Negative Bacteria?
Have a thin peptidoglycan wall and do not keep purple dye, often counterstain or appear pink.
What is a Protist?
The most diverse eukaryotic kingdom; evolved from bacteria but are more complexed (not fungi, plants or animals).
What does Paraphyletic mean?
A group with a singular ancestor, but excludes at least one descendant species from that ancestor.
What is Flagella?
2 unequal anterior flagella at the reservoir.
What are Contractile Vacuoles?
Removes excess water.
What is a Stigma?
A light sensitive spot.
What is Chloroplast?
Organelles for photosynthesis.
What is Symbiosis?
Close relationships between two species, where at least one benefits.
What is Mutualism?
A type of symbiosis where both species benefit.
What is Commensalism?
A type of symbiosis where one species benefits and the other is not harmed.
What is a Holdfast?
Anchors the algae to the surface.
What is the Stripe?
Stalk-like or stem-like structure.
What is a Blade?
Leaf-like part of the thallus.
