M4 Subtopic 1 Flashcards
The Study of Life
Biology
Study of microorganisms
MIcrobiology
Study of plants
Botany
Study of animals
Zoology
Naming and classifying organisms
Taxonomy
Structures and functions of cells
Cytology
Formation and development of organisms
Embryology
Structures and parts of organisms
Anatomy
Functions of living organisms and their parts
Physiology
Chemical compositions of living things
Biochemistry
Heredity and variation
Genetics
Origin and differentiation of various organisms
Evolution
Relationships of organisms with their environment and each other
Ecology
Molecules that make up or influence the cells of living organisms
Molecular Biology
Genetic material (genome) of an organism
Genomics
Proteins in a living organism
Proteomics
Immune system and processes of immunity
Immunology
Biological data using computer programs
Bioinformatics
The ancient belief that life could emerge from non-living matter
Abiogenesis
Abiogenesis is also known as…?
The Theory of Spontaneous Generation
The scientifically accepted principle that life can only arise from pre-existing life.
Biogenesis
Enumerate the four individuals whose experiments were discussed.
Francesco Redi
John Needham
Lazzaro Spallanzani
Louis Pasteur
During the experiment, flies were attracted to the smell of the meat only when the container allowed them to enter, or had an opening for the smell to permeate.
Maggots were laid on the meat when the container was open; maggots were laid near/on top of the container when it had a partial opening.
Disproved Abiogenesis/Spontaneous Generation.
Fransesco Redi’s Experiment
Boiling of mutton broth to kill any microorganisms, poured into a flask and corked, and was then left for several days. This yielded a cloudy broth in which microorganisms were found.
Temporarily revived the idea of Abiogenesis/Spontaneous Generation.
John Needham’s Experiment
A swan-neck flask was designed to trap any particles in the bend but allow air to enter which prevented them from reaching the broth inside. The broth was then boiled to kill microorganisms and left for a few weeks.
Despite being exposed to the air, no microorganisms appeared in the broth due to the swan-neck trapping airborne particles. When the neck broke, it allowed dust to enter, which then allowed microbial growth.
Heavily disproved Abiogenesis.
Louis Pasteur’s Experiment
Boiling of broth to ensure all microorganisms were gone and poured into several flasks - some tightly sealed, some left open. They were left for a few days.
No microorganisms were found in the tightly-sealed flasks, as microorganisms were found in the open ones, suggesting that they were from the environment rather then being generated spontaneously.
Brings evidence to Biogenesis (life from pre-existing life).
Lazzaro Spallanzini’s Experiment
Involves a supernatural creator. Often rooted in religious texts, and emphasizes purpose and design.
Divine Creation
Naturalistic explanation; based on chemical and physical processes. Supported by scientific experiments and theories.
Spontaneous Origin
The hypothesis that life did not originate on Earth but was brought here from elsewhere in the universe, possibly via comets, meteorites, or interstellar dust.
Panspermia
Enumerate the variants of Panspermia
Lithopanspermia
Radiopanspermia
Directed Panspermia
Life spreads through rocky fragments ejected from planets.
Lithopanspermia
Microorganisms are spread by radiation pressure from stars.
Radiopanspermia
Suggests that life was deliberately spread by an advanced extraterrestrial civilization.
Directed Panspermia
