Unit One: Introduction to Biology Flashcards
What is Biology
the study of living things
What is the Cell
- basic unit of life
- most fundamental unit of life
- smallest functioning unit of life
What is a Fact
- information that is independently reviewed by a trained person
- typically a frame of reference
i.e: individual blood configuration
Law of Nature
predictable ways matter and energy balance
involves inductive reasoning and observations
i.e: newton’s second law of motion, first law of thermodynamics
What is a Theory
an explanatory statement derived from facts, laws, and confirmed hypothesis
logic to develop theory —> test through experiments
What is Evolution
change in genetic composition of a population of organisms (generational changes)
Genotype
genetic composition of an individual (DNA blueprint)
three types: recessive, dominant, combination
Phenotype
an individual’s observable characteristics/traits unique to them
determined by the genotype characteristic
eye colour, height, blood type
Proteins
macromolecules made up of amino acids
Amino Acids
organic compounds acting as building materials to form proteins
carboxylic acid (COOH), amino group (NH2), amino acid (20 variables)
What are Adaptations
in relation to natural selection
- long term
- generational
- permanent change in the blueprint
- change in genotype
What are Accomodations
in relation to natural selection
- reflective of individuals
- short-term
- temporary
- change in phenotype
i.e. excerise training
What is Protein Synthesis
process of new proteins (central dogma)
DNA –> RNA –> Proteins
What is Natural Selection
- hereditary advantages species obtain over time
- accomodation
- genetic based traits altering genotype
- passed through genetic information generationally
- can be negative, positive, or neutral
camoflauge, disease resistance
What are Selection Pressures
- factors which pressure an organism to natural selection
- promote reproductive/replicative sucess of some over others
- environment, food, disease, predators
ex: gene regulating hemoglobin hormone for those living in high altitude
