Biology: How Life Works Unit 3: Challenges of Life

These flashcards cover key vocabulary concepts from the lecture on biological challenges and cellular processes.

Universal Challenges of Life

These include energy use, environmental exchange, coordination of responses, and mechanisms for reproduction and defense against invaders.

Cell Membrane Importance

Cell membranes maintain the internal environment of cells and regulate the exchange of materials.

Genetic Material

DNA serves as a stable archive of biological information and is crucial for the transfer of information across generations.

Energy Metabolism

The processes of energy and carbon metabolism differ among organisms, affecting how they obtain and utilize energy.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of physiological variables to create stable internal conditions for organisms.

Mutations

Changes in DNA that can be beneficial or harmful, contributing to genetic diversity.

Eukaryotic Cells

More complex cells with a nucleus and organelles, can be unicellular or multicellular.

Mass-specific Metabolic Rate

The metabolic rate per unit of body mass, which generally decreases with larger body sizes.

Cell Specialization

The process by which generic cells develop into specific types with unique functions.

Surface Area to Volume Ratio

A crucial factor in cellular processes, influencing efficiency in nutrient transport and waste removal.