Requirements of Life and Biological Molecules

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the requirements of life, the biological molecules involved, and the organization of the human body.

Atoms and Molecules

The foundational components of life that interact to form molecules, which create the structures of the body.

Emergent Properties

Novel properties that arise from the interactions and arrangement of molecules and structures, not observable at lower levels.

Capillaries

Small blood vessels that transport blood, a property that emerges from the interaction of endothelial cells.

Food as Raw Materials

Nutrients required by the body for building structures and providing energy.

Energy Flow in Ecosystems

The movement of energy through producers, consumers, and decomposers in an ecosystem.

Producers

Organisms that convert solar energy into chemical energy, such as plants.

Consumers

Organisms that obtain energy by eating other organisms.

Decomposers

Organisms that break down dead matter and recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Placenta

The organ that serves as the interface between mother and fetus for nutrient and gas exchange.

Nutrient Cycling

The movement of nutrients from the environment, through organisms, and back to the environment.

Diffusion

The process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration across membranes.

Four Biological Molecules of Life

Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, each serving essential functions in living organisms.

Chemical Level of Organization

The level of organization where atoms form molecules, such as DNA.

Cellular Level of Organization

The stage where molecules form cells, like smooth muscle cells.

Tissue Level of Organization

The level where cells form tissues, including smooth muscle tissue.

Organ Level of Organization

The level where tissues form organs, such as the stomach.

Organismal Level of Organization

The complete organization formed by the combination of systems.

Energy Input

The requirement for continuous energy to maintain the body’s structure and function.

Digestive System

The system that processes food to extract nutrients and energy.

Respiratory System

The system responsible for delivering oxygen to the body.

Circulatory System

The system that transports nutrients, water, and oxygen throughout the body.

Simple Diffusion

Direct passage of fat-soluble molecules through the cell membrane without assistance.

Facilitated Diffusion

Movement of water-soluble molecules through the membrane via transport proteins.

Hierarchy of Organization

The arrangement of biological structures from atoms to the complete organism.

Adult vs Developing Body

Contrasts between fully formed adult body systems and the reliance of developing bodies on the placenta.

Key Digestive structures in order:

Mouth » Salivary glands » Esophagus » Stomach » Small Intestine » Large Intestine

Organs that aid in digestion are:

Pancreas, Liver, and Gallbladder

The nutrient and oxygen delivery process:

1. Materials diffuse from the maternal side of placenta

2. Cross into the fetal circulatory system

3. Fetal circulation delivers nutrients throughout the developing body

• Blood cells do not cross the placental barrier

Body design principles consist of:

• Systems emerge during embryonic development

• External materials must be acquired and utilized

• Digestive system evolved to meet these needs