The scientific method & The characteristics of Life

Biology

The study of living thingS

Theory

An explanation based on repeated hypotheses and experiments

Principle/Law

Arises from a theory when it is seen to always be true under all conditions over a long period of time.

Honesty

Data and results may be falsified for monetary or professional gain

Ethics

Refers to whether issues are right or wrong

Observation

Noticing some event or situation and asking the question ‘why’

Hypothesis

An educated guess based o bservations

Experiment

A test for a hypothesis by carrying out a specific action

Results/Data

The information gathered in experiments

Conclusion

Confirm or deny hypothesis based on interpretation of results

Re-testing

Carried out

Report results

Write a report recording all the details so they can be examined and analysed by others and others may repeat the work

Life

An organisms which shows metabolism and continuity of life

Metabolism

The sum of all the chemical relations in an organism

Catabolic relation

The breakdown of larger substances to smaller ones

Anabolic reactions

Smaller molecules being used to make lager molecules

Continuity of life

Describes how cells arise from cells of the same type and living organisms arise from living organisms of the same type

Organisation

All living things are made of cells (cell theory)

Nutrition

The way organisms obtain and use food from the environment

Excretion

The removal of waste products of metabolism

Reproduction

The formation of new individuals

Behaviour (sensitivity)

The ability to etect and respond to external/internal stimuli

Respiration

The controlled release of energy, from food, in the body

Growth

An increase in the number or size of cells