BIOL1001 Intro to Biology - Flashcards from Lecture Notes

Flashcards cover core concepts from the lecture notes: biology meaning, levels of organization, cell types, evolution mechanisms, structure-function, genomes/proteomes, artificial selection, Darwinian evolution, taxonomy, and binomial nomenclature.

What is the meaning of the word 'biology' based on the roots 'bios' and 'logos' and what does it study?

Bios = life; Logos = study; biology is the study of life.

List the levels of biological organization from atoms to the biosphere as presented in the notes.

Atoms, molecules, cells, tissues, organs, organisms, populations, communities, ecosystems, biosphere.

What is a cell, according to the notes?

A small, membrane-enclosed unit filled with a concentrated aqueous solution of chemicals, capable of creating copies of themselves; the simplest unit of life.

Differentiate Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cells.

Prokaryotes: no nucleus and simpler cell structure. Eukaryotes: DNA enclosed in a membrane-bound nucleus and internal membranes forming organelles.

Two mechanisms by which evolutionary change occurs?

Vertical descent with mutation and horizontal gene transfer.

Describe vertical descent with mutation.

Progression of changes in a lineage; new species evolve from pre-existing species by accumulation of mutations; natural selection acts on beneficial mutations.

Describe horizontal gene transfer.

Genetic exchange between different species; relatively rare; can spread genes such as antibiotic resistance.

What does the principle 'Structure determines function' mean? Provide an example.

An organism's structure determines its function; e.g., webbed feet function as paddles for swimming, while nonwebbed feet are better for walking.

What are genomes and proteomes, and what fields study them?

Genome: complete genetic makeup; genomics analyzes DNA sequences. Proteome: complete set of proteins; proteomics analyzes proteins.

What do genomes and proteomes reveal about evolutionary history?

They illuminate the evolutionary history and relatedness of all living organisms.

What is artificial selection?

Humans select for traits deemed desirable in domesticated species (e.g., the red fox selected for friendliness to humans).

Darwin's central idea and key terms.

Descent with modification; all species share a common ancestry; changes occur through natural selection; summarized in On the Origin of Species (1859).

What is the difference between vertical evolution and horizontal gene transfer in evolution?

Vertical evolution involves changes accumulated along a lineage (mutation and selection); horizontal gene transfer involves genetic exchange between different species (often spreading advantageous genes).

What is the difference between the Tree of Life and the Web of Life?

Tree of Life emphasizes vertical evolution; Web of Life includes horizontal gene transfer among species.

What are the three domains of life and the four kingdoms of Eukarya listed in the notes?

Domains: Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya. Eukarya contains the kingdoms Protista, Plantae, Fungi, Animalia.

What is binomial nomenclature and how is it formatted?

Each species has a two-part name: genus name capitalized and species descriptor not capitalized; both names are italicized (e.g., Amphiprion ocellaris).

Give an example of binomial nomenclature provided in the notes.

Amphiprion ocellaris (genus Amphiprion, species ocellaris); common name: Ocellaris clownfish.

What role does the nucleus play in eukaryotic cells?

Location of most of the genome; site of gene expression and regulation; organization and protection of chromosomes via the nuclear matrix; site for ribosome subunit assembly.

Name major components of the endomembrane system and one of their functions.

Nuclear envelope, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes/vacuoles, peroxisomes, plasma membrane; roles include protein secretion/sorting, glycosylation, lipid synthesis, Ca2+ storage, and metabolic functions.

What are semiautonomous organelles and give two examples and their roles.

Organelles that contain some of their own DNA and ribosomes and grow/divide semi-independently; examples: mitochondria (ATP synthesis) and chloroplasts (photosynthesis in plants/algae).

What distinguishes prokaryotes from eukaryotes in terms of DNA location?

Prokaryotes have no nucleus; DNA is not enclosed in a membrane-bound nucleus. Eukaryotes have DNA inside a membrane-bound nucleus.

What is the concept of Genomes and Proteomes in evolutionary biology?

The genome carries the information to make the proteome; genomic and proteome analyses illuminate evolutionary history and relatedness of all living organisms.

What is the role of the nucleus in gene expression and chromosome organization?

The nucleus houses most of the genome and regulates gene expression; it organizes and protects chromosomes via the nuclear matrix and is the site of ribosomal subunit assembly.

What is taxonomy and what is its purpose in biology?

Taxonomy is the grouping of species based on common ancestry, using hierarchical levels (Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species) to show unity and diversity.

Explain Darwin’s concept of unity and diversity in evolution.

Unity: all living things share a common set of characteristics; Diversity: life shows a wide range of forms adapted to different environments.