Ch. 1 General Biology

Biology

the study of living organisms and their interactions with one another and their environments

Science

knowledge that covers general truths or the operation of general laws, especially when acquired and tested by the scientific method

Paradigm

An untestable hypothesis that we assume to be correct at the time, an assumption

Paradigm shift

a fundamental change in knowledge of something 

Theory

A paradigm that is tested and proven

Hypothesis

A statement that we can test using an experiment

Null hypothesis

No relationship

Alternate hypothesis

Things are different or random

Question

Something that we can test using multiple hypotheses

Model

A way to describe and test an hypothesis

Prediction

Not testable, justifiable expectations for an experiment 

Basic science

seeks to expand knowledge regardless of short-term application of knowledge 

Applied science

aims to use science to solve immediate problems 

Peer review

a process where scientists submit details of their experiments, results, and interpretations, and reviewers determine the merit of the work for publication

Introduction

background and purpose of the study, a bigger context

Methods

how the study was performed

Results

what was observed

Discussion

what the observations mean

Conclusion

giving question, interpretation of results

Abstract

a standalone summary of the paper

Order

Organisms are highly organized structures that have one or more cells

Sensitivity or Response to Stimuli

Organisms respond to diverse stimuli

Reproduction (single-celled organisms)

Reproduce by **replicating** their DNA and then **dividing it equally** as the cell prepared to divide and **form two new cells**

Reproduction (multicellular organisms)

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* Produce gametes, oocyte, and sperm cells (specialized reproductive cells)
* After fertilization (fusion of an oocyte and sperm cell), a new individual develops
* In reproduction, DNA containing genes pass along to the offspring

Adaptation

a consequence of evolution by natural selection (operates in every lineage of reproducing organisms

Growth and development

Organisms grow and develop according to genes that provide specific instructions that direct cellular growth + development

Regulation/Homeostasis

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* Organisms need multiple regulatory mechanisms to coordinate internal functions, respond to stimuli, and cope with environmental stresses
* Homeostasis is the relatively stable internal environment required to maintain life

Energy processing

Imperfect use of energy

Evolution

Diversity of life on earth is the result of mutations over time that allow for organisms to adapt to a changing environment

Atoms

* Smallest, most fundamental unit of matter that has properties of an element


* Nucleus surrounded by electrons

Molecules

Chemical structure consisting of at least two atoms held together by one or more chemical bonds

Macromolecules

* Large molecules formed by polymerization

Organelles

Small structures that exist within cells

Cells

* Smallest fundamental unit of structure and function in living organisms

Prokaryotes

Single-celled colonial organisms with no membrane-bound nuclei

Eukaryotes

Have membrane-bound organelles and a membrane-bound nucleus

Tissues

Groups of similar cells carrying out similar or related functions

Organs

Collections of tissue grouped together performing a common function

Organ system

Higher level of organization that consists of functionally related organs

Organisms

Individual living entities

Population

All the individuals of a species living within a specific area

Community

The sun of populations inhabited a particular area

Ecosystem

Consists of all the living things in a particular area together, INCLUDING the abiotic, nonliving parts

Biosphere

* Collection of all ecosystems that represent the zones of all life on Earth


* It includes land, water, and even the atmosphere to a certain extent