Key Concepts in Biology

These flashcards cover key concepts, definitions, and facts related to biology as per the lecture notes.

Themes in Biology

1. The process of science 2. Life’s Hierarchy 3. Evolution

Requirements for Life

Organization, Cellular composition, Metabolism, Responsiveness, Movement, Homeostasis, Development, Reproduction, Evolution.

Cell Theory

All living things are composed of one or more cells, the cell is the basic unit of life, and new cells arise from existing cells.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of relatively stable internal conditions despite continuous changes in the environment.

Metabolism

All the chemical reactions that occur within an organism, which require energy.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells that have a membrane-bound nucleus.

Prokaryotic Cells

Cells that do not have a membrane-bound nucleus.

Adaptation

A heritable trait that helps the survival and reproduction of an organism in its present environment.

Evolution

The change of frequency of heritable traits in a population over time.

Levels of Organization

From atom to organism: 1. Atom 2. Molecule 3. Macromolecule 4. Organelle 5. Cell 6. Tissue 7. Organ 8. Organ System 9. Organism.

Survival Needs

1. Nutrients 2. Oxygen 3. Water 4. Normal body temperature 5. Appropriate atmospheric pressure.

Reproduction

Occurs at the cell level (mitosis) and organism level (meiosis).

Growth and Development

The process by which an organism grows and develops from a zygote into a multicellular organism.

Taxonomy

How humans categorize the diversity of life.

Diversity of Life

The result of evolution, which can be categorized into three domains: Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya.