BIO 100 – Principles of Biology 1: Unit 1.1 (Part A) Fundamental Properties of Life — Vocabulary Flashcards

Flashcards covering the key concepts from Unit 1.1: properties of life, levels of organization, unifying biology theories, and basic terms in hypothesis testing and scientific method.

Cell Theory

All living organisms are made of one or more cells, and cells arise from preexisting cells.

Homeostasis

An organism’s ability to maintain favorable and relatively stable internal conditions for biochemical processes.

Genetics / Gene Theory

Hereditary characteristics are controlled by genes.

Gene

A specific segment of DNA that serves as an informational template for making a product, usually a protein.

Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection

Evolutionary changes occur in populations due to random genetic changes and nonrandom survival and reproduction.

Common Descent

The idea that factors leading to evolution come from a common ancestor, leading to biodiversity.

Domains of Life

Three major cellular lineages: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

Prions

Nonliving infectious proteins capable of causing disease.

Tardigrade (Water Bear)

A microscopic, highly resilient animal that blurs the line between living and nonliving under some interpretations.

Atom

The smallest unit of an element that retains its properties.

Molecule

Two or more atoms bonded together; the basic unit of many compounds.

Organelles

Membrane-bound structures inside cells with specialized functions.

Cell

The fundamental unit of life; can be a single cell or part of a multicellular organism.

Tissue

A group of similar cells organized to perform a common function.

Organ

A structure composed of multiple tissues that performs a specific function.

Organ System

A group of organs working together to perform broad biological functions.

Organism

An individual living being.

Population

All individuals of a species in a defined area at a given time.

Community

All populations of species in a defined area; focuses on interactions and biodiversity.

Ecosystem

Biotic and abiotic components of a defined environment, with energy flow and nutrient cycling.

Biome

Large geographic areas with similar climate and characteristic communities.

Biosphere

All Earth’s ecosystems—the global sum of life and its environments.

Hypothesis

A testable proposed explanation or educated guess addressing a question.

Theory

A well-supported, broad explanation of natural phenomena.

Law (Principle)

A concise statement describing universally observed relationships under defined conditions.

Scientific Method

Systematic process of hypothesis testing: making observations, asking questions, forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions.