The Nature and Variety of Organisms & Levels of Organisation

Flashcards summarizing the 8 characteristics of living organisms, eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structures, cell organelles in animals and plants, and levels of biological organisation.

What are the eight characteristics shared by all living organisms?

Nutrition, Respiration, Excretion, Responding to Surroundings, Movement, Controlling their Internal Conditions, Reproduction, and Growth and Development.

Why do living organisms need nutrients according to the notes?

To provide them with energy and raw materials for growth and repair.

What waste products are specifically mentioned as being excreted by organisms?

Carbon Dioxide and urine.

What are examples of internal conditions that organisms must control?

Temperature and water content.

How do eukaryotic cells compare to prokaryotic cells?

Eukaryotic cells are complex and include all animal and plant cells, whereas prokaryotic cells are smaller and simpler, such as bacteria.

What is the function of the nucleus?

It is the organelle that contains the genetic material (DNA) that controls the cell's activities.

What is the function of the cell membrane?

It forms the outer surface of the cell and controls what goes in and out of the cell.

What is cytoplasm and what occurs within it?

Cytoplasm is a gel-like substance where most of the cell's chemical reactions happen, controlled by enzymes.

What is the primary function of mitochondria?

They are small organelles where most of the reactions for aerobic respiration happen.

What process occurs in the ribosomes?

Ribosomes are small organelles where proteins are made in the cell.

What extra organelles are found in a plant cell in addition to those in animal cells?

Chloroplasts, Vacuole, and Cell Wall.

What is the function of chloroplasts and what green substance do they contain?

Chloroplasts are used for photosynthesis to make food, and they contain a green substance called chlorophyll.

What is contained within a plant cell's vacuole and what is its role?

It contains cell sap (a weak solution of sugars and salts), which helps to support the cell.

What is the plant cell wall made of and what are its functions?

It is a rigid structure made of cellulose surrounding the cell membrane that supports and strengthens the cell.

What are the specialized functions of human red blood cells and white blood cells?

Red blood cells are specialised to carry oxygen around the body, and white blood cells are specialised to defend the body from pathogens.

What is a tissue, and what do xylem and phloem tissues transport?

A tissue is a group of similar cells working together to carry out a function. Xylem transports minerals and water, and phloem transports sucrose and amino acids.

What is an organ and what examples are given in mammals and plants?

An organ is a group of different tissues that work together to perform a function. Examples include lungs in mammals and leaves in plants.

How are organ systems formed?

Organs work together to form organ systems, where each system does a different job (e.g., the digestive system in mammals).