gensci t2 l5

life science

the study of living organisms, including their structures, functions, growth, reproduction, and interactions with the environment, although living organisms differ in size, shape, and complexity, they share important characteristics and biological principles

unifying themes

are broad ideas that help explain patterns across different living organisms

organization

refers to the arrangement of biological parts at different levels

structure and function

describe the relationship between a part’s physical features and the activity it performs

cellular organization

all living things are made up of one or more cells, the basic units of life

metabolism

living things obtain and use energy to carry out life processes

growth and development

living things increase in size and undergo changes during their life cycle

reproduction

living things produce offspring of their own kind

response to stimuli

living things respond to changes in their surroundings

homeostasis

living things maintain relatively stable internal conditions despite environmental changes

heredity

living things pass genetic information from parents to offspring through dna

adaptation and evolution

populations of living things change over many generations, can help organisms survive and reproduce in their environments

cell

basic structural and functional unit of life, perform processes necessary for life

tissue

a group of similar cells working together to perform a function

organ

consists of different tissues working together to perform a specific function

organ system

consists of organs that cooperate to perform major functions

organism

an individual living thing whose systems work together to sustain life

a system

a group of interacting parts that work together to perform particular functions in a living organism

a biological system

may include structures within a cell, organs within an organism, or organisms within an ecosystem

human circulatory system

transports blood, oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body

cardiac muscle cells

contract to generate force

cardiac muscle tissue

produces coordinated contractions

heart

• a muscular organ containing cardiac muscle tissue and other tissues that provide support, conduct electrical signals, and line its surfaces

• pumps blood through the lungs and the rest of the body, supporting oxygen and nutrient delivery and waste removal

roots

• anchor the plant in the soil

• absorb water and dissolved minerals

• may store food

stem

• supports leaves and other structures

• contains transport tissues that more water, minerals, sugars

leaves

• capture light for photosynthesis

• exchange gases with the environment

• produce sugars that support growth and other processes

xylem

transports water and dissolved minerals, mainly from the roots toward the shoots

phloem

transports sugars and other organic substances from sources to areas where they are used or stored