Study Notes from Campbell Biology Chapter 1

Evolution

The process of biological change that has resulted in the current variety of organisms on Earth; the fundamental principle of biology.

Reductionism

A methodology of studying complex systems by breaking them down into simpler, more manageable components.

Emergent Properties

New properties that arise at each level of biological organization due to the arrangement and interaction of parts within the system.

Prokaryotic Cells

Cells that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, typically smaller than eukaryotic cells.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells that contain membrane-enclosed organelles, including a nucleus that houses genetic material (DNA).

Gene Expression

The process by which the information encoded in a gene is converted into a functional product, such as a protein.

Bioinformatics

The use of computational tools to store, organize, and analyze large volumes of biological data.

Natural Selection

The mechanism of evolution where individuals with heritable traits best suited to the environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Independent Variable

The factor in an experiment that is manipulated or changed by the researcher to observe its effect.

Dependent Variable

The factor being measured in an experiment; it is the outcome that changes in response to the independent variable.

Hypothesis

An explanation based on prior observations and assumptions that is testable and falsifiable.