1.1 common themes

five unifying themes

organization, information, energy and matter, interactions, evolution

theme: new properties at each level of organization

Structure/function, the cell is the basic unit of life, and life can be studied at different levels, from molecules to entire living planets. This range can be divided into levels of biological organization

Theme: energy and matter

life requires transforming and transferring these

levels of biological organization

biosphere, ecosystems, communities, populations, organisms, organs and organ systems, tissues, cells, organelles, molecules

the cell

an organism’s basic unit of structure and function, is the lowest level of organization that can perform all activities required for life, are enclosed by a membrane that regulates passage of materials between this and its environment

Theme: Life’s processes involve the expression and transmission of genetic information

within cells, structures called chromosomes contain genetic material in the form of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)

genes

control protein production indirectly,

DNA

is transcribed into RNA, which is when translated into protein

gene expression

the process of converting information from gene to cellular product (often protein)

Theme: life requires the transfer and transformation of energy and matter

The input of energy from the sun and the transformation of energy from one form to another make life possible. When organisms use energy to perform work, some energy is lost to the surroundings as heat. As a result, energy flows through an ecosystem, usually entering as light and exiting as heat.

Theme: from ecosystems to molecules, interactions are important to biological systems

Interactions between the components of the system ensure smooth integration of all parts. This holds equally well for components of an ecosystem and the molecules in a cell

evolution, core theme of biology

Scientific explanation for both the unity and diversity of organisms is the concept,  living organisms are modified descendants of common ancestors. Many kinds of evidence support the occurrence of this