Science and Life - Nature of Science 1 Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on the lecture covering biological organization, cell theory, characteristics of life, and the domains of life.

Atom

The smallest chemical unit of a type of pure substance (element).

Molecule

A group of joined atoms.

Organelle

A membrane-bounded structure that has a specific function within a cell.

Cell

The fundamental unit of life that can function independently.

Tissue

A collection of specialized cells that function in a coordinated fashion (multicellular life only).

Organ

A structure consisting of tissues organized to interact and carry out specific functions (multicellular life only).

Organ System

Organs connected physically or chemically that function together (multicellular life only).

Organism

A single living individual.

Population

A group of the same species of organism living in the same place and time.

Community

All populations that occupy the same region.

Ecosystem

The living and nonliving components of an area.

Biosphere

The global ecosystem, including the parts of the planet and its atmosphere where life is possible.

Cell Theory

A fundamental biological theory that states all organisms are made of one or more cells, the cell is the fundamental unit of life, and all cells come from preexisting cells.

Emergent Properties

New functions that arise at each level of biological organization from physical and chemical interactions between a system's components.

Producers

Organisms that extract energy and nutrients from the nonliving environment.

Consumers

Organisms that obtain energy and nutrients by eating other organisms.

Decomposers

Consumers that obtain nutrients from dead organisms and organic wastes.

Homeostasis

A state of internal consistency that requires organisms to sense and react to stimuli.

Growth

An increase in an organism's size, generally by cell division.

Development

Changes that occur as an organism matures, including growth, cell specialization, and other processes.

Evolution

Genetic change over time in a population.

Domain Bacteria

A domain of life composed of small, prokaryotic, unicellular organisms that lack a nucleus and membrane-bounded organelles.

Domain Archaea

A domain of life composed of small, prokaryotic, unicellular organisms that lack a nucleus and membrane-bounded organelles.

Domain Eukarya

A domain of life consisting of eukaryotic organisms with larger, more complex cells containing a nucleus and membrane-bounded organelles.