Biol 101 Study Guide: Introduction to Biology

Scientific Method

A systematic process involving observation, hypothesis formation, prediction, experimentation, and conclusion.

Observation

The act of noticing and describing events or processes in a careful, orderly way.

Hypothesis

An educated guess to a question that can be tested.

Prediction

Ideas generated to solve the question based on the hypothesis.

Experiment

A test designed to validate or invalidate the hypothesis.

Analysis of Results

The process of interpreting data from experiments to draw conclusions.

Valid Observation

An observation that has bearing on the problem being studied.

Irrelevant Observation

An observation that has no bearing on the problem.

Valid Question

A question that is relevant to the problem being studied.

Irrelevant Question

A question that has no bearing on the problem.

Improper Hypothesis

A hypothesis that is untestable.

Valid Hypothesis

A hypothesis that can be tested.

Theory

A widely accepted explanation supported by evidence, unlike a hypothesis which is tested once or twice.

Biology

The scientific study of life.

Properties of Life

Seven characteristics that define living things: Order, Regulation, Growth and Development, Energy Processing, Response to the Environment, Reproduction, and Evolution.

Order

All living things are organized and complex structures.

Regulation

All living things can adjust their internal environment.

Growth and Development

All living things grow and develop.

Energy Processing

Living things take in energy and use it to perform work.

Response to the Environment

Living things respond to environmental stimuli.

Reproduction

Living things must reproduce if a species is to survive.

Evolution

Living things must evolve over time to survive in new or different environments.

Robert Hooke

Created the first microscope and introduced the name 'cell' to biology.

Schleiden and Schwann

Schleiden proposed that all plants are made of cells; Schwann proposed that all animals are made of cells.

Cell Theory

A theory stating that: 1. Cell is the basic unit of all organisms; 2. All living things are made of cells; 3. All cells come from pre-existing cells.

Unicellular Organisms

Organisms made of one cell, such as Amoeba and Bacteria.

Multicellular Organisms

Organisms made of many cells, such as Plants and Animals.

Prokaryotic Cells

Cells that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells that contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryotic

Which is larger?

Prokaryotic

Which probably evolved first?

Key differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

Prokaryotic cells don't have a nucleus; eukaryotic cells do. Prokaryotic cells are extremely smaller than eukaryotic cells.

Do prokaryotes have a nucleus?

No

Prokaryotic chromosome structure

Which one has only 1 chromosome in a loop?

Do prokaryotes have membrane bound organelles?

No

Common features of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

Plasma membranes, cytosol, DNA in chromosomes, and ribosomes

Taxonomy

Branch of biology which names and classifies species

Binomial nomenclature

Using Genus and species to name a specific animal

Recognizing the Genus in a Genus species name

It will be capitalized

Related organisms in Genus species names

If they have the same Genus the species is closely related

Value of binomial nomenclature for scientists

It provides a clear and organized system for naming and classifying living things

Levels of classification

Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species

Mnemonic for levels of classification

Drunk King Philip Came Over For Good Soup

Three domains

Eukarya, Bacteria, and Archaea

Eukarya

DNA in nucleus. Large complicated cells

Bacteria

Prokaryotes that live in normal environments.

Archaea

Bacteria which live in extreme environments.

Autotroph

Can make their own food from inorganic compounds

Heterotroph

Must take in pre-formed organic material

Prokaryotic or eukaryotic: Protists

Prokaryotic

Prokaryotic or eukaryotic: Fungi

Both

First cells on earth

Cells from which domain were probably the first on earth? Archaea

Evidence that archaea are the first cells on earth

Living in extreme environments

Darwin's ideas: descent with modification

Explains how species that are very similar share a common ancestor.

Darwin's ideas: natural selection

Explains that species that are best adapted to local environmental conditions survive and reproduce.

Common ancestor

Species that are similar have a common ancestor: Descent with modification.

Natural selection

Species that are best adapted to the current environment will reproduce and survive.

Natural vs. artificial selection

Natural selection is random, while artificial selection is purposeful.

Artificial selection

The purposeful breeding of domesticated plants and animals by humans.