Biology: How Life Works - Unit 3: Challenges of Life

These flashcards cover key concepts and essential knowledge points from the lecture on universal challenges of life, cell functions, and biological processes.

What is the main focus of Unit 3 in the Biology lecture?

Universal challenges of life and how living organisms adapt to these challenges.

What is the importance of cell membranes in living organisms?

Cell membranes maintain the internal environment of the cell and allow for the exchange of substances with the environment.

What is the Central Dogma of molecular biology?

The process of genetic information flow: DNA → RNA → Protein.

What does the term homeostasis refer to?

The active regulation and maintenance of a stable internal physiological state despite external changes.

How do prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells differ?

Prokaryotic cells are unicellular with no nucleus, while eukaryotic cells can be unicellular or multicellular and have a nucleus.

Describe the function of ATP in cellular processes.

ATP serves as the energy currency of the cell, powering various metabolic processes.

What is meant by cell specialization?

Cell specialization is the process where generic cells develop into specific types with unique functions.

How does body size affect metabolic rate?

Larger animals tend to consume more energy and have higher metabolic rates, but not in a linear relationship.

What mechanisms allow multicellular organisms to function effectively?

Cell specialization, adhesion, and communication via gap junctions facilitate cooperation among cells.

What are the four nutritional modes by which organisms obtain energy?

Photoautotrophy, photoheterotrophy, chemoautotrophy, and chemoheterotrophy.