The Characteristics of Life

Biology

the study of life and living organisms

Atoms

smallest unit of an element composed of electrons, protons, and neutrons

Atoms combine to form what?

molecules

Macromolecules

when a molecule joins another molecule

What are molecules?

union of two or more atoms of the same or different elements

What is a cell?

the smallest unit of life that displays all the properties of life; the structural and functional unit of all living organisms

What is tissue?

a group of cells with a common structure and function

What is an organ?

composed of tissues functioning together for a specific task

What is an organ system?

composed of several organs working together

What is an organism?

an individual; complex individuals contain organ systems

What is population?

organisms of the same species in a given area

What is species?

all population in a particular area

What is community?

interacting populations in a particular area

What is an ecosystem?

a community plus the physical environment

What is a biosphere?

regions of the earth’s crust, water, and atmosphere inhibited by living organisms

What does it mean to be multicellular?

organism composed of more than once cell; usually has organized tissues, organs, and organ systems

What is energy?

the capacity to do work and bring about change; occurs in a variety of forms

What is metabolism?

the sum of the chemical reactions that occur in a cell

What is photosynthesis?

the process, usually occurring within chloroplasts, that uses solar energy to reduce carbon dioxide to carbohydrates

What is homeostasis?

the maintenance of normal internal conditions in a cell or an organism by means of self-regulating mechanisms

What are adaptions?

the modifications species make in structure, function, or behavior that makes a species more suitable to its environment