Introduction to Biology

These flashcards cover key concepts from an introduction to general biology, focusing on definitions, themes, processes, and classifications.

What is biology?

The scientific study of life.

What distinguishes living things?

Living things are recognized by what they do.

What are the five unifying themes of biology?

Organization, Genetic Information, Energy & Matter, Interactions, Evolution.

What is the smallest level of organization that can perform all activities required for life?

The cell.

What is reductionism in biology?

Studying biology by looking at simpler, more manageable components of complex systems.

What are emergent properties?

Novel properties that emerge at each new level of the biological hierarchy.

What is the central dogma of biology?

The process where DNA is transcribed to RNA and RNA is translated to protein.

What role does energy play in biological processes?

Life's processes require the transformation and transfer of energy and matter.

Describe negative feedback regulation.

A process where the response reduces the stimulus.

What is natural selection?

The mechanism of evolution where those with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.

What is descent with modification?

The principle that one ancestor can give rise to two or more descendant species, explaining life's unity and diversity.

Name the three major domains of life.

Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya.

What distinguishes eukaryotes from prokaryotes?

Eukaryotes have membrane-bound organelles and a nucleus, while prokaryotes do not.

What are the different ways multicellular eukarya obtain nutrition?

Plants produce their own food, fungi absorb nutrients, and animals ingest their food.

What is gene expression?

The process of converting genes into cellular products.

How do interactions within ecosystems function?

Interactions between components ensure smooth integration of all parts at all levels of the biological hierarchy.

What significant work did Charles Darwin contribute to evolution?

Darwin's work 'Origin of the Species' introduced the theory of natural selection.

What are the characteristics of bacteria?

Diverse and widespread prokaryotes.

How do archaea differ from bacteria?

Archaea are prokaryotes typically living in extreme environments.

What kind of eukaryotes are included in the kingdom Eukarya?

Single-celled eukaryotes: protozoa, and multicellular eukaryotes: plants, fungi, animals.