biology 1110 kpu

Biosphere

The biosphere is the global ecological system integrating all living beings and their relationships.

Biome

A biome is a large community of plants and animals that occupies a distinct region.

Ecosystem

An ecosystem consists of all the living organisms (biotic components) in an area along with the non-living components (abiotic components such as air, water, and soil).

Community

A community in an ecosystem consists of all the various species living at the same place at the same time.

Population

A population consists of all the members of a particular species living within a specific area.

Species

A species is a group of organisms that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring.

Organism

An organism is an individual living being, such as a bacterium, plant, or animal.

Organ

An organ is a group of tissues that work together to perform a specific function or set of functions in an organism's body.

Tissue

Tissue is a group of cells that perform a specific function.

Cell

The cell is the basic unit of life. It is the smallest unit that can perform all necessary life functions.

Organelle

Organelles are tiny structures within cells that perform dedicated functions for the cell.

Molecule

A molecule is a group of atoms bonded together. It is the smallest unit of a compound that retains all the properties of that compound.

Atom

An atom is the smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element.

Abiotic components

Abiotic components of an ecosystem are the nonliving physical and chemical elements in the ecosystem, such as sunlight, temperature, wind patterns, rocks, soil, and water.

Biotic components

Biotic components are the living things that shape an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria.

Cell Theory

The cell theory states that all living organisms are composed of one or more cells, the cell is the basic unit of structure and organization in organisms, and cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Prokaryotic cells

Prokaryotic cells do not have a true nucleus; the DNA is not contained within a membrane or separated from the rest of the cell, but is coiled up in a region of the cytoplasm called the nucleoid.

Eukaryotic cells

Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus which contains the cell's DNA and are, on average, ten times the size of prokaryotic cells.

Unicellular organisms

Unicellular organisms are made up of only one cell that carries out all of the functions needed by the organism.

Multicellular organisms

Multicellular organisms use many different cells to function.

Colonial organisms

Colonial organisms are groups of identical cells (clones) that live together in a connected group.

Cell (Plasma) Membrane

This is the outer lining of the cell. It regulates what enters and leaves the cell.

Cytoplasm

This is a jelly-like substance where organelles are found.

DNA

This contains the genetic information for cells to function.

Ribosome

This is where protein synthesis occurs.

Cell Wall

Found in plant cells, it provides rigidity and support.

Nucleus

This controls the cell's activities and contains DNA.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)

Function: The rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) makes proteins.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)

Function: The smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) makes fats and helps with detoxification.

Golgi Apparatus

This modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for transport.

Lysosome

This breaks down waste materials and cellular debris.

Mitochondria

This is where ATP is produced during the process of cellular respiration.

Chloroplast

This is where photosynthesis occurs in plant cells.

Central Vacuole

Found in plant cells, it stores water and maintains turgor pressure.

Cellular respiration

Cellular respiration is like the engine of a cell, where it breaks down food to make energy (ATP) and produces waste (carbon dioxide and water).

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is like a solar-powered factory in plants. Using sunlight, it makes food (glucose) from carbon dioxide and water, releasing oxygen as a byproduct.

Animal Cells vs. Plant Cells

Animal cells and plant cells share many common characteristics, but plant cells also have a cell wall, chloroplasts, and a central vacuole, features that animal cells do not have.

Viruses

Viruses are not considered living organisms because they lack the ability to carry out essential life processes, such as metabolism, on their own.

Scientific Method

The scientific method involves several steps: Observation, Hypothesis Formation, Experimentation, Data Analysis, and Conclusion.

Scientific Hypothesis

A proposed explanation for a phenomenon that can be tested in some way that ideally either supports or refutes it.

Testable

A characteristic of a hypothesis meaning that it can be tested by experiment or observation.

Falsifiable

A characteristic of a hypothesis meaning that it is possible to imagine an observation or an argument which negates the statement in question.

Hypothesis vs. Theory

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon, often based on limited evidence, while a theory is a hypothesis that has been confirmed or established by extensive observation, experimentation, and peer review.

Standardized Variable

Any factor or attribute that is held constant across all experimental conditions in a scientific experiment.

Replication

The repetition of an experimental condition so that the variability associated with the phenomenon can be estimated.

Statistical Analysis

Used to interpret the data and draw conclusions, allowing researchers to determine the probability that observed differences or associations are due to chance.

Conditions for Natural Selection

Three conditions for natural selection to occur include variation, differential reproduction, and heredity.

Variation

The presence of differences in traits among individuals within a population.

Differential Reproduction

Occurs when individuals with certain advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Heredity

Ensures that the traits that confer reproductive advantages are passed on to future generations through genetic inheritance.

Evaluating Biological Scenarios

Considering the evidence available, such as fossil records, genetic information, and observable changes in traits to understand evolutionary change.

Taxonomy

The science of classifying organisms into hierarchical groups based on shared characteristics and evolutionary relationships.

Practical Uses of Taxonomy

Includes organizing biodiversity, predicting traits and behaviors, informing conservation efforts, aiding agriculture, and assisting in medical research.

Taxonomic Hierarchy

A hierarchical system of classification consisting of Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species.

Binomial Nomenclature

A system introduced by Linnaeus where each organism is given a two-part Latin name (Genus species).

Biological Species

A group of individuals that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring in nature.

Phylogeny

Refers to the evolutionary history and relationships among organisms, represented through phylogenetic trees.

Systematics

The study of evolutionary relationships among organisms, including their classification and nomenclature.

Natural Classification Systems

Group organisms based on their evolutionary relationships, reflecting their common ancestry.

Artificial Classification Systems

Rely on observable characteristics that may not reflect evolutionary relationships.

Phylogenetic Tree

A diagram depicting the evolutionary relationships among a group of organisms.

Clade

A group of organisms that includes an ancestor and all its descendants.

Limitations of Current Biological Classification

May not fully reflect evolutionary relationships due to convergent evolution, horizontal gene transfer, and taxonomic revisions.

Three-Domain System

Classifies organisms into three domains: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

Bacteria

Prokaryotic organisms with diverse metabolic capabilities.

Archaea

Prokaryotic organisms often found in extreme environments.

Eukarya

Organisms with eukaryotic cells, including plants, animals, fungi, and protists.

Origin of life

Formation of the first cells, likely prokaryotic, around 3.5 to 4 billion years ago.

Evolution of photosynthesis

Cyanobacteria evolved photosynthesis, leading to an increase in atmospheric oxygen around 2.4 billion years ago.

Emergence of eukaryotic cells

Endosymbiotic theory suggests that eukaryotic cells evolved from symbiotic relationships between prokaryotic cells around 1.5 to 2 billion years ago.

Cambrian explosion

Rapid diversification of multicellular organisms around 541 million years ago.

Land colonization

Plants, fungi, and animals began colonizing land around 500 million years ago.

Mass extinctions

Periodic mass extinction events, such as the Permian-Triassic and Cretaceous-Paleogene extinctions, shaped the diversity and evolution of life.

Human evolution

Hominins diverged from other primates around 6 to 8 million years ago, leading to the evolution of modern humans (Homo sapiens) around 300,000 years ago.

Water

Water is crucial for life due to its unique properties, serving as a solvent for biochemical reactions and maintaining the structural integrity of cells.

Temperature

Organisms have specific temperature ranges at which their enzymatic reactions operate optimally; extreme temperatures can denature proteins.

Oxygen

Oxygen is essential for aerobic respiration in many organisms, serving as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain.

pH

The pH level of an environment influences enzyme activity and protein structure, with organisms having specific pH requirements for optimal function.

Nutrients

Essential nutrients such as carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, and trace elements are necessary for cellular growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

Light

Light is a primary source of energy for photosynthetic organisms, converting light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose molecules.

Autotrophy

Autotrophic organisms can synthesize organic molecules from inorganic sources, utilizing energy from sunlight or inorganic compounds.

Heterotrophy

Heterotrophic organisms obtain organic molecules from other living organisms or their by-products.

Mixotrophy

Mixotrophic organisms can utilize multiple nutritional modes, switching between autotrophy and heterotrophy depending on environmental conditions.

Saprotrophy

Saprotrophic organisms obtain nutrients by decomposing dead organic matter, playing a crucial role in nutrient recycling.

Distribution of Prokaryotes

Prokaryotes exhibit remarkable adaptability to diverse environments, colonizing virtually every habitat on Earth.

Abundance of Prokaryotes

Prokaryotes are the most abundant and diverse group of organisms on Earth, estimated to be in the order of trillions of cells per gram of soil or milliliter of water.

Pathogens

Some prokaryotes are pathogens that cause diseases in plants, animals, and humans.

Decomposers

Prokaryotes play a vital role in decomposing organic matter and recycling nutrients back into the environment.

Mutualistic Bacteria

Certain prokaryotes engage in mutualistic relationships with other organisms, benefiting both partners.

Food Production

Prokaryotes are used in various food production processes, including fermentation of dairy products and pickling.

Bioremediation

Use of prokaryotes to clean environmental pollutants.

Pharmaceuticals

Compounds from prokaryotes used in medicine.

Endosymbiotic Theory

Eukaryotic organelles evolved from prokaryotic symbiosis.

Chloroplasts

Originated from engulfed photosynthetic bacteria.

Kingdom Protista

Diverse eukaryotic organisms classified into multiple kingdoms.

Animal-like Protists

Heterotrophic protozoans that move using various methods.

Plant-like Protists

Autotrophic algae, primary producers in aquatic ecosystems.

Fungus-like Protists

Saprotrophic molds resembling fungi, involved in decomposition.

Fungi Characteristics

Eukaryotic, chitin cell walls, reproduce via spores.

Ecological Roles of Fungi

Decomposers, mutualists, and pathogens in ecosystems.