Unit 1: The Biochemistry of Life - Vocabulary Review

Vocabulary flashcards based on the Unit 1 Review Sheet covering Characteristics of Life (Sections 1.1-1.3, 1.9-1.14) and The Scientific Method (Sections 1.4-1.7).

biology

The scientific study of life and living organisms, covered in Sections 1.1-1.3 and 1.9-1.14 of Unit 1.

biosphere

The global ecological system integrating all living beings and their relationships, representing the broadest level of biological organization.

cell

basic structure of all living organisms

community

different populations of interacting species living together in an area

domain

The highest and most inclusive taxonomic rank in the biological classification of life.

ecosystem

A biological community of interacting organisms together with their physical, non-living environment.

molecule

A chemical structure consisting of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds, forming a fundamental level of biological organization.

organ

A collection of tissues joined in a structural unit to perform a specific function within an organism.

organelle

A specialized subcellular structure that performs a specific function within a cell.

organism

An individual living entity capable of carrying out the essential characteristics of life.

population

individuals of the same species living within a specific area

tissue

A group of similar cells that work together to carry out a specific function within an organism.

controlled experiment

variable factors are kept constant except for the single independent variable being tested

data

Facts, measurements, or observations collected during a scientific investigation

dependent variable

The factor in an experiment that is measured or observed to determine the effect of the independent variable.

experiment

A scientific procedure undertaken to test a hypothesis, make a discovery, or demonstrate a known fact.

hypothesis

A proposed, testable, and falsifiable explanation for a phenomenon or scientific question.

independent variable

changed or manipulated

science

A systematic approach to acquiring knowledge about the natural world through observation, experimentation, and evidence-based analysis.

theory

A well-substantiated scientific explanation of natural phenomena based on a large body of facts repeatedly confirmed through observation and experiment.

What are the 7 characteristics of life? List each one, explain it, and provide a real-world example for each one.

• Cellular Organization

  • Explanation: All living things are built from one or more basic units called cells.

  • Example: A human body is made of trillions of specialized cells working together.

• Metabolism

  • Explanation: Living things take in energy and use chemical reactions to break it down and power their activities.

  • Example: A plant absorbs sunlight to make its own food through photosynthesis.

• Homeostasis

  • Explanation: An organism keeps a steady, balanced internal state even when the outside world changes.

  • Example: A dog pants in the hot sun to cool its body temperature down.

• Growth and Development

  • Explanation: Living things get larger in size and go through structured life cycles or physical changes.

  • Example: A caterpillar grows and transforms into a butterfly.

• Response to Stimuli

  • Explanation: Living organisms sense changes in their environment and react to them.

  • Example: A houseplant bends and grows toward a sunny window.

• Reproduction

  • Explanation: Living things can produce new offspring to keep their species going.

  • Example: An oak tree drops acorns that grow into new oak trees.

• Evolution and Adaptation

  • Explanation: Over many generations, groups of living things change and adapt to better survive in their environment.

  • Example: Polar bears develop thick white fur and fat layers to survive in icy arctic conditions.

How are the biological levels of organization ordered from molecules to the biosphere?  Explain each level and give examples of each.

The biological levels of organization are hierarchical classifications of biological complexity, ordered as follows:

1. Molecules: The chemical building blocks of life, such as DNA and proteins.

2. Cells: The smallest units of life, like muscle cells or nerve cells.

3. Tissues: Groups of similar cells performing a function, such as muscle tissue.

4. Organs: Structures made of different tissues working together, like the heart.

5. Organ Systems: Groups of organs that perform complex functions, such as the digestive system.

6. Organisms: Individual living beings, like a human or a tree.

7. Populations: Groups of the same species living in a specific area, like a herd of elephants.

8. Communities: Interacting groups of different species in a habitat, like a forest ecosystem.

9. Ecosystems: Communities interacting with their physical environment, such as a coral reef.

10. Biome: A large geographical area characterized by distinct plant and animal groups, such as a desert or rainforest.

11. Biosphere: The global ecological system integrating all living beings and their relationships with the environment.

What is the relationship between structure and function in biological systems?  What does the phrase “structure dictates function” mean?

The relationship between structure and function in biological systems refers to how the shape or arrangement of a component influences its role or activity. The phrase "structure dictates function" means that the physical characteristics of biological molecules, cells, and organs determine how they operate and interact within living organisms.

When analyzing a reading or graph, what is the best strategy for identifying a claim and the evidence that supports it?

Evaluating the main argument in the text and examining data or examples provided to back it up.

Can you define and explain the function of each part of a controlled experiment, including the independent and dependent variables, constants, control group, and experimental group?

In a controlled experiment, the independent variable is manipulated to observe its effect on the dependent variable, which is measured. Constants are conditions kept the same to ensure a fair test, while the control group serves as a baseline for comparison against the experimental group, which is exposed to the independent variable.

What are the key distinctions between qualitative and quantitative data?  When should each be used?

Qualitative= descriptive and categorical, used when exploring concept

Quantitative= numerical and can be measured or counted, used to measure relationships

In scientific terms, what are the fundamental differences between a hypothesis and a scientific theory?

A hypothesis is a testable prediction made before an experiment, while a scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world, supported by a body of evidence.

How would you describe the essential structure of a controlled experiment, and can you provide a hypothetical example illustrating this structure?

consists of an independent variable, a dependent variable, constants, a control group, and an experimental group.

EX: effect of sunlight on plant growth involves

adjusting light exposure=independent variable

measuring growth=dependent variable

keeping water and soil constant=constants

having one group in sunlight=experimental group

and another in the shade=control group