Introduction to Biology and Properties of Life

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on biology, properties of life, and foundational themes in biology.

What is biology?

Biology is the scientific study of life.

What are the two foundation courses in general biology at Kean University?

BIO 1300 (General Biology I) and BIO 1400 (General Biology II).

What does the prefix 'bio' mean?

The prefix 'bio' means life.

What are the seven properties of life?

1. Order 2. Evolutionary adaptation 3. Regulation 4. Reproduction 5. Response to the environment 6. Growth and development 7. Energy processing.

What property of life allows organisms to adapt to their environment?

Evolutionary adaptation.

How do organisms maintain a steady internal state?

Through regulation, maintaining homeostasis.

What is reproduction in the context of biology?

The ability of organisms to produce offspring.

What is homeostasis?

The property of a system that maintains stable internal conditions despite external environmental changes.

What is the cellular basis of life?

All living organisms are composed of cells, which are the basic functional units of life.

What are the two major types of cells?

Prokaryotic cells (without a nucleus) and eukaryotic cells (with a nucleus).

What is a population?

A population consists of all individuals of a given species living within a specific area.

What is an ecosystem?

An ecosystem includes all living things in a particular area, plus the nonliving components of the environment.

Define emergent properties.

Emergent properties arise from the interactions and arrangements of components within a biological system.

What are the levels of biological organization from smallest to largest?

Cell, tissue, organ, organ system, organism, population, community, ecosystem, biosphere.

What is the role of sunlight in ecosystems?

Sunlight is the primary energy source for photosynthesis, which is critical for the energy transfer in ecosystems.

Describe positive feedback mechanisms.

Positive feedback mechanisms enhance or accelerate processes, leading to greater output or product.

What is the significance of DNA in biological continuity?

DNA carries hereditary information, allowing traits to be passed from parents to offspring.

What process converts the information from DNA to proteins?

Gene expression involves transcription of DNA to RNA and translation of RNA to protein.

What are the two types of reproduction?

Asexual reproduction (involves one parent and produces genetically identical offspring) and sexual reproduction (involves two parents and produces genetically diverse offspring).

What is the relationship between structure and function in biology?

Structure and function are correlated at all levels of biological organization; the shape and arrangement of a structure relates to its function.

How does photosynthesis demonstrate energy transformation?

Photosynthesis converts light energy from the sun into chemical energy stored in glucose.

What is evolution?

Evolution is the process through which species undergo changes over time, allowing them to adapt to their environment and accumulate differences from ancestors.