biology 1110

Biosphere

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

Biome

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

Ecosystem

All the living organisms in an area along with the non-living components.

Community

All the various species living in a specific place at the same time.

Population

All the members of a particular species living within a specific area.

Species

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

Organism

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

Organ

A group of tissues that work together to perform a specific function.

Tissue

A group of cells that perform a specific function.

Cell

The basic unit of life, performing all necessary life functions.

Organelle

Tiny structures within cells that perform dedicated functions.

Molecule

A group of atoms bonded together, the smallest unit of a compound.

Atom

The smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element.

Abiotic components

Nonliving physical and chemical elements in an ecosystem.

Biotic components

Living things that shape an ecosystem.

Cell Theory

States that all living organisms are composed of cells, the cell is the basic unit of structure and function, and cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Prokaryotic cells

Cells that do not have a true nucleus; DNA is coiled up in the nucleoid region.

Eukaryotic cells

Cells that have a nucleus containing DNA and are larger than prokaryotic cells.

Unicellular organisms

Organisms made up of only one cell.

Multicellular organisms

Organisms composed of multiple cells.

Colonial organisms

Groups of identical cells that live together.

Cell (Plasma) Membrane

The outer lining of the cell, regulating entry and exit of substances.

Cytoplasm

A jelly-like substance within the cell where organelles are found.

DNA

Contains the genetic information for cells to function.

Ribosome

The site where protein synthesis occurs.

Cell Wall

Found in plant cells, provides rigidity and support.

Nucleus

Controls the cell's activities; contains DNA.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)

Makes proteins.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)

Makes fats and helps with detoxification.

Golgi Apparatus

Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids.

Lysosome

Breaks down waste materials and cellular debris.

Mitochondria

Where ATP is produced during cellular respiration.

Chloroplast

Where photosynthesis occurs in plant cells.

Central Vacuole

Stores water and maintains turgor pressure in plant cells.

Cellular respiration

Breaks down food to make energy and produces waste.

Photosynthesis

Uses sunlight to make food from carbon dioxide and water, releasing oxygen.

Animal Cells vs. Plant Cells

Plant cells have a cell wall, chloroplasts, and central vacuoles while animal cells do not.

Viruses

Not considered living organisms as they cannot carry out life processes independently.

Scientific Method

Involves Observation, Hypothesis Formation, Experimentation, Data Analysis, and Conclusion.

Scientific Hypothesis

A proposed explanation that can be tested.

Testable

A characteristic of a hypothesis meaning it can be tested.

Falsifiable

The possibility to imagine an observation that negates the hypothesis.

Hypothesis vs. Theory

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation; a theory is a confirmed hypothesis.

Standardized Variable

Factors held constant across all experimental conditions.

Replication

The repetition of an experimental condition.

Statistical Analysis

Used to interpret data and draw conclusions.

Conditions for Natural Selection

Variation, differential reproduction, and heredity.

Variation

Differences in traits among individuals in a population.

Differential Reproduction

Individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive.

Heredity

Traits that confer advantages are passed to future generations.

Evaluating Biological Scenarios

Considering fossil records, genetic information, and observable traits.

Taxonomy

The science of classifying organisms into groups.

Practical Uses of Taxonomy

Organizing biodiversity and informing conservation efforts.

Taxonomic Hierarchy

Classification system consisting of Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species.

Binomial Nomenclature

Naming system giving organisms a two-part Latin name.

Biological Species

Individuals that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring.

Phylogeny

Evolutionary history and relationships among organisms.

Systematics

Study of evolutionary relationships and classifying organisms.

Natural Classification Systems

Group organisms based on evolutionary relationships.

Artificial Classification Systems

Based on observable characteristics rather than evolutionary relationships.

Phylogenetic Tree

Diagram depicting evolutionary relationships among organisms.

Clade

Group of organisms that includes an ancestor and all its descendants.

Limitations of Current Biological Classification

May not reflect evolutionary relationships due to various factors.

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 first cells, likely prokaryotic, about 3.5 to 4 billion years ago.

Evolution of photosynthesis

Cyanobacteria evolved photosynthesis, increasing atmospheric oxygen.

Emergence of eukaryotic cells

Eukaryotic cells evolved from prokaryotic symbiosis.

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

Shaped diversity and evolution of life through periodic extinction events.

Human evolution

Hominins diverged from other primates 6 to 8 million years ago.

Water

Crucial for life as a solvent for biochemical reactions.

Temperature

Organisms have specific temperature ranges for optimal enzymatic reactions.

Oxygen

Essential for aerobic respiration in many organisms.

pH

Influences enzyme activity and protein structure.

Nutrients

Essential for cellular growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

Light

Primary energy source for photosynthetic organisms.

Autotrophy

Organisms synthesizing organic molecules from inorganic sources.

Heterotrophy

Organisms obtaining organic molecules from other organisms.

Mixotrophy

Organisms utilizing multiple nutritional modes.

Saprotrophy

Organisms obtaining nutrients by decomposing dead organic matter.

Distribution of Prokaryotes

Prokaryotes adapt to diverse environments and colonize various habitats.

Abundance of Prokaryotes

Most abundant and diverse organisms on Earth.

Pathogens

Prokaryotes that cause diseases in other organisms.

Decomposers

Prokaryotes recycling nutrients by decomposing organic matter.

Mutualistic Bacteria

Prokaryotes engaging in beneficial relationships with other organisms.

Food Production

Prokaryotes used in fermentation and food processes.

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.

Fungi Characteristics

Eukaryotic, chitin cell walls, reproduce via spores.

Ecological Roles of Fungi

Decomposers, mutualists, and pathogens.