Chapter 1 Flashcards
What are the 5 unifying themes in biology?
organization
information
energy and matter
interactions
evolution
What are emergent properties?
They are new properties that arise with each step upward in the hierarchy of life as complexity increases.
Why are emergent properties important in studying life?
They provide insight into how living systems function work together as a whole rather than just individuals.
Differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles while eukaryotic cells have those.
What is genomics?
The study of entire genomes, including genes and their functions.
How has genomics revolutionized biology?
Allows researches to analyze whole sets of genes, leading to a better understanding of gene function and regulation.
What is feedback regulation?
A control mechanism in which the output of a process regulates that very process. (It’s like a built in control system in our body like a thermostat in the house).
How does feedback regulation contribute to homeostasis?
Feedback regulation is the action to keep homeostasis by keeping the body stable and in check.
How does climate change impact biodiversity and ecosystem?
Caused shifts in temp and precipation patterns, which can alter habitats and affect availability of resources leading to extinction.
What is reductionism?
An approach that reduces complex systems to simpler components that are easier to study. Like studying individual molecules, cells or genes.
Why is reductionism important in biology?
By understanding the smaller parts, we can understand the bigger picture in biology to grasp the details and inner workings of biological systems.
What is the cell theory?
- All living things are composed of cells
- The cell is the basic of structure and organization in living organisms (building blocks)
- All cells come from pre-existing cells through cell division
What is the role of DNA in an organism?
DNA is the genetic material that encodes all of a cell’s proteins.
What is systems biology?
The exploration of a biological system by analyzing the interactions among its parts as a whole. Opposite of reductionism.
What is the role of energy in life processes?
Energy is transformed from one form to another in life processes.
