M4 Subtopic 1

Question 1

The Study of Life

Answer 1

Biology

Question 2

Study of microorganisms

Answer 2

MIcrobiology

Question 3

Study of plants

Answer 3

Botany

Question 4

Study of animals

Answer 4

Zoology

Question 5

Naming and classifying organisms

Answer 5

Taxonomy

Question 6

Structures and functions of cells

Answer 6

Cytology

Question 7

Formation and development of organisms

Answer 7

Embryology

Question 8

Structures and parts of organisms

Answer 8

Anatomy

Question 9

Functions of living organisms and their parts

Answer 9

Physiology

Question 10

Chemical compositions of living things

Answer 10

Biochemistry

Question 11

Heredity and variation

Answer 11

Genetics

Question 12

Origin and differentiation of various organisms

Answer 12

Evolution

Question 13

Relationships of organisms with their environment and each other

Answer 13

Ecology

Question 14

Molecules that make up or influence the cells of living organisms

Answer 14

Molecular Biology

Question 15

Genetic material (genome) of an organism

Answer 15

Genomics

Question 16

Proteins in a living organism

Answer 16

Proteomics

Question 17

Immune system and processes of immunity

Answer 17

Immunology

Question 18

Biological data using computer programs

Answer 18

Bioinformatics

Question 19

The ancient belief that life could emerge from non-living matter

Answer 19

Abiogenesis

Question 20

Abiogenesis is also known as…?

Answer 20

The Theory of Spontaneous Generation

Question 21

The scientifically accepted principle that life can only arise from pre-existing life.

Answer 21

Biogenesis

Question 22

Enumerate the four individuals whose experiments were discussed.

Answer 22

Francesco Redi
John Needham
Lazzaro Spallanzani
Louis Pasteur

Question 23

During the experiment, flies were attracted to the smell of the meat only when the container allowed them to enter, or had an opening for the smell to permeate.

Maggots were laid on the meat when the container was open; maggots were laid near/on top of the container when it had a partial opening.

Disproved Abiogenesis/Spontaneous Generation.

Answer 23

Fransesco Redi’s Experiment

Question 24

Boiling of mutton broth to kill any microorganisms, poured into a flask and corked, and was then left for several days. This yielded a cloudy broth in which microorganisms were found.

Temporarily revived the idea of Abiogenesis/Spontaneous Generation.

Answer 24

John Needham’s Experiment

Question 25

A swan-neck flask was designed to trap any particles in the bend but allow air to enter which prevented them from reaching the broth inside. The broth was then boiled to kill microorganisms and left for a few weeks. Despite being exposed to the air, no microorganisms appeared in the broth due to the swan-neck trapping airborne particles. When the neck broke, it allowed dust to enter, which then allowed microbial growth. Heavily disproved Abiogenesis.

Answer 25

Louis Pasteur's Experiment

Question 25

Boiling of broth to ensure all microorganisms were gone and poured into several flasks - some tightly sealed, some left open. They were left for a few days. No microorganisms were found in the tightly-sealed flasks, as microorganisms were found in the open ones, suggesting that they were from the environment rather then being generated spontaneously. Brings evidence to Biogenesis (life from pre-existing life).

Answer 25

Lazzaro Spallanzini's Experiment

Question 26

Involves a supernatural creator. Often rooted in religious texts, and emphasizes purpose and design.

Answer 26

Divine Creation

Question 27

Naturalistic explanation; based on chemical and physical processes. Supported by scientific experiments and theories.

Answer 27

Spontaneous Origin

Question 28

The hypothesis that life did not originate on Earth but was brought here from elsewhere in the universe, possibly via comets, meteorites, or interstellar dust.

Answer 28

Panspermia

Question 29

Enumerate the variants of Panspermia

Answer 29

Lithopanspermia Radiopanspermia Directed Panspermia

Question 30

Life spreads through rocky fragments ejected from planets.

Answer 30

Lithopanspermia

Question 31

Microorganisms are spread by radiation pressure from stars.

Answer 31

Radiopanspermia

Question 32

Suggests that life was deliberately spread by an advanced extraterrestrial civilization.

Answer 32

Directed Panspermia