midterm 1 Flashcards
What is science
The observation, identification, experimental investigation, and theoretical explanation of natural phenomena
What is the “scientific method”
standard approach practiced by scientists
Define “Evolution”
Heritable change in a population of organisms from generation to generation
Define “Structure and function”
Structure determines function
Define “Energy and Matter”
Energy is acquired from the environment and used to make molecules & maintain an organisms body
Define “Systems”
Interactions between parts create novel structure or fun actions, leading to emergent properties
What is the process of doing biology
Observations Hypothesis Experimentation The Data Conclusion
What is a hypothesis
A proposed explanation for a natural phenomenon. Based on previous observation, testable, falsifiable, not something you can prove
What is a theory
A broad explanation of some aspect of the natural world, backed by extensive evidence
What is the peer- review process
Scientist, Journal editor, reviewer
What Job does the journal editor have in a peer review process
He will either reject or accept it
What job does the reviewer have in Peer review process
To find any. gaps in reasoning and to ensure that nothing has been overlooked
Who was Charles Darwin
Proposed that all species of life descended from a common ancestor, and developed the theory of natural selection
What is natural selection
Existing species result from modifications. Traits that favour reproductive success become more common in a population over time
What is “Variation in traits”
Heritable traits passed from parent to offspring
What is a mutation
Heritable change in genetic
Where is most of the DNA in the cell
the nucleus
What is vertical descent
Genetic material (DNA) passed down across generation, Occurs within lineage
What is horizontal gene transfer
Genes transferred between organism. E.G antibiotic resistance
What are cells
simplest functional unit of a living organism
What was the cell theory (mid 1800s)
All living organism are composed of one or more cells. Cells are the smallest unit of life. New cells come from pre-existing cells by cell division
What is the difference between RNA and DNA
RNA is single stranded and has a single nucleobase
What are the cell types (general)
Prokaryotic, animal. plant, eukaryotic
What is chromatin
DNA + histones