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13 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
What are the unifying themes that characterize the biological sciences?
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Theme 1: Evolution
Theme 2: Emergent Properties Theme 3: Organisms Interact Theme 4: Structure & Function Theme 5: Cells Theme 6: The Continuity of Life Theme 7: Feedback Mechanisms |
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List the hierarchy of structural levels in biological organization.
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Biosphere>Ecosystem>Community>
Population>Organisms>Organ Systems>Tissues>Cells>Organelles>Molecules |
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Explain how novel properties of life emerge from complex organization.
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Novel properties emerge at each step, properties that are not present at the preceding level. These emergent properties are due to the arrangement and interactions of parts as complexity increases.
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Describe the dilemma of reductionism.
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We cannot fully explain a higher level of order by breaking down its parts. For example: Disrupting a living system interferes with its functioning.
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Describe the two major dynamic processes of any ecosystem.
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1. Cycling of Nutrients
2. One-Way Flow Energy (from sunlight to producers to consumers) |
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Name two characteristics shared by all cells.
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Every cell is (1) enclosed by a membrane that regulates the passage of materials between the cell and its surrounding. And every cell uses (2) DNA as its genetic information.
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Distinguish between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
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Prokaryotic- much simpler and smaller than eukaryotic cells. The DNA is not separated from the cytoplasm in a nucleus. There are no membrane-enclosed organelles in the cytoplasm.
Eukaryotic- Subdivided by internal membranes into various membrane-enclosed organelles. The largest organelle is the nucleus, which contains the cell's DNA as chromosomes. |
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Describe the basic structure and function of DNA.
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DNA is the genetic material of all cells. It is genetic information that is passed from parent to offspring. The structure of DNA is double helix.
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Discuss the goals and activities of systems biology. List the three research developments that have advanced systems biology.
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-It is necessary to inventory as many parts of the system as possible, such as all the known genes and proteins in a cell.
-It is necessary to investigate how each part behaves in relation to others in the working system. -It is possible to pool all the data into the kind of system network. 1. High-throughput 2. Bioinformatics 3. Formation of Interdisciplinary Research Teams |
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Explain the importance of regulatory mechanisms in living things. Distinguish between positive and negative feedback.
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In feedback regulation, the output, or product, of a process regulates that very process. Most common is negative feedback which slows down the process. the positive feedback is when the end product speeds up production.
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Distinguish among the three domains of life.
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1. Domain Archaea- Prokaryotic
2. Domain Bacteria- Prokaryotic 3. Domain Eukarya- Eukaryotic |
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Explain the phrase: "life's dual nature of unity and diversity". Explain how evolution accounts for the unity and diversity of living things.
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-All living things share common properties.
-The process of evolution explains both the similarities and differences among living things. Example: the universal genetic language of DNA is common to organisms as different as bacteria and animals. |
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Describe the observations and inferences that led to Charles Darwin to his theory of evolution by natural selection.
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Observations:
-Individuals in a population of any species vary in many heritable traits. -A population can potentially produce far more offspring that the environment can support; competition. -Species are generally suited to their environments. Inferences: -Individuals with inherited traits that are best suited to the local environment will produce more healthy, fertile offspring than less fit individuals. -Over many generations, heritable traits that enhance survival and reproductive success will tend to increase in frequency among a populations individuals. -Evolution occurs as the unequal reproductive successes of individuals adapt the populations to its environments. |