Themes of Life Vocabulary (Module 1)

Biology The scientific study of life

Biotechnology Any procedure that uses biological systems or living organisms to develop or modify products

Forensics the science of tests and techniques used during the investigation of crimes

Homeostasis process in which an organism regulates its internal environment (temperature)

Homeostatic mechanism a mechanism that contributes to maintaining a state of equilibrium (oxygen/water/thermo- regulation)

Scientific Law generalizes a body of observation. At the time it is made, no exceptions have been found to the law. It explains things but does NOT describe them

Scientific Mechanism combination of components and processes that serve a common function

Organ an anatomical unit composed of tissues serving a common function (ex: lung)

Organ System an anatomical system composed of a group of organs that work together to perform a task (respiratory system = exchange of gases = breathing)

Organism a form of life; an animal, plant, fungus, protist, or bacterium

Scientific Principle a concept based on scientific law where general agreement is present

Science a body of evidence based knowledge through observation and experimentation related to the natural world and technology

System a set of interacting or independent components, real or abstract, that form a whole unit. --An open system can interact with the environment. --A closed system is isolated from the environment.

Temperature a measure of the average kinetic energy (energy of motion)

Theory an explanation of an observable phenomenon. Describes the nature of the phenomenon

Hypothesis a proposed, scientifically testable explanation for an observable phenomenon

Eukaryote an organism composed of one or more cells. These cells contain a membrane-bound nucleus and specialized organelles

Prokaryote a single celled organism that lacks a membrane-bound nucleus and specialized organelles.