Biology Chapter 1

Important terms and ideas Chapter 1 Important terms and ideas Science – a way of investigating the world to form general rules about what causes thing to happen. Biology – the study of living things Biology has its most direct affect on our lives in medicine and fighting disease and preventing genetic disorders. Genes – the inherited “operating instructions” for the body Biology is helping to feed a hungry world. Biology is working to preserve a healthy world for your children.

Science is a search for knowledge. Observations suggest questions to investigate. Hypothesis is a testable explanation for an observation. Experiment – testing under controlled conditions. A control group is not exposed to the variable of the experiment. The control is observed to allow comparison with the experimental group.

A theory is a unifying explanation for a broad range of observations. Science continually requires verification of hypothesis. Why? Hypotheses that do not explain observations are rejected. Scientific method is the systematic study of a question or problem.

Themes in Biology Theme 1: Cell Structure and Function The complex chemical processes Theme 2: Stability and Homeostasis The constant internal environment Theme 3: Heredity The development process controlled by genes Theme 4: Evolution Inherited change over time Theme 5: Interdependence Interaction between living and nonliving environment Theme 6: Matter, Energy, and Organization All the physical principles that apply to the living and nonliving materials in the universe

Important Vocabulary Organization – the high degree of order within an organism’s internal and external parts. Organs – structures that carry out specialized jobs within an organ system. Tissues – groups of cells that have similar abilities and that allow an organ to function. Organelles – tiny structures that carry out functions necessary for the cell to stay alive. Biological molecules – the chemical compounds that provide physical structure, and bring about movement, energy use, and other cellular functions.

Characteristics of Life Organization and Cells – All living things are made of cells which are highly organized Response to Stimuli – must be able to respond to changes in the environment Homeostasis – must be able to maintain stable internal conditions Metabolism – must use energy to power all of life processes; repair, growth, movement Growth and Development – must grow and increase in size Reproduction – must be able to produce new organisms like themselves Change through Time – populations of individuals change through time