Themes of Biology (Characteristics of Life) Ms. Day/ Honors Biology Lecture #1 9/3/2014

Myths Themes of Biology Myths All livings things must: 1.Eat 2.Sleep 3.Breathe 4.Move NOT NECESSARILY TRUE!!!

Themes of Biology Also known as “Characteristics of Life” organismsAll living things called organisms have all these themes at least one time in their lives. OrganismOrganism = a single living thing SpeciesSpecies = a group of the same living things (organisms) living in the same place at the same time

Themes of Biology (Characteristics of Life) 1.Organization All living things are made up of 1 or more cells. Cell= life’s basic unit of structure and function Organisms are either: 1.Unicellular = made up of 1 cell EXAMPLE: Bacteria NOT very organized or structured 2.Multicellular = made up of 2 or more cells EXAMPLE: Plants, animals or people VERY organized and structured (cells  tissue  organ  system  organism)

2. Reproduction All living things need to make more of themselves so they do not go EXTINCT! Reproduce Reproduce = to make more of a particular group of organism

3. Inheritance offspring All living things need to be able to pass down DNA (genes) to their offspring (“babies”). Heredity = the passing down of genes from 1 generation to the next Genetics = the study of heredity DNA DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) = genetic material Gene Gene = a piece of DNA which codes for a protein or mRNA that gives an organism a characteristic

4. Interaction with Environment All living things need to be able to respond to their environment (called “responding to stimuli”). Interdependence Interdependence = when living things depend or are affected by other organisms and their environment Example: People take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. Plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. They are interdependent on one another!

5. Energy ATP atp All living things need energy called ATP (adenosine triphosphate). –energy molecule in organisms Organisms are either: 1.Producers 1.Producers = they make their own food for energy (Example: bacteria, plants, some algae) Also called autotrophs (“self feeders”)Also called autotrophs (“self feeders”) 2.Consumers 2.Consumers = they eat other organisms for energy (Example= animals and people) Also called heterotrophs (“other feeders”)Also called heterotrophs (“other feeders”) Organisms use metabolism to make ATP. MetabolismMetabolism = all the chemical processes in a cell, including making ATP (energy) EXAMPLE: When cells change nutrients into chemical energy (ATP)EXAMPLE: When cells change nutrients into chemical energy (ATP)

6. Regulation All living things need to regulate their functions. homeostasis Organisms use homeostasis to do this. Homeostasis Homeostasis = maintaining a balance between internal and external conditions EXAMPLES: –Shivering –Sweating –Pupil of an eye dilating –Panting (dogs)

7. Adaptation and Evolution All living things need to be able to change over time in order to survive better. Adaptation species SHORT Adaptation = when species change genetically over a SHORT period of time in order to better survive and reproduce in their environment EXAMPLE: Rabbits that are faster runners. Evolution Evolution = when living organisms adapt and genetically change over a LONG period of time. EXAMPLE: All life on Earth shares a common ancestor.