1. Biology
Chapter 1

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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