1. Biology and You

2. There are many kinds of living things

3. The Scientific Process All science is an organized way to study the natural world. Scientists use a process called the scientific method, which consists of six steps: 1. State the problem and collect observations about the problem. 2. Form a hypothesis, which is a probable answer to your problem. 3. Make testable predictions based on your hypothesis. 4. Design an experiment to test your hypothesis and verify your predictions. 5. Do a controlled experiment and collect data. 6. Analyze your data. If your data support your hypothesis, make it into a theory. Otherwise, revise your hypothesis and test it again.

5. Properties of Life I Biology is the study of life. All living things have certain things in common that separate them from the non-living world. 1. Cellular organization - all living things are made of one or more cells. 2. Metabolism - all living things need energy. To get this energy, cells carry out chemical processes called metabolism. 3. Homeostasis - all living things keep their internal environment fairly constant by the process of homeostasis.

6. 4. Reproduction - all living things produce offspring. Properties of Life II 5. Heredity - all living things have DNA molecules within them that encode information necessary for growth and development. All living things can pass on this DNA to their offspring.

7. Solving Real-World Problems I 1. Genetic engineering may lead to cures for inherited diseases like cystic fibrosis, sickle-cell anemia, or muscular dystrophy. 2. Other medical advances help in the fight against cancer, AIDS, and other serious diseases.

8. 3. Ecology helps us to understand why we need to recycle wastes, stop polluting the atmosphere, and preserve the rainforests. Solving Real-World Problems II 4. Botany, the study of plants, is helping us to feed the growing human population of the world on less land with fewer pesticides and chemical fertilizers.