What is science? How is science pursued?
- Science is the intellectual and practical activity around the study of structure and behavior
of the physical world through observation and experiment.
- We pursue science through scientific inquiry - we attempt to answer questions about the
natural world.
Know the important themes in biology and how to apply them to examples.
1. ORGANIZATION : New properties emerge at successive levels in biological
organization (3 main subthemes)
a. Emergent Properties: as complexity increases, the arrangement and interactions
of parts results in novel properties at each level.
b. Structure and Function: there is a correlation at each level of biological hierarchy
c. The Cell: the cell is the smallest unit of organization that can perform all
activities essential for life
2. INFORMATION FLOW: Life’s processes involve expression and transmission of
genetic information
a. DNA: information is stored in DNA and inherited in each generation. The structure
of DNA encodes information used in the expression of gene.
b. Genomics: The study of sets of genes that can be
analyzed using computational tools of bioinformatics
3. ENERGY AND MATTER: Life requires transfer and transformation
of energy and matter
{sun, ATP}
4. INTERACTIONS: from ecosystems to molecules, interactions
are important in biological systems
a. Ecosystems: organism interacts with other organisms and physical environment
b. Molecules within organisms: interactions between components of organisms at
lower levels - organs, tissues, cells, molecules - are important for operation
i. Feedback mechanisms, homeostasis
Understand all themes in the context of the overarching theme of evolution
- “Nothing in Biology makes sense in the light of evolution.”
Characteristics of Life
1. Made of one or more cells 4. Reproduces 7. Requires
energy
2. Displays organization 5. Responds to stimuli 8. Adaptations evolve
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Holly D. Bio 141 Final
Shan Exam
3. Grows and develops 6. Maintain homeostasis over time
Domains and living organism and classification
1. Bacteria (p)
2. Archaea (p)
3. Eukarya (e)
Biological chemistry: types of bonds, polarity in a molecule, emergent properties
*Life relies on chemical bonds to make higher-order molecules from atoms
Chemical Bonds strongest to weakest:
1. Covalent bonds: sharing pair of valence electrons by two atoms
2. Hydrogen bonds
3. Ionic bonds: charged ions
4. Van der Waals Forces: weak instantaneous forces
*Bond polarity is an emergent property: it only occurs when you have interactions between 2 or
more molecules
Water: molecular and emergent properties, functions in living systems
● Hydrogen bonds between adjacent water molecules - electronegativity & polarity
● Cohesion
○ Water + water through H bonds
○ Surface tension:
● Adhesion
○ Water + polar surface
● Surface tension
○ Water can form 4 hydrogen bonds
● Moderation of Temperature
○ High specific Heat: ability to absorb a lot of heat before a degree change in
temperature
○ Evaporative Cooling: High heat of vaporization: lots of heat to change from (1) (g)
● Insulation of Bodies of Water by Floating Ice
○ Ice is less dense than liquid - allows aquatic life to survive in cold
● Universal Solvent
○ Water dissociates into hydronium H3O+ and OH- ions, establishes acidic and basic
sol
How are these emergent properties important for living systems?
1. Temperature regulation, homeostasis
2. water movement in plants
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