Mrs. Kiefer/Mr. Davitt2010-2011

Definition:◦ Science is a process of inquiry◦ Seen in HISTORICAL progress

of biological conceptions◦ Using the knowledge of

scientific experiments to explain how we understand something Example: X-Ray Diffraction

DNA Structure

Definition:◦ Living things have changed through time ◦ Diversity can be seen in all things, yet there

seems to be a pattern of unity Example: Numbers and types of plant life is

extensive, yet the fossil record shows a common “body plan”

◦NOTE: Evolution can be extrapolated to include evolution of thoughts/ideas, but these don’t fall under the realm that we will be studying

“Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution.”

- Theodosius Dobzhansky

Definition:◦ Anything involving processes

and traits passed from generation to generation allowing a continuous flow of INFORMATION, yet allowing for new variations to arise Example: Meiosis produces

new gametes with same amount of DNA, but each cells has variable forms of information

Definition:◦ How energy is used in various processes◦ How energy is generated by living organisms

Example: 10% Energy Rule (flow from producer consumer decomposer)

Definition: ◦ The specific structure of an object allows for

job efficiency Example: RBC’s are bi-concave disks to

allow them to pick up[ oxygen more efficiently (lacks nucleus too)

Definition:◦ aka Homeostasis◦ Dealing with the hormonal control of

processes◦ Living organisms are structured & regulated

to allow for equilibrated existence Example: release of estrogen/progesterone

to regulate pregnancy

Definition:◦ A variety of processes,

organisms, & body parts are dependent on one another

◦ Actions in one locale produce an effect elsewhere Example: The removal of

root nodules from plants compromises the plant’s ability to “fix” atmospheric nitrogen into a useable energy form

Definition:◦ Technology has led to advancements in

society (in this case, medically/biologically related) Example: The ability to mass produce

insulin by using bacteria have lowered the drug cost

Definition:◦ The basic unit of structure and function in all

living organisms Example: All living things are composed of

cells, and cells only arise from other cells