Biology 102 Chapter 1

Introduction: Evolution and the Themes of Biology

Concept 1.1 Studying the diverse forms of life reveals
common themes

Emergent Properties:
o New properties that appear as the complexity of
organisms increases, one which a collection or
complex system has but which the individual
members do not have.
o Ex. Thoughts and memories are emergent
properties of a complex network of nerve cells.
Properties of Life:
o Order
o Evolutionary Adaptation
o Response to the Environment
o Regulation
o Energy Processing
o Reproduction
o Growth and Development

 Levels of Biological Organization:

o The Biosphere
Consists of all life on earth and all the places
where life exists.
o Ecosystems
Consists of all the living things in a given area,
along with all of the non-living components
with which life interacts. All of earths
ecosystems make up the biosphere.
o Communities:
Consists of the array of organisms that inhabit
a particular ecosystem.
o Populations:
Consists of all the individuals of a species living
within the bounds of a specific area.
o Organisms
Individual living things are called organisms.
o Organs and Organ Systems:
Organs consist of multiple tissues and the
organs of complex humans, animals and plants
are organized into organ systems.
o Tissues:
Each tissue us made of a group of cells that
work together, performing a specialized
function.
o Cells:
The cell is lifes fundamental unit of structure
and function.

o Organelles:
The various functional components that are
present in cells.
o Molecules:
A chemical structure that consists of two or
more small chemical units called atoms.
The Power and Limitations of Reductionism:
o Reductionism:
The approach of reducing complex systems to
simpler components that are more manageable
to study. This takes away from the ability to
understand how different molecules or systems
interact and work together.
o There must be a balance between the reductionist
view and the holistic objective of understanding
emergent properties.
Systems Biology
o An approach that attempts to model the dynamic
behavior of whole biological systems based on a
study of the interacts between the systems parts.
(A system is simply a combination of
components that work together.)
o This is relevant to the study of life at all levels.

Chapter 1 Themes
Organisms Interact with other Organisms and the
Physical Environment
In an ecosystem, each organism interacts continuously
with its environment. This includes both other organisms
and also, physical factors.
Humans also interact with our environment, unfortunately
these interaction sometimes have drastic consequences.
Ex. Burning of fossil fuels releases gaseous compounds
into the atmosphere.
Life Requires Energy Transfer and Transformation
Energy flows through an ecosystem. All organisms must
perform work which requires energy. Energy from sunlight
is converted to chemical energy by producers, which is
then passed on to consumers.
The Cell is an Organisms Basic Unit of Structure and
Function
The cell is the lowest level of organization that can
perform all of the properties of life. Cells are either
prokaryotic or eukaryotic. Eukaryotic cells contain
membrane bound organelles including a DNA containing

nucleus. Prokaryotic cells do not contain membrane bound

organelles.

The Continuity of Life is Based on Heritable

Information in the form of DNA.
Genetic in formation is encoded in the form of DNA. This
transmits heritable information from parents to offspring.
DNA sequences program a cells protein production by
being transcribed into RNA and then translated into
specific protein, a process called gene expression. Gene
expression also results in RNAs that are not translated
into a specific protein but serve other important functions.
Feedback Mechanisms Regulate Biological Systems
In negative feedback, the accumulation of an end product
slows the process that makes that product.
In positive feedback, the end product stimulates the
production of more product. Feedback is a type of
regulation common to life at all levels.
Evolution The Core Theme of Biology
Evolution is an observational fact that accounts for the
unity and diversity of life and also for the match of
organisms to their environment.

Bibliography
Campbell. Biology. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, United
States: Pearson Education, Inc.