Biology- the scientific study of living organisms and their interactions with their environment. Organism- the term used by scientists for all living things.

Characteristics of life Cells Reproduction Metabolism Homeostasis Genetics Evolution Ecology

cells Cell- smallest unit that can perform life functions and has tiny organ-like structures all living things are made up of cells ** The human body has over a trillion cells!

Paramecium Single celled organism Human Red Blood Cells Paramecium Single celled organism Diatoms Single celled organisms

Reproduction Process by which organisms make more of their own kind All living organisms reproduce Some bacteria reproduce in 15 minutes Some reproduce by seed Humans reproduce in 9 months

Metabolism Metabolism- chemical reactions that allow an organism to obtain and use energy to run the processes of life Chemical reactions help break down food and Absorb nutrients Chemical reactions help our cells reproduce Chemical reactions control hormones that Control our weight and sleep

Homeostasis Homeostasis- maintaining a constant internal environment by making adjustment as the external environment changes. Example: Humans keep a constant body temperature of 98.6 degrees- even when it is hot outside

Genetics All living things are able to pass on traits to their offspring gene- the basic unit of heredity that carries information and determines the traits an organism will have Genetics- the study of genes and inheritance Heredity- the actual passing of traits from parent to offspring

Evolution Organisms have the ability to change over long periods of time to adapt to environmental changes Evolution- change of characteristics within a population over many generations Natural selection- organisms with favorable traits are more likely to survive and pass on their genes to future generations

Ecology All organisms live and interact with other organisms and their environment. Ecology- branch of biology that studies the interaction of organisms with one another and their interactions with their environment.

4 Building Block Molecules of Cells Cell- smallest unit of life

Carbohydrates- The main energy source for living things, but also used for cell structure. Ex:

Lipids- Used for energy storage, cell structure and hormones. Ex:

3. proteins- The major structural components of cells and tissues 3. proteins- The major structural components of cells and tissues. ex: collagen in hair, bones, skin -enzyme- a protein that starts, speeds up, or stops chemical reactions Ex:

4. Nucleic acids- RNA and DNA that contains genetic information Heredity- the passing of traits from parent to offspring

Experiment Scientific Method The heart of scientific investigations is an observation. These observations bring up questions These questions can be answered by doing an ….. Experiment

Experiment- a planned procedure to test a hypothesis. The 5 Steps of the Scientific Method 1. Hypothesis- A theory/prediction or explanation that is based on observations and can be tested “An Educated Guess”

2. Materials- a list of things needed for a given experiment When writing a lab report you list the materials in alphabetical order and in a column!! Procedure- a list of instructions on how to perform the experiment. 1. Get microscope from the closet and carry it to the lab table. Plug microscope in and turn on the light source. Place prepared slide on the stage and observe using the 10X objective. 3. Draw and record your observations.

Conclusion- data is collected and analyzed to see whether or 4. Observations- the act of noting or perceiving objects or events using the senses The most important thing of scientific investigations is careful observation. Always question everything!!! Conclusion- data is collected and analyzed to see whether or not it supports the hypothesis It is OK if your conclusion proves your hypothesis wrong.

Experimental Variables control group- a group in the experiment that receives no experimental treatment independent variable- a factor that you change throughout the experiment Ex: If you were testing how different amounts of caffeine effects a persons sleep -the amounts of caffeine given to the person is your independent variable dependant variable- a factor that changes and is measured in an experiment Ex: How much sleep the person got is your dependant variable