Chapter 1: …and so it begins

Unifying Themes in Biology 1 Evolution: bio’s core theme; differential reproductive success Emergent Properties: hierarchy of life The Cell: all organism’s basic structure Heritable Information: DNA Structure & Function: form and function

Unifying Themes in Biology 2 Environmental Interaction: organisms are open systems Regulation: feedback mechanisms Unity & Diversity: universal genetic code Scientific Inquiry: observation; testing; repeatability Science, Technology & Society: functions of our world

Hierarchy of Organization Molecule Organelle Cells Tissues Organ Organism

Feedback Regulation: Negative For a given process: Accumulation of end product(s) slows the process Example: sugar breakdown generates ATP excess ATP inhibits an enzyme near the beginning of the pathway

Feedback Regulation: Positive An end product speeds up its production Example: blood clotting in response to injury labor contractions causing more labor contractions

The Process of Science The Scientific Method Hypothetico-deductive reasoning “If….then” Logic Provides falsifiable hypothesis for experiments Hypothesis vs. Theory Theory has corroborating evidence from typically many different experiments