BIO 1450-Week 1

Define systems biology

Constructs models for the dynamic behavior of whole biological systems. How does a drug for blood pressure affect other organs?

Diagram the central dogma of biology

DNA (genetic material)---mRNA (translates genetic material)---creation of functional protein

What is the role of data for scientific inquiry? Lab question

Data are items of information on which scientific inquiry is based. Inductive reasoning---reasoning from a set of specific observations to reach a general conclusion (e.g. sun always sets in the west) Deductive reasoning---logic that flows from the general to the specific. In the form of "if...then" statements. Flashlights don't work when bulb needs replacing. If flashlight doesn't work, then bulb must need replacing

Define scientific inquiry

Primary activity of biology. Study of life based on posing questions and seeking answers. Involves making observations, forming logical, testable explanations (hypotheses) and testing them.

How does evolution happen?

Variation due to genetic mutation and natural selection (genetic traits favorable to specific environment will survive)

What are the levels of biological hierarchy?

* biosphere---e.g entire planet * eco-system---interaction of all living an non-living things in a specific environment * communities---a living things in an eco-system * populations---all organisms from a specific population * organism---individual in a population * organ system---all tissues accomplishing the same function * tissue---cells accomplishing same function * cell---fundamental unit of life that accomplishes all functions of life * organelles---specific functions of a cell (e.g. mitochondria) * molecules---atoms paired together * atom---smallest unit

What is a scientific theory? Lab question

A scientific theory provides an answer to well-framed question (a rational account for a set of observations, based on the available data and guided by inductive reasoning). A scientific theory has the following traits: * a theory is broader in scope than a hypothesis * a theory is general enough to spin off many new, specific hypotheses * a theory is generally supported by a much greater body of evidence than a hypothesis

What is inquiry? Lab question

At the heart of science is inquiry, a search for information and explanations of natural phenomena. Inquiry is the search for information and explanation

Define evolution

Central organizing theme of biology. Explains how organisms go from simple to complex. Change in heritable traits of biological populations over time

Define and give an example of emergent properties

Emergent properties result from the arrangement and interaction of parts within a system Specific arrangement of parts will make a whole that has characteristics that you could not identify by looking at the parts. Example, all of the components for a bunch of cells on their own do not accomplish the function of tissue

What is a hypothesis? Lab question

In science, a hypothesis is a tentative answer to a well-framed question---an explanation on trial. It is usually a rational account for a set of observations, based on the available data and guided by inductive reasoning. A scientific hypothesis must lead to predictions that can be tested by making additional observations or by performing experiments. An experiment is a scientific test, carried out under controlled conditions.

Define life.

Life is what living things do. We differentiate between living and non-living things based upon functional characteristics---order; evolutionary adaptation; regulation; reproduction; response to the environment; growth and development; energy processes

What is a unique characteristic of primary literature? Lab question

Primary literature or sources refer to scientific publications that report original research for the first time. These articles or papers describe the context of the experiment or study, explain the methods used to the extent that the experiment may be repeated, report the results and interpret the results for the reader. Primary literature often contains summary tables of the data collected and provides graphs and figures of the key results from the experiments.

What is the difference between quantitative and qualitative data? Lab question

Recorded observations are called data. Data are items of information on which scientific inquiry are based. Qualitative data are often in the form of recorded descriptions rather than numerical measurements. Quantitative data (e.g. frequency and duration of specific behaviors) are generally expressed as numerical measurements and are often organized into tables and graphs.

Define reductionism

Reduction of complex systems to simpler components that are more manageable to study (e.g. molecular structure of DNA)

Give a one-sentence definition of science? Lab question

Science is a way of knowing---an approach to understanding the natural world.

Define biology

Scientific study of life.

Name the seven themes of biology

Theme: New properties emerge at each level in the biological hierarchy Theme: Organisms interact with their environments, exchanging matter and energy Theme: Structure and function are correlated at all levels of biological organization Theme: Cells are an organism's basic units of structure and function Theme: The continuity of life is based on heritable information in the form of DNA Theme: Feedback mechanisms regulate biological systems Theme: Life Requires Energy Transfer and Transformation