7. Living organisms have an organized structure Atoms form molecules that are organized into macromolecules that form cell components, called organelles. Organisms may be unicellular or multicellular. Multicellular organisms have structural levels above the cell: tissues, organs and organ systems.

8. Biological Organization Molecule Organelle Cells Tissues Organ Organism

10. The continuity of life on earth is based on the inheritable information of the genetic molecule, DNA. DNA molecules contain the instructions needed for the organization and structure of organisms.

11. The internal functions of cells and organisms are coordinated through regulatory mechanisms. Such regulation includes on the cellular level, moving materials through membranes, transporting nutrients and wastes to and from cells and cell to-cell communication.

12. Thousands of chemical reactions that convert matter and energy occur within an organism so the organism can function. Metabolism is under the control of DNA, the genes.

13. Organisms respond to environmental stimuli. We readily see this with ourselves and other animals, but we may have less experience noting how other organisms respond to stimuli, whether it is a flower tracking the sun, a cellular slime mold aggregating in response to a chemical signal, or a Venus Fly-trap capturing prey.

14. Regulatory systems help living organisms adjust to changing conditions by actively maintaining their structure and internal environment, a process called homeostasis, to ensure a dynamic balance. Organisms have a variety of regulatory and feedback systems, both positive and negative, in place to provide for order and functioning. Negative Feedback Pathway Positive Feedback Pathway

15. The complexity of life challenges biologists who try to unravel the whole to view the component parts for research and learning. To do so, we most often must Taking apart the whole, and in doing so, disrupt its function. The human genome project – the attempt to discern the DNA sequences of the human chromosomes, has been a daunting project – and just the beginning of trying to determine what those sequences mean in terms of gene function and products. DNA Sequencing Laboratory

17. biosphere - of the Universe, only where life exists biome - large unit of land or water with similar characteristics, e. g. desert ecosystem - functional unit of nature including organisms and environment community - several populations of interacting organisms, e. g. Big Creek population - a local group of one kind of organisms, e. g. cardinals organism - an individual of a kind (species) of which there are 2 types: multicellular & unicellular (in case of the latter, organ and tissue level does not exist) organ system - group of organs with a coordinated role, e. g. excretory organ - group of tissues with a coordinated role, e. g. kidney tissue - group of similar cells, e. g. cardiac muscle cell - basic unit of life organelle - sub-cellular units with a specific function, e. g. mitochondrion molecule - one or more different kinds of atoms bonded together atom - smallest particle of an element sub-atomic particle - proton, neutron, electron

18. Organizational Hierarchy of Life biosphere - of the Universe, only where life exists biome - large unit of land or water with similar characteristics, e. g. desert ecosystem - functional unit of nature including organisms and environment community - several populations of interacting organisms, e. g. Big Creek population - a local group of one kind of organisms, e. g. cardinals

19. organism - an individual of a kind (species) of which there are 2 types: multicellular & unicellular (in case of the latter, organ and tissue level does not exist) organ system - group of organs with a coordinated role, e. g. excretory organ - group of tissues with a coordinated role, e. g. kidney tissue - group of similar cells, e. g. cardiac muscle cell - basic unit of life organelle - sub-cellular units with a specific function, e. g. mitochondrion molecule - one or more different kinds of atoms bonded together atom - smallest particle of an element sub-atomic particle - proton, neutron, electron

28. Levels of Organization

34. Scientific Method

35. Scientific Method example