WGU C190 Introduction to Biology Exam Review Questions and Answers

Biology the scientific study of life Characteristics of Life 1. Be made of materials organized in a hierarchical pattern. 2. Use energy and raw materials to survive 3. Sense and respond to changing environments and maintain internal stability, or homeostasis. 4. Grow, develop, and reproduce. 5. Be part of a population that evolves. The Cell the smallest unit that displays all characteristics of life Matter Any substance that has mass and takes up space. All matter can be classified as biotic or abiotic. Biotic Living or having lived Abiotic nonliving and never have been alive Atom Basic unit of matter Molecule a chemical structure consisting of at least two atoms held together by a chemical bond Macromolecules Technically polymers, made by combining smaller units called monomers. (Example -Deoxyrbonucleic Acid [DNA]) Two main types of cells Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Prokaryote Small and simple, do not have clearly defined compartments inside of them Eukaryotes organisms made up of one or more cells that have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles Organelles compartments inside of the cell that contain specific groups of macromolecules and carry out specific cellular functions. microorganism single-celled life forms