Biology Units 1 - 3
Uploaded by
fatcatloverchessBiology Units 1 - 3
Uploaded by
fatcatloverchessUnit 1: Characteristics & Classification of Living Organisms
Characteristics of Living Organisms
Movement: Change in position or place.
Respiration: Chemical reactions releasing energy for metabolism.
Sensitivity: Ability to sense stimuli and respond.
Homeostasis: Control of the internal body environment.
Growth: Increase in size and dry mass.
Reproduction: Processes creating more of the same organism.
Excretion: Removal of waste materials.
Nutrition: Intake of materials for energy and development.
Classification
Species: Group of organisms capable of producing fertile offspring.
Binomial System: Classification based on shared features, using Latin names.
The order of classification is “Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species”
This mnemonic can be used to help remember the order of classification:
Prince Philip Came Over For Good Sport
Dichotomous Keys: Classification based off a series of questions about their features
DNA sequences can show how closely related different species are. The more similar the base
sequences in the DNA of two species, the more closely related those species are.
Five Kingdoms
Animals: Multicellular, nucleus but no cell walls or chloroplasts.
Plants: Multicellular, nucleus, chloroplasts, and cellulose cell walls.
Fungi: Multicellular, nuclei, non-cellulose cell walls, no photosynthesis.
Protoctists: Uni/multicellular, nucleus, some photosynthesize.
Prokaryotes: Often unicellular, cell walls but no nucleus or mitochondria.
Viruses
Viruses aren't considered living organisms as they do not meet the fundamental
characteristics of living organisms (MRS.H.GREN), Viruses rely on host cells to reproduce.
Monocotyledons vs Dicotyledons
Flowers: Monocots contain petals in multiples of 3, Dicots contain petals in multiples of 4 or 5.
Leaves: Monocots have parallel leaf veins, Dicots have reticulated leaf veins.
Unit 2: Organisation of the Organism
Cell Structure
- Animal Cells
Multicellular, Nucleus with distinct membrane, No cellulose cell walls, No chloroplasts (no
photosynthesis), Feed on organic substances, Store carbohydrates as glycogen, Nervous
coordination, Able to move.
- Plant Cells
Multicellular, Nucleus with distinct membrane, Cell walls made of cellulose, Contain
chloroplasts (photosynthesis), Feed by photosynthesis, Store carbohydrates as starch or
sucrose, No nervous coordination.
- Bacteria Cells
Microscopic single-celled organisms, Possess a cell wall (made of peptidoglycan), Lack a
nucleus, have circular chromosome of DNA, Plasmids (small rings of DNA), Lack mitochondria,
chloroplasts, and other organelles.
Specialised Cells
- Specialised cells are cells that have developed characteristics to fit their function.
Specialised Cells in Animals:
Ciliated cells, Nerve cells, Red blood cells, Sperm cells.
Specialised Cells in Plants:
Root hair cells, Xylem structure, Palisade mesophyll cells.
Magnification Formula
Magnification = Image size ÷ Actual size
Image size = Magnification x Actual size
Actual size = Image size ÷ Magnification
Example:
An image of an animal cell is 30 mm, magnified by x 3000. What is the actual size of the cell?
Actual size of the cell = Image size (30 mm) ÷ Magnification (3000) = 0.01 mm
Unit Conversion
1mm = 1000µm
1cm = 10,000µm
Unit 3: Movement into & out of Cells
Diffusion
Diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to low
concentration.
The cell membrane of a cell acts as a partially permeable barrier, allowing some molecules to
pass through. Diffusion is essential for obtaining necessities and eliminating waste, while also
playing a role in facilitating gas exchange during respiration,
Factors that Influence Diffusion
Surface Area to Volume Ratio: Larger cells have a smaller ratio, slowing down substance
movement.
Distance: Shorter distances lead to faster transport.
Temperature: Higher temperatures increase molecular movement.
Concentration Gradient: Greater difference in concentration results in faster movement.
Osmosis
Osmosis is the diffusion of water across a partially permeable membrane from dilute to
concentrated solution. The cell membrane allows water through but not larger solute
molecules. Osmosis is crucial for maintaining cell turgidity and supporting the plant structure.
Osmosis in Animals & Plants
Plants: Influx of water leads to turgor pressure, supporting the plant structure.
Animals: Osmosis affects cell volume; without cell walls, effects are more pronounced.
Active Transport
Active transport means moving particles against their concentration gradient using energy
from respiration. It's vital for taking in necessary substances in organisms and helps cells
maintain their internal environment.
Proteins & Active Transport
Process of active transport:
1 - Carrier proteins on the cell membrane bind to specific molecules.
2 - Energy from respiration enables conformational change in carrier proteins.
3 - Substances are transported against their concentration gradient.
