Living Organisms: Characteristics, Classification & Kingdoms
Characteristics of Living Organisms
Movement: Change of position or place by an action.
Respiration: Chemical reactions in cells that break down nutrient molecules and release energy for metabolism.
Sensitivity: Capacity to react to stimuli presented by the environment.
Growth: Permanent increase in size and dry mass.
Reproduction: Processes that make more of the same kind of organism.
Excretion: Removal of waste products.
Nutrition: Taking in of materials for energy, growth, and development.
Viruses
- Viruses
Photosynthesis in Plants: Process and Factors
Plants use water from the soil, carbon dioxide from the air, and energy from sunlight to make carbohydrates & oxygen.
Green plants absorb light energy using chlorophyll in their leaves. They use it to react carbon dioxide with water to make a sugar called glucose. The glucose is used in respiration, or converted into starch and stored. Oxygen is produced as a by-product.
Balanced Equation for Photosynthesis
6CO2 + 6H2O light/(chlorophyll) C6H12O6 + 6O2
Investigating the Necessity for Chlorophyll,
Read MoreNervous and Endocrine Systems: Functions
Nervous and Endocrine Systems
The nervous system’s purpose is to generate responses that provide protection. It is based on the body’s ability to respond to stimuli. Stimuli that humans and animals respond to may be of two types:
- Internal: Not visible (e.g., changes in temperature).
- External: Can be observed (e.g., responses to light).
The endocrine system complements the nervous system. It works via hormones produced by endocrine glands. These hormones travel through the blood to an organ or tissue
Read MoreUnderstanding Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Infants
Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)
Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is the most common cause of respiratory failure in preterm infants. Over the past several decades, a number of names have been used to identify infants with RDS. A common thread running through most names is the term “Respiratory Distress,” which characterizes an immature lung disorder in a preterm infant caused by inadequate pulmonary surfactant.
Names Used to Identify RDS
- Infant respiratory distress syndrome
- Idiopathic respiratory
Theories and Evidence of Biological Evolution
Theories of Biological Evolution
Punctuated Equilibrium (PUNT): The theory suggests that there are certain periods of intense speciation which interrupt the equilibrium of normal adaptation.
Fixism (FIXIST): Upholds the idea that species on Earth were created by God.
Catastrophism (CATAS): Proposed by Cuvier, maintained that fossils were the remains of extinct species that had died out as a result of catastrophes.
Evolutionism (EVOL): Maintains that species undergo a process of transformation which
Read MoreNervous System: Components, Functions & Health
Components of the Nervous System
The nervous system detects and interprets external and internal stimuli and produces the necessary responses. It is made up of:
- Neurons: Generate and transmit nerve impulses. They are classified by function:
- Sensory neurons: Send information to the CNS, where it’s interpreted, and responses are made.
- Motor neurons: Carry responses from the CNS to the effectors, causing muscle contractions or gland secretions.
- Relay neurons: Connect sensory and motor neurons.
- Glial cells: