University of Puerto Rico

Cayey

Biology 3001

Professor Eneida Díaz

Delaine M. Zayas-Bazán Burgos 805-12-9185 June 11th, 2012

Unifying themes of Biology

Theme Property of life

Organisms interact with each other Organisms and the physical environment

Reproduction Organisms interact with each other in their own species to reproduce and by this perpetuate the specie.

Response to the environment Organisms interact with other organisms that are present in their environment to find food and shelter among many others.

Theme Property of life

Life requires energy transfer and transformation Energy Processing

Organisms need energy to live. Chemical energy is transferred between all organisms in order for them to realize the corresponding functions that would keep them alive.

Structure and function are correlated at all levels of biological organization Order

Life is characterized by a highly organized structure. This structure is responsible of the proper functioning of organisms, and their systems from cells to organs.

The cell is an organism’s basic unit of structure and function

Order Cells are the basic unit of the highly organized structure that is found in all living beings. Every organism, system, organ system, organ and tissue is composed by cells and carries out their work based on the functioning of cells.

The continuity of life is based on heritable information in the form of DNAGrowth and development

Organisms grow and develop according to the genetic information, in form of DNA, they inherit from their progenitors.

New properties emerge at each level in the biological hierarchy

Growth and development The DNA transmitted from parents to offspring determines from their physical appearance to their illness or health conditions. The DNA sequences carry all of the information in their genes; analyzing these sequences could reveal in detail the growth and development of diverse organisms.

Theme Property of life

Feedback mechanisms regulate biological systemsRegulation

Regulation controls diverse aspects like the temperature of the organism and the expulsion of waste. Feedback is responsible of the regulation, as well as of diverse biological systems and their processes.

Evolution accounts for the unity and diversity of lifeEvolutionary adaption

Evolution permits the adaption of organisms to their environment. These adaptations, in some cases, led to the emergence of new species creating the phenomenon of diversity of the species among the same family unit.