The study of a combination of components that function together. 

goal: to construct models for dynamic behavior of whole biological systems

good models will allow biologists to predict how a change in one or more variables will affect other components and the whole system.

When properties emerge at each stop that are not present in the preceding level

Due to the arrangement and interactions of parts as complexity increases

The cells of plants and animals;

Subdivided by internal membranes into various membrane-enclosed organelles;

The largest organelle is usually the nucleus (contains the cell's DNA).  The other organelles are located in the cytoplasm, the entire region between the nucleus and the outer membrane of the cell.

A type of cell lacking a membrane-enclosed nucleus and membrane-enclosed organelles.  Organisms with these cells (bacteria and archaea) are called prokaryotes.

the units of inheritance that transmit information from parents to offspring.

Most common form of regulation; as more of a product accumulates, the process that creates it slows and less of the product is produced.

Ex: The cell's breakdown of sugar generates chemical energy in the form of ATP.  When the cell makes more ATP than it can use, the excess ATP "feeds back" and inhibits an enzyme near the beginning of the pathway.

Less common; an end product speeds up its production.

as more of a product accumulates, the process that creates it speeds up and more of the product is produced.

Ex: the clotting of blood.  When a blood vessel is damaged, structures in the blood (platelets) begin to aggregate at the site.  Positive feeback occurs as chemicals released by the platelets attract more platelets.

Domains - there are three total; three levels that group kingdoms

Domains>Kingdoms

1. Domain Bacteria
2. Domain Archaea
3. Domain Eukarya

Bacteria and archaea are all prokaryotic.

Domain Eukarya are all eukaryotes.  Kingdoms: Protista (single celled), Plantae (produce own sugar), Fungi (absorb dissolved nutrients from surroundings), Animalia (eat and digest other organisms).

Charles Darwin

• On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection (1859) - descent with modification and natural selection  causes descent with modification.
• Theory explained duality of unity and diversity

Describes natural structures and processes as accurately as possible through observation and analysis of data.

the derivation of generalizations from a large number of observations.

EX: "The sun always rises in the east."

from general premises, we assume specific results that we should expect if the original premises are true.

EX: All organisms are made of cells.  Humans must be composed of cells.

Order, Evolutionary adaptation, Response to Environment, Reproduction, Growth and development, energy processing, regulation