Biotic vs. Abiotic
Characteristics of Life
Scientists & Discoveries
Cell Theory & Prokarya vs. Eukarya
Viruses, Organization, & Applications
100

A rock is an example of this type of factor.

Abiotic.

100

This characteristic means living things increase in size or undergo changes over time.

Growth/ Development.

100

This scientist coined the term "cell" after observing cork.

Robert Hooke

100

According to cell theory, what is the basic unit of life?

Cell.

100

A virus must enter this type of structure to reproduce.

Living host cell.

200

A tree is an example of this type of factor.

Biotic.

200

This characteristic allows organisms to produce offspring.

Reproduction.

200

This scientist concluded that plants are made of cells.

Matthias Schleiden

200

Which type of cell contains membrane bound organelles and a nucleus?

Eukaryotic.

200

Put these in order from simplest to most complex: organ, organism, tissue, cell, organ, organ system.

Cell -> Tissue -> Organ -> Organ System -> Organism

300

Temperature, sunlight, water, and soil are examples of what?

Abiotic Factors.

300

Name four characteristics of life.

Cellular Organization, Metabolism, Homeostasis, Growth, Reproduction, Response to stimuli/Adaptation, Evolution/Adaptation.

300

This scientist concluded that animals are made of cells.

Theodor Schwann

300

State the three core principles of cell theory.

1. All living things are composed of cells.

2. The cell is the basic unit of life.

3. All cells come from pre-existing cells.

300

Why are viruses often described as being on the boundary between living and nonliving?

They contain genetic material and can evolve/reproduce only using host cells, but they are not cellular and cannot independently carry out metabolism or reproduction.

400

Explain why a dead tree can still affect an ecosystem even though it is no longer living.

It provides habitat, nutrients, shelter, food, etc.

400

Explain why maintaining a stable internal environment is considered a characteristic of life.

Organisms must regulate internal conditions despite external changes.

400

This scientist proposed that all cells come from pre-existing cells.

Rudolf Virchow.

400

A cell has DNA, ribosomes, a cell membrane, but no nucleus. Is it prokaryotic or eukaryotic?

Prokaryotic.

400

Scientists use knowledge of cells and viruses to develop vaccines, antiviral medicines, and gene therapies. How does cell theory help scientists understand and treat viral diseases?

Cell theory establishes that cells are the basic units of life. Scientists use this knowledge to understand how viruses enter and affect host cells, how infected cells respond, and where treatments can interfere with viral replication. This knowledge has contributed to vaccines, antiviral drugs, and other medical applications.

500

A pond loses most of its sunlight because of increased water pollution. Predict how this abiotic change could affect the biotic factors in the pond.

Reduced sunlight can decrease photosynthesis, which can reduce plant/algal growth and affect organisms that depend on them.

500

A robot can move, respond to its environment, and use energy. Explain why those traits alone do not necessarily make it a living organism.

Individual traits such as movement or energy use are not sufficient; life is defined by a combination of characteristics and cellular organization.

500

Put these scientists in historical context and explain how their discoveries collectively contributed to modern cell theory.

Hooke observed cells; Schleiden identified cells as the basis of plants; Schwann extended this to animals; Virchow proposed that cells arise from existing cells.

500

How has modern cell theory influenced medicine, biotechnology, cancer research, or genetic engineering? Give one specific application.

Examples include understanding disease, cancer research, tissue engineering, stem-cell research, diagnostics, and biotechnology.

500

Use evidence to argue whether viruses should be classified as living or nonliving. Then explain one modern application or impact of cell theory related to your argument.

Either position can be defended using evidence. A strong response should discuss genetic material, reproduction, evolution, lack of independent metabolism, and dependence on host cells.