Living Things
What is one characteristic of living things?
Living things can grow and reproduce.
What is the basic unit of life?
Cells
What is the function of a cell membrane?
The cell membrane controls what enters and exits the cell.
What is a key feature of plant cells?
Plant cells have a rigid cell wall.
What is the main function of the circulatory system?
To transport oxygen, nutrients, and waste products throughout the body.
Name an example of a scientific study involving a living organism.
Studying the impact of pollution on local fish populations
Compare single-celled and multicelled organisms.
Single-celled organisms consist of one cell, while multicelled organisms are made up of many cells working together.
How do cells contribute to the organization of living things?
Cells group together to form tissues, which then form organs and systems in living organisms.
How do animal cells differ from plant cells?
Animal cells are more flexible and do not have a cell wall.
Name the organs involved in the respiratory system.
Nose, trachea, lungs, and diaphragm.
Explain how different organisms can perform the same function in different ways.
Different animals have unique adaptations for gathering food, like a beak shape in birds or teeth in mammals.
What are two main differences between plant and animal cells?
Plant cells have a cell wall and chloroplasts; animal cells do not.
Give an example of a food-gathering structure in animals.
The long tongue of a chameleon to catch insects.
Describe the function of the cell wall.
The cell wall provides structural support and protection to the cell.
What is the role of the digestive system?
To break down food into nutrients that the body can absorb and use for energy.
Describe the role of systems in organisms.
Systems help organisms function effectively by coordinating different parts, like the digestive or circulatory system.
Describe diffusion and osmosis in simple terms.
Diffusion is the movement of substances from areas of high concentration to low concentration, while osmosis specifically refers to the movement of water through a membrane.
Describe the role of tissues in an organ system.
Tissues consist of similar cells that work together to perform specific functions in an organ system.
Explain how plant cells perform photosynthesis.
Plant cells use chloroplasts to convert sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen
Describe how the nervous system communicates with the body.
The nervous system sends electrical signals through neurons to transmit information and coordinate responses.
How do environmental factors affect living organisms?
Factors such as temperature, water availability, and food sources can influence growth, reproduction, and survival.
Explain how cells, tissues, and organs work together in plants.
Cells form tissues, which make up organs; all working together to perform vital functions like photosynthesis and nutrient transport.
How do gases move in and out of cells?
Gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide move through diffusion across cell membranes based on concentration gradients.
Compare the sizes of typical plant and animal cells.
Plant cells are generally larger than animal cells.
Explain how the muscular and skeletal systems work together.
The muscular system provides movement by contracting muscles that pull on bones of the skeletal system, allowing for locomotion and support.