Foundations of LIfe
Which element is the foundation of all living things?
Carbon
Plants are considered "autotrophs" because they do what?
The can make their own food
Which structure inside of a cell contains the "DNA"?
Nucleus
Yeast is classified as what specific type of organism?
Single Celled Fungus
True or False: "Animals have no cell walls"
True
Who was the scientist that discovered the true nature of Yeast (that they were alive) and also invented the process of pasteurization that keeps milk from going sour?
Louis Pasteur
Name two of the 7 characteristics of life
Acceptable Answers:
cell structure, metabolism, growth/death; reproduction, response to stimuli, homeostasis, exchange of gases
What is the name of the process that allows plants to make their own food?
Photosynthesis
What is the FLEXIBLE outer boundary of a cell called?
Cell Membrane
Fungi have cell walls made of what tough material?
Chitin
True or False: "A sea sponge is classified as a fungus"
False - it is an "animal"
Who was the scientist that invented penicillin, one of the most used antibiotics in the world?
Alexander Fleming
What term describes the chemical reactions that keep organisms alive?
Metabolism
What substance allows plants to capture sunlight?
Chlorophyll
What is the jelly-like interior of a cell where chemical reactons occur?
Cytoplasm
Which fungal structure is a network of thread-like filaments (looks like tiny roots) forming the main body?
Mycelium
What do we call an organism that breaks down and eats dead matter?
Hint: It's not Earl! : )
Decomposer (i.e., fungi)
True or False: Mushrooms are actually the "fruit" of an underground network of fungi
True
Plants and animals have a "symbiotic" relationship in terms of the exchange of gases. Describe what happens.
Animals breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide
Plants breathe in carbon dioxide and breathe out oxygen
What are plant cell walls made of?
Cellulose
Heterotroph
In mushroms, spores are created in what specific part of the structure?
The gills
Most animals reproduce "internally" however this one reproduces externally. What is is?
Fish - female lays the eggs in the water and the male fertilizes them in the water
What is the chemical process that turns sugar into alcohol?
Fermentation
What substances are involved in the fermentation process?
Carbon dioxide, alcohol and sugar
Why do animals have to be able to physically move from place to place?
To find food because they can't make it in their own bodies
Plant and fungi cells are surrounded by two boundaries. What are they called?
Cell Wall and Cell Membrane
Name two (2) reasons why fungi could not be classified as plants.
Acceptable answers:
a. no photosynthesis
b. no chlorophyll
c. cell walls made of chitin (not cellulose)
d. they are heterotrophs not autotrophs
"Decomposers" play a critical role in the ecosystem. What is it?
They breakdown organic matter (and this recycles nutrients back into the soil); clean up the enviroment of dead matter
What are the three kingdoms of living things?
Plants, animals and Fungi