Notes

The word science comes from the Latin word scientia, which means "knowledge." It is defined as the study of phenomena in the natural world, applying investigational methods such as observation and experimentation. The word biology comes from the Greek word bios, meaning "life," and the noun ending -logia, meaning "study of." So biology is the study of life. Scientists who study biology are called biologists. This lesson will explore the principles and applications of biology in the world around us.

OBJECTIVES
Describe why biology is considered the study of life.
Name common biological themes.
Give examples of biological applications.
VOCABULARY
ecology the study of living things' dependence on each other and their environment; the relationship of an organism with its total environment
phenotypic cure the alteration of the phenotypic expression of a genetic defect
cell the basic unit of life
DNA a giant molecule consisting of the sugar deoxyribose, phosphates, and nitrogen bases; contains the coded genetic information
homeostasis the maintenance of a constant internal body environment by an organism's body
metabolism all of the chemical reactions in the organism for maintenance of the processes of life
organelle a small structure within the cell that serves specialized functions