Practical Biology

Assist. Lecturer: Shaimaa Mohammed Ali Wtwt

Lab (1):

The word biology is derived from the Greek words /bios/ meaning /life/
and /logos/ meaning /study/ and is defined as the science of life and living
organisms. An organism is a living entity consisting of one cell e.g.
bacteria, or several cells e.g. animals, plants and fungi.

Biological science range from the study of molecular mechanisms in

cells, to the classification and behaviour of organisms, how species
evolve and interaction between ecosystems.

The characteristics of living things:

All living things share life processes such as growth and reproduction.
Most scientists use seven life processes or characteristics to determine
whether something is living or non-living.

1. Are made up of cells:

A. Unicellular : organisms that are made of only one cell.

B. Multicellular : organisms that are made of more than one cell.

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Practical Biology
Assist. Lecturer: Shaimaa Mohammed Ali Wtwt

2. Reproduce to produce new organisms:

 Asexual Reproduction: A single parent organism reproducing

by itself

 Sexual Reproduction: Two different parent organisms

contribute genetic information.

3. Obtain and Use Energy: Living organisms need energy to grow,

develop, repair damage, and reproduce.
 Anabolism: The process of building up complex substances
from simpler substances.
 Building up cells and cellular components.
 Photosynthesis.

 Catabolism: The process of breaking down complex

substances into simpler substances to release energy.

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Practical Biology
Assist. Lecturer: Shaimaa Mohammed Ali Wtwt

 Digestion.
 Cellular Respiration.

 Metabolism: The total of all chemical reactions in an organism

Anabolism + Catabolism = Metabolism

4. Maintain Homeostasis: A stable state of conditions in the body

that are necessary for life.
 Body temperature.
 Blood volume.
 pH balance.
 Water balance.

5. Respond to Their Environment: An example is a plant’s leaves and

stems growing toward light:
 Light.
 Temperature.
 Odor.
 Sound.
 Gravity.
 Water.
 Pressure.

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Practical Biology
Assist. Lecturer: Shaimaa Mohammed Ali Wtwt

6. Grow: Growth means to get bigger in size.

7. Develop: Development involves a change in the physical form or
physiological make-up of an organism.
8. All Living Things Adapt to Their environment through evolution.

Adaptation
 A process that enables organisms to become better suited to
their environment.
An Example of Adaptation:

Desert plants have waxy leaves and stems to store water and
reduce water loss