LA CIENCIA

PAOLA ESCOBAR RAMOS

DOCENTE
paolaescobar@mail.uniatlantico.edu.co
 LA NATURALEZA DE LA
CIENCIA
• Una forma de investigar principios en orden

• Arte y filosofía

• Búsqueda del mundo natural, el universo físico.

• Valor central en la observación. Experimentación

• Acumulación de evidencias.
 LA CIENCIA
• Del latin: saber

• Forma de conocimiento

• Proceso de investigación

• Búsqueda de información, explicaciones,

respuestas a preguntas específicas

• Observaciones, hipótesis, test de predicciones

CARACTERÍSTICAS
DE LA VIDA
PAOLA ESCOBAR RAMOS
DOCENTE
paolaescobar@mail.uniatlantico.edu.co
 idly in response to the stimulus of a damselfly landing on it. Let’s begin our journey with a tour through the levels of the
(6) Regulation. Many types of mechanisms regulate an biological hierarchy.
organism’s internal environment, keeping it within limits
that sustain life. Pictured here is a typical lemur behavior How would you define life?
with a regulatory function—“sunbathing”—which helps ?in this module.
raise the animal’s body temperature on cold mornings. ● Life can be defined by a set of common properties such as those described

(1) Order

(3) Growth and

development

(4) Energy
processing

(2) Reproduction

(5) Response to the (7) Evolutionary

environment adaptation

(6) Regulation

! Figure 1.1 Some important properties of life

2 CHAPTER 1 Biology: Exploring Life

 VIDA: CONCEPTOS
CLAVES
• Temas de estudio en biología

Evolución

Transmisión de la información

Trasferencia de la energía

• Características de la vida

Estructura celular

Metabolismo y autoregulación

Reproducción
 ORGANIZACIÓN
BIOLÓGICA DE LA VIDA
KEY POINT This cladogram illustrates the evolutionary relationships among the three domains and among the major
groups of organisms that belong to these domains.

Domain Bacteria Domain Archaea Domain Eukarya

R. Robinson/Visuals Unlimited, Inc.

Laurie Campbell/Getty Images

David M. Phillips/Visuals Unl.
CNRI/Science Photo Library/

McMurray Photography
Photo Researchers, Inc.

John Arnaldi
1 μm 5 μm 10 μm

(a) The large, rod- (b) These archaea (c) These unicellular (d) Plants include (e) Among the fiercest (f) Mushrooms, such
shaped bacterium (Methanosarcina protozoa many beautiful and animals, lions as these fly agaric
Bacillus anthracis, a mazei ), members of (Tetrahymena) are diverse forms, such (Panthera leo) are also mushrooms (Amanita
member of domain the domain Archaea, classified in one of as the lady’s slipper among the most muscaria), are fungi.
Bacteria, causes produce methane. the protist groups. (Phragmipedium sociable. The largest The fly agaric is
anthrax, a disease caricinum). of the big cats, lions poisonous and causes
of cattle and sheep live in prides (groups). delirium, raving, and
that can infect profuse sweating
humans. when ingested.

Bacteria Archaea Protists Plants Animals Fungi

Common
ancestor of
all organisms

FIGURE 1-11 Animated A survey of the three domains of life

Biologists assign organisms to three domains and to several kingdoms and other groups. The protists do not
form a clade and are no longer considered a kingdom. They are assigned to five “supergroups” (not shown).
 of which includesMany multipleof the prokaryotes known as archaea live in Earth’s
kingdoms.

Coloriz
Bacteria are the most diverse and widespread prokaryotes.

Colorized SEM 6,000!

extreme environments, such as salty lakes and boiling hot
In the photo of bacteria in Figure 1.6, each of the rod-shaped
structures is asprings.
bacterial cell. Each round structure in the photo of archaea in Bacteria
Many of the Figure 1.6 is an archaeal cell.
prokaryotes known as archaea live in Earth’s
extreme environments, such as salty lakes and boiling hot
number
springs. Each round Allstructure
the eukaryotes,
in the photo oforganisms
Domain
archaea in with eukaryotic
Bacteria cells, are
ge.Figure
(We 1.6 grouped
willis an archaeal cell.in domain Eukarya. As you learned in Module 1.3,
Bacteria Domain Archaea
All the eukaryotes, organisms with eukaryotic cells, are
ea were eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and other internal structures
grouped in domain Eukarya. As you learned in Module 1.3,
Domain Archaea
nce indi- cells
eukaryotic called
have aorganelles.
nucleus and other internal structures
f life,
calledeach
organelles. Protists are a diverse collection of mostly single-celled
Protists are a diverse collection of mostly single-celled
organisms and organisms
some relatively and some
simple relatively
multicellular simple multicellular relatives.
relatives.
karyotes.

Colorized SEM 6,000!

Colorized SEM 7,700!

Pictured 1.6 is anin Figure of1.6 is aninassortment of protists in a drop

Colorized SEM 7,700!

Pictured in Figure assortment protists a drop
d-shaped
of pond water. Although protists were once placed in a single
of pond water. Although protists were once placed in a single
kingdom, it is now clear that they do not form a single natural
kingdom,
group of species.
n Earth’s Biologists it areis now clear
currently debating that
howthey
to splitdo not form a single natural
group
the protists into
g ary
hotrelationships.
groupsof species.
that accuratelyBiologists are currently Archaea
reflect their evolution- debating how to split
a in The three the protists
remaining groups
Bacteria
into groups
within Eukaryathat containaccurately
multi- reflect their evolution-
ary relationships.
cellular eukaryotes. These kingdoms are distinguished partly Domain EukaryaArchaea
ls,by their modes ofThe
are nutrition.
three Kingdom
remainingPlantae consists
plants, which produce their own food by photosynthesis.
groups of within Eukarya contain multi-
The Archaea
dule 1.3, cellular eukaryotes. These Domain
kingdoms are distinguished partly
representative of kingdom Plantae in Figure 1.6 is a tropical Domain Eukarya
uctures by their
bromeliad, a plant nativemodes of nutrition. Kingdom Plantae consists of
to the Americas.
Kingdom Fungi, represented by the mushrooms in Figure
plants,
1.6, is a diverse which
group, whose produce
members mostly their own the
decompose food by photosynthesis. The
elled
remains of dead representative
organisms and organic of kingdom
wastes andPlantae
absorb thein Figure 1.6 is a tropical
elatives.
nutrients intobromeliad,
their cells. a plant native to the Americas.

Colorized SEM 7,700!

a dropAnimals obtain food by ingestion, which means they eat
other organisms. Kingdom Fungi, represented
Representing kingdom Animalia, the sloth by the mushrooms in Figure
n ainsingle
Figure 1.6 1.6,
resides isinathe
diverse
trees of group,
Central and whose members mostly decompose the
South Ameri-
lecan
natural
rain forests. There are actually members of two other
in theremains
sloth photo.of dead
sloth organisms
is clinging to a and organic wastes and absorb the
LM 275!

owgroups
to split The tree (king-
dom Plantae),nutrients
and the greenish intotingetheir cells.
in the animal’s hair is a
volution-
luxuriant growth Animalsof photosynthetic prokaryotes (domain Protists (multiple kingdoms) Kingdom Plantae
Archaeaobtain food by ingestion, which means they eat
Bacteria). This photograph exemplifies a theme reflected in
ainourmulti- other
book’s title: organisms.
connections between Representing
living things. The sloth kingdom Animalia, the sloth
eddepends
partly on treesin Figure
for food and1.6shelter;
resides the in
treetheuses trees
Domain ofEukarya
nutrients Central and South Ameri-
from the decomposition of the sloth’s feces; the prokaryotes
of access tocan
stsgain rain forests.
necessaryThere are actually by liv-members of two other
LM 275!

the sunlight for photosynthesis

hesis.
ing onThe groups
the sloth; and thein theis sloth
sloth photo.
camouflaged fromThe sloth is clinging to a tree (king-
predators
by its
tropical green coat.
dom Plantae), and the greenish tinge in the animal’s hair is a
The diversity of life and its interconnectedness are evident Protists (multiple kingdoms) Kingdom Plantae
luxuriant
almost everywhere. Earlier growth
we looked of photosynthetic
at life’s unity in its shared prokaryotes (domain
n properties,
Figure two Bacteria).
basic types of This photograph
cell structure, and common exemplifies a theme reflected in
mpose the our book’s title: connections between living things. The sloth
genetic code. And now we have briefly surveyed its diversity.
In the next module, we explore how evolution explains both
bsorb the the diversityon
the unity anddepends trees for food and shelter; the tree uses nutrients
of life.
from the decomposition of the sloth’s feces; theFungi
Kingdom prokaryotes Kingdom Animalia
they
? eat
To which of the three domains of life do we belong?
TEMAS DE ESTUDIO EN LA
BIOLOGÍA
ORGANIZACIÓN BIOLÓGICA DE LA VIDA
Organism
Organ systems
work together
in a functional
organism.
Population
A population
consists of
organisms of the
Organism same species.

Population

Organ system Organ system

(e.g., skeletal
system) Tissues
and organs make Community
up organ systems. The populations
of different
species that
populate the
Organ Organ same area make
(e.g., bone) up a community.
Tissues form
organs.

Tissue Community
(e.g., bone tissue)
Cells associate Tissue Bone cells
to form tissues.

Nucleus
Cell
Cellular level
Ecosystem
Atoms and molecules
A community
make up the cytoplasm
together with
and form organelles,
the nonliving
such as the nucleus
environment
and mitochondria (the
forms an
site of many energy
ecosystem.
transformations). Organelle
Organelles perform Ecosystem
various functions
of the cell.

Chemical level Macromolecule Biosphere

Atoms join to form Earth and all of
molecules. Macro- its communities
Biosphere
molecules are large constitute the
molecules such as biosphere.
proteins and DNA. Oxygen atom
Hydrogen atoms
Molecule

Water

FIGURE 1-6 Animated The hierarchy of biological organization

 TEMAS DE ESTUDIO EN LA
BIOLOGÍA: Características de la vida
• Los seres vivos comparten propiedades comunes

• Célula

• Reproducción

• Crecimiento y desarrollo

• Transformación de la energía

• Respuesta a los estímulos

• Regulación

• Adaptación evolucionaria
 TEMAS DE ESTUDIO EN LA
BIOLOGÍA: Características de la vida
1.3 Cells are the structural and functional units of life
The cell has a special place in the hierarchy of biological Prokaryotic cell
organization. It is the level at which the properties of life
DNA
emerge—the lowest level of structure that can perform all Eukaryotic cell (no nucleus)
activities required for life. A cell can regulate its internal
environment, take in and use energy, respond to its en- Membrane
vironment, and develop and maintain its complex
organization. The ability of cells to give rise to new
cells is the basis for all reproduction and for the
growth and repair of multicellular organisms.
All organisms are composed of cells. They
occur singly as a great variety of unicellular
(single-celled) organisms, such as amoebas
• Célula, unidad
and most bacteria. And cells are the subunits
that make up multicellular organisms, such Organelles

básica y funcional
as lemurs and trees. Your body consists of
trillions of cells of many different kinds.
Nucleus
All cells share many characteristics. For ex-
de la vida
ample, every cell is enclosed by a membrane
that regulates the passage of materials between
(membrane-
enclosed)

the cell and its surroundings. And every cell uses DNA (throughout
DNA as its genetic information. There are two nucleus)

Colorized TEM 11,250!

basic types of cells. Prokaryotic cells were the
first to evolve and were Earth’s sole inhabitants
for about the first 1.5 billion years of life on Earth.
Fossil evidence indicates that eukaryotic cells
evolved about 2.1 billion years ago.
Figure 1.3 shows these two types of cells as artificially col-
! Figure 1.3 Contrasting the size and complexity of prokaryotic and
ored photographs taken with an electron microscope. A eukaryotic cells (shown here approximately 11,250 times their real
prokaryotic cell is much simpler and usually much smaller size)
than a eukaryotic cell. The cells of the microorganisms we call
bacteria are prokaryotic. Plants, animals, fungi, and protists are
all composed of eukaryotic cells. As you can see in Figure 1.3, generally fits function. A screwdriver tightens or loosens
 An animal’s wastes return other chemicals to the environment. of organization, to cells as the structural and functional u
Another vital part of the ecosystem includes the small ani- of life, to the exchange of matter and energy as organism
mals, fungi, and bacteria in the soil that decompose wastes and teract with their environment. In the next section, we be

TEMAS DE ESTUDIO EN LA
the remains of dead organisms. These decomposers act as recy-
clers, changing complex matter into simpler mineral nutrients
that plants can absorb and use.
our exploration of evolution, the core theme of biology.

? Explain how the photosynthesis of plants functions in

The dynamics of ecosystems include two major processes—
BIOLOGÍA: Características de la vida
the recycling of chemical nutrients and the flow of energy.
These processes are illustrated in Figure 1.4. The most basic
cycling of chemical nutrients and the flow of energy in
ecosystem.
ailable to most organisms.
chemicals necessary for life—carbon dioxide, oxygen, water, making it the pathway by which both chemical nutrients and energy
and various minerals—cycle within an ecosystem from the air
ynthesis uses light to convert carbon dioxide and water to energy-

Ecosystem

• Organismos O2 O2

interactúan con el Sunlight Heat

Producers Consumers
medio e (such as
plants)
(such as
animals)

intercambian Chemical energy

(food)
CO2 CO2
materia y energía
Water and minerals Cycling of Decomposers
taken up by tree roots chemical nutrients (in soil)

! Figure 1.4 The cycling of nutrients and flow of energy in an ecosystem

Themes in the Study of

 TEMAS DE ESTUDIO ENEvolution,
LA BIOLOGÍA: the Core Theme o
Características de
1.5 la
Thevida
unity of life is based on DNA a
All cells have DNA, and the continuity of life depends on this
EVOLUCION, EJE CENTRAL DE ESTUDIO EN BIOLOGIA universal genetic material.
Cells use proteins DNA
and many other ismolecules
types of the chemical
to com-
municate with one another. In a multicellular organism, cells pro-
substance of
genes, theduceunits ofcompounds,
chemical inheritance that that
such as hormones, transmit
signal other information from
cells. Hormones and other chemical messengers can signal cells in
parents todistant
offspring. Genes,
organs to secrete a particularwhich are orgrouped
required substance change into very long
some metabolic activity. In this way chemical signals help regulate
DNA molecules calledandchromosomes,
growth, development, also control all the activ
metabolic processes. The mechanisms

ities of a cell. The molecular structure of DNA accounts for

involved in cell signaling often involve complex biochemical

• Unidad de la vida, processes.

these functions. Let us explain:
of informationEach DNAof the im-molecule is made
Cell signaling is currently an area of intense research. A major
focus has been the transfer among cells
up of two promises
long chains coiled together into what is called a dou
mune system. A better understanding of how cells communicate

ADN ble helix. The

new insights into how the body protects itself against
chains are made up of four kinds of chemical
disease organisms. Learning to manipulate cell signaling may lead
to new methods of delivering drugs into cells and new treatments
building blocks.
for cancer andFigure 1.5 illustrates these four building
other diseases.
Some organisms use electrical signals to transmit information.
blocks, called nucleotides,
Most animals have nervous systems withthat transmit information by
way of both electrical impulses and chemical compounds known
different colors and ers. letter ab-transmitted from one part of
Código genético as neurotransmitt Information

Computer image of B-DNA by Geis/Stodola. Not to be reproduced without permission.

• the body to another is important in regulating life processes. In A
breviationscomplex
of their names.
animals, the nervous system gives the animal information
T
about its outside environment by transmitting signals from sen-
The right side of the
sory receptors such asfig-
the eyes and ears to the brain.
C G
ure showsanother.
a short section
Information must also be transmitted from one organism to
Mechanisms for this type of communication include the

of a DNA isms
double helix.of several typesCof communication
release of chemicals, visual displays, and sounds. Typically, organ-
G signals.
• Transmisión de la use a combination
A dog may signal aggression by growling, using a particular facial
expression, and laying its ears back. Many animals perform com-

información
plex courtship rituals in which they display parts of their bodies,
often elaborately decorated, to attract a mate.
A T A
Review
■ What is the function of DNA?
■ What are two examples of cell signaling? C G
FIGURE 1-7 DNA
DNA is the hereditary material that transmits information from one gen- T
eration to the next. As shown in this model, DNA is a macromolecule that
consists of two chains of atoms twisted into a helix. Each chain consists
1.5 THE ENERGY OF LIFE A T
of subunits called nucleotides. The sequence of nucleotides makes up the
genetic code. ■
■ LEARNING OBJECTIVE
5 Summarize the flow of energy through ecosystems and contrast the
C
roles of producers, consumers, and decomposers.
A T
Information is transmitted by chemical
Life depends on a continuous input of energy from the sun be-
and electrical signals cause every activity of a living cell or organism requires energy.
Genes control the development and functioning of every organism. Whenever energy is used to perform biological work, some is con-
The DNA that makes up the genes contains the “recipes” for mak- G dispersed into the environment.
verted to heat and G C
ing all the proteins required by the organism. Proteins are large Recall that all the energy transformations and chemical pro-
molecules important in determining the structure and function of cesses that occur within an organism are referred to as its me-
! Figure 1.5
cells and tissues. For example, brain cells differ from muscle cells The four
tabolism. Energy building
is necessary blocks
to carry on of DNA
the metabolic activities(left); part of a DNA
in large part because they have different types of proteins. Some essential for growth, repair, and maintenance. Each cell of an or-
proteins are important in communication within anddoubleamong cells.helixganism
(right)
requires nutrients that contain energy. During cellular
 cromosoma
(región nucleoide)
pared celular
membrana plasmática
ribosomas
cápsula
cromosoma
(región nucleoide)

pelo c)

ribosomas
gránulo de
b)
alimento
flagelo procariótico

cápsula o capa
mucilaginosa
pared celular

citosol membrana plasmática

plásmido (DNA)

membranas
a) fotosintéticas
d)
FIGURA 4-20 Células procarióticas
Las células procarióticas son más sencillas que las eucarióticas. Algunas, como las que se muestran en esta ilustración,
tienen forma de bastoncillos. b) Otras toman la forma de esferas o hélices. c) Una fotografía por TEM de una bacteria es-
férica con cápsula. d) Algunas bacterias fotosintéticas poseen membranas internas donde se efectúa la fotosíntesis.

son proteínas que se proyectan hacia fuera de la pared de la Las células procarióticas carecen de núcleo y de otros or-
 a) a)

b)
b) FIGURA 24-5 Peces cartilaginosos
a) Un tiburón tigre muestra varias hileras de dientes. Conforme los
FIGURA 24-4 Peces sin mandíbulas
dientes más externos se van perdiendo, son sustituidos por los
FIGURA 28-1 Flujo de energía, ci-
CALOR
clos de nutrimentos y relaciones
de alimentación en los ecosiste- productores
mas
Los nutrimentos, que se reciclan
continuamente, no entran ni salen
del ciclo. La energía, suministrada
Energía de
continuamente a los productores
la luz solar
en forma de luz solar, es captada en CALOR
enlaces químicos y transferida a lo
largo de varios niveles de organis-
mos. En cada nivel se pierde parte
de la energía en forma de calor.

NUTRIMENTOS
consumidores
primarios

comedores de detritos
y descomponedores

CALOR

energía solar

energía calorífica

energía almacenada
en enlaces químicos consumidores de
niveles más altos
nutrimentos

CALOR
 potheses based on past experience are that either the batteries in shown on the r
the flashlight are dead or the bulb is burned out. Each of these hy- more likely exp
potheses leads to predictions you can test with experiments or esis not by pro

MÉTODO CIENTÍFICO
further observations. For example, the dead-battery hypothesis through falsific
predicts that replacing the batteries with new ones will fix the the new bulb w
problem. Figure 1.9A diagrams this campground inquiry. pothesis beyon
exhaust all alte
ity by surviving
hypotheses are

• No existe un único método A Case Study

ence works, let
Observation The story b
tions. Many po
• No es rígido distinctive patt
ently says “dan
are also mimic
but are actually
observations is
• La ciencia no es errática es Question hypothesis is th
reduces the ha
In 2001, bio
metódica Hypothesis #1: Hypothesis #2: William Harco
Dead batteries Burned-out bulb designed an el
hypothesis tha
them with the
• Es la manera sistemática y Prediction:
Replacing batteries
Prediction:
Replacing bulb
the eastern cor
nating rings of
will fix problem. will fix problem. facing page). (
lógica para diseñar stinging, stabb
snakes. The pr
experimentos, recopilar trial and error
usually be dea
información, predecir y Experiment: Experiment:
the frequency
ance of the cor
The nonven
comprobar ideas. Test prediction by
replacing batteries.
Test prediction by
replacing bulb. coloration of th
snakes live in N
also found in r
The geogra
• Se de hallar respuestas a ble for the rese
hypothesis: M
predators, but
interrogantes que surgen de Test falsifies hypothesis.
Revise hypothesis or
Test does not falsify
hypothesis. Make additional Avoiding snak
pose new one. predictions and test them. predator popu
una observación. are present. Th
oration of cora
! Figure 1.9A An example of hypothesis-based science than will preda
MÉTODO CIENTÍFICO
OBSERVACIÓN

PREGUNTAS

HIPÓTESIS

PREDICCIÓN

EXPERIMENTACIÓN

Grupo control

Grupo experimental

ANÁLISIS DE RESULTADOS
OBSERVACIÓN
 HIPÓTESIS
Explicación tentativa o solución a una pregunta

Enunciado verificable susceptible de ser probado

Aunque la hipótesis pareciera ser una solución

razonable, no puede ser aceptada hasta que sea
probada

No hay reglas infalibles que garanticen el descubrimiento

o la aceptación de los hechos

Los científicos sobresalientes han creado su propio estilo

 EXPERIMENTACIÓN
Es una investigación conducida bajo condiciones muy
estrictas donde se controlan todas las variables menos la
que se quiere estudiar

Experimentar involucra modificación factores

Una variable es un evento o condición que está sujeta a

cambio.

Un experimento científico diseñado propiamente utiliza un

grupo control y un grupo experimental.

Diseño de una prueba

 GRUPOS: CONTROL Y
EXPERIMENTAL
El grupo control representa
la situación normal o natural

El grupo experimental es al
que se le aplica una variable

Es importante que se
puedan repetir

Con la repetición se puede

aceptar o rechazar una
hipótesis
 FIGURA E1-2 Viuda del paraíso macho

Observación: Las viudas del paraíso machos tienen colas extremadamente largas.

Pregunta de ¿Por qué los machos, y no las hembras, tienen colas tan largas?
investigación:

Hipótesis: Los machos tienen colas largas porque las hembras prefieren aparearse con machos de cola larga.

Predicción: Si las hembras prefieren a los machos de cola larga, los machos con la cola artificialmente
alargada atraerán más hembras.

Experimento

Dividir a los machos

en cuatro grupos.

FIGURA E1-2 Viuda del paraíso macho Manipular las colas

de los machos.
extremadamente largas.

en colas tan largas?

Variable Cortar la cola Añadir plumas

No Cortar y volver
modificar experimental: a la mitad de para aumentar
embras prefieren aparearse con machos de cola larga. a insertar su longitud
la cola. longitud al doble la
la cola.
de la cola original. longitud de la cola.
a larga, los machos con la cola artificialmente

Soltar a los Soltar a los Variables Soltar a los Soltar a los

machos, esperar machos, esperar controladas: machos, esperar machos, esperar
una semana una semana lugar, estación, una semana una semana
y contar los nidos. y contar los nidos. tiempo, clima y contar los nidos. y contar los nidos.
machos
upos.

Aproximadamente Aproximadamente Aproximadamente Aproximadamente

un nido en un nido en Resultados medio nido en dos nidos en
promedio promedio promedio promedio
colas por macho. por macho. por macho. por macho.
hos.
Grupos de control Grupos experimentales

Conclusión: Se apoya la hipótesis de que las viudas del paraíso prefieren aparearse con machos de cola larga
(y evitan el apareamiento con machos de cola corta).
e Cortar la cola Añadir plumas
ntal: a la mitad de para aumentar FIGURA E1-3 Los experimentos de Malte Andersson
d su longitud al doble la
original. longitud de la cola.