Lesson 1: Levels of Organization and Microscopy

The Different Levels of Biological Organization

1. Subatomic Particles are the particles (Protons, Neutrons, and Electrons) that composed an
atom. Protons are positively charged, neutrons no charge, electron negatively charge.
2. Atom is the smallest unit of matter that possesses physical and chemical properties. Matter
that is composed of only one kind of atom is called element.
3. Molecule consists of two or more atoms that are chemically bonded together.
4. Organelles are highly organized assemblies of several macromolecules bonded together to
perform specific number on the cell.
5. Cell is a collection of organelles that are functioning together. It is considered as the basic unit
of life that is capable in carrying out the function of living things. Cells have varied sizes and
shape.
6. Tissue is a group of distinct and similar cells that work together to perform specific set of
function. Examples are epithelial, connective, muscular, and nervous tissues.
7. Organ consist of different tissues organized together to perform a certain function. Example,
the heart is made up of different tissues that enables it to perform the task of pumping blood to
all parts of the body.
8. Organ system. Consists of several different organs that work together to perform a broad
spectrum of functions. Example, excretory system, nervous system, etc.
9. Organism. Collection of different organ systems that work together to bring about various life
activities. An organism is an individual belonging to a particular species that has its own
distinct existence as a complex, self-reproducing unit.
10. Population. Group of organisms of the same species occupying any given area. These
organisms freely interact with one another. Populations are sometimes associated into small
groups- a pack of wolves, pride of lions, town of squirrels, heard of cattle, and colony of ants.
11. Community. Consists of all populations of different species of organisms living together in a
given area.
12. Ecosystem. Consists of all community of organisms (biotic components) that inhabit the same
area, as well as the nonliving (or abiotic) components of the area and the set of interactions
that exist between the two components.
13. Biomes. Pertains to a collection of ecosystems with similar climates and covering a large
geographical area.
14. Biosphere. Consists of the totality of ecosystems on planet Earth. It is also referred to as world
of life.