BIOL 301 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Cell Membrane, Endoplasmic Reticulum, Cell Envelope
Document Summary
A high degree of chemical complexity and microscopic organization. Defined functions for each of an organism"s components and regulated systems for extracting, transforming, and using energy from environment interactions among them. Mechanisms for sensing and responding to alterations in their surroundings. A capacity for precise self-replication and self-assembly. A capacity to change over time by gradual evolution. Still: it is difficult to make generalizations abt living organisms. Biochem describes in molecular terms the structures, mechanisms, and chemical processes shared by all organisms and provides organizing principles - the molecular logic of life. Cells are the structural and functional units of all living organisms. Lower limit set by min number of each type of biomolecule required by the cell. Upper limit set by rate of diffusion of solute molecules in aqueous. There are 3 distinct domains of life systems. Two large groups of single celled microorganisms. Bacteria - inhabit soils, surface waters, and the tissues of other living/decaying organisms.
