Characteristics of Living Things

Homeostasis
Organization
Energy transduction
Metabolism
Growth
Response to Stimuli
Adaptation
Reproduction

Entropy Things naturally tends toward disorder

Life A balancing act?

Life exists in disequilibrium with the physical environment state of constant

tension with its physical surroundings
Constraints and Solutions Physical properties of the environment and
biological materials

Cell Theory
Three critical components:
1. All living things are composed of cells
2. The cell is structural and functional unit of living cells
3. All cells from division of pre-existing cells;
i.e., spontaneous generation does not occur
Implications
The cells is structural and functional unit of living things:

Each cell carries the full complement of species hereditary

information.
This cell uses this direct:
o Interactions with its environment;
o Construction of new cells in its image
Somatic mitosis (Asexual)
Gametic meiosis (Sexual)

Cell Size

The lower limit of cell size is determined by the smallest volume into which
the essential components may be fitted in order for cell integrity & function
to be perpetuated

The upper limit is determined by several factors:

Universal Features of Cells

1.
2.
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7.
8.

All cells store their hereditary info in the same linear chemical code (DNA)
All cells replicate their hered. Info. By template polymerization.
All cells transcribe portions of their hered.
5
The fragment of genetic info. Corresponding to one protein is one gene
All ells use protein as catalysts
All cells function as biochemical factories
Dealing with the same basic molecular building blocks
a. Life requires free energy
9. All cells are enclosed in a plasma membrane across which nutrients and
waste materials must pass
Cell Function

As a self-perpetuating system, the cell must have appropriate mechansms to

optimize its functioning through the management of the:
1. Flow of energy
2. Flow of information

Energy Requirement

Typres of work at the cellular level

1. Chemical Work
a. Synthesis of cellular material
b. Cell replication
c. Repair & replacement of cellular components
2. Osmotic Work
a. Control of appropriate concentration gradients within the cell & in
relation to its environment
3. Electrical Work
a. Movement of charged particles across membranes
b. Nerve impluses
4. Mechanical Work
a. Cell Movement
i. Cilia, flagella, cyclosis, movements involved with cell division
5. Regulatory Work
a. Regulation of synthesis & interaction between macromolecules
b. Entropy-decreasing mechanisms

Heteroses

Cocci (coccus( spherical)

Bacilli (bacillus) rod shaped
Spirilla (spirillum): spiral shaped (a.k.a., spirochates)