Textbook Question
Which of the following is a major functional characteristic of all organisms?
a. Movement
b. Growth
c. Metabolism
d. Responsiveness
e. All of these
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Ch. 1 The Human Body: An Orientation
Marieb, Hoehn11th EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136874034
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 The Human Body: An Orientation24
- Ch. 2 Chemistry Comes Alive25
- Ch. 3 Cells: The Living Units21
- Ch. 4 Tissue: The Living Fabric20
- Ch. 5 The Integumentary System11
- Ch. 6 Bones and Skeletal Tissues19
- Ch. 7 The Skeleton14
- Ch. 8 Joints7
- Ch. 9 Muscles and Muscle Tissue26
- Ch. 10 The Muscular System26
- Ch. 11 Fundamentals of the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue19
- Ch. 12 The Central Nervous System26
- Ch. 13 The Peripheral Nervous System and Reflex Activity32
- Ch. 14 The Autonomic Nervous System19
- Ch. 15 The Special Senses26
- Ch. 16 The Endocrine System23
- Ch. 17 Blood25
- Ch. 18 The Cardiovascular System: The Heart24
- Ch. 19 The Cardiovascular System: Blood Vessels27
- Ch. 20 The Lymphatic System and Lymphoid Organs and Tissues14
- Ch. 21 The Immune System: Innate and Adaptive Body Defenses27
- Ch. 22 The Respiratory System21
- Ch. 23 The Digestive System31
- Ch. 24 Nutrition, Metabolism, and Energy Balance26
- Ch. 25 The Urinary System26
- Ch. 26 Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance24
- Ch. 27 The Reproductive System24
- Ch. 28 Pregnancy and Human Development25
- Ch. 29 Heredity11
Marieb, Hoehn11th EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136874034Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 1, Problem 2
The structural and functional unit of life is:
a. A cell
b. An organ
c. The organism
d. A molecule
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the question is asking for the basic unit that serves both structural and functional roles in living organisms.
Recall that in biology, the cell is known as the fundamental unit of life because it carries out all necessary functions to sustain life and forms the building blocks of all living things.
Consider the other options: an organ is made up of tissues, an organism is a complete living being, and a molecule is a chemical structure, not a living unit.
Recognize that the cell is the smallest unit capable of performing all life processes, such as metabolism, growth, and reproduction.
Conclude that the correct answer is the cell, as it is the structural and functional unit of life.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Cell as the Structural Unit of Life
The cell is considered the basic structural unit of all living organisms. It forms the building blocks of life, providing the framework for tissues and organs. Every living thing is composed of one or more cells, which maintain the organism's structure.
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Elements of Life
Cell as the Functional Unit of Life
Cells perform essential life functions such as metabolism, energy production, and reproduction. They carry out biochemical processes necessary for survival, making them the fundamental functional units in biology.
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05:33Cell Junctions
Hierarchy of Biological Organization
Biological systems are organized hierarchically from molecules to cells, tissues, organs, and organisms. Understanding this hierarchy helps distinguish why cells, not organs or molecules, are the basic units of life.
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06:49Biological Membranes
Related Practice
Textbook Question
The correct sequence of levels forming the structural hierarchy is:
a. Organ, organ system, cellular, chemical, tissue, organismal
b. Chemical, cellular, tissue, organismal, organ, organ system
c. Chemical, cellular, tissue, organ, organ system, organismal
d. Organismal, organ system, organ, tissue, cellular, chemical
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Textbook Question
In (a)–(e), a directional term [e.g., distal in (a)] is followed by terms indicating different body structures or locations (e.g., the elbow/wrist). In each case, choose the structure or organ that matches the given directional term.
a. Distal: the elbow/the wrist
b. Lateral: the hip bone/the umbilicus
c. Superior: the nose/the chin
d. Anterior: the toes/the heel
e. Superficial: the scalp/the skull
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Textbook Question
Two of these organ systems bear the major responsibility for ensuring homeostasis of the internal environment. Which two?
a. Nervous system
b. Digestive system
c. Cardiovascular system
d. Endocrine system
e. Reproductive system
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