Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

1. Introduction to Biology

Characteristics of Life

General Biology

1. Introduction to Biology

Characteristics of Life

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1:51 minutes

Problem 5

Textbook Question

Which of the following best demonstrates the unity among all living organisms?
a. Structure correlated with function
b. DNA and a common genetic code
c. Emergent properties
d. Natural selection

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of 'unity among all living organisms,' which refers to the shared characteristics that connect all forms of life despite their diversity.

Review the options provided: (a) structure correlated with function, (b) DNA and a common genetic code, (c) emergent properties, and (d) natural selection.

Analyze option (a): 'Structure correlated with function' refers to how biological structures are designed to perform specific functions, but this concept does not directly highlight the unity among all living organisms.

Analyze option (b): 'DNA and a common genetic code' is a fundamental feature shared by all living organisms, as the genetic code is universal and used by all life forms to store and transmit genetic information.

Compare the remaining options (c and d): 'Emergent properties' describe how complex systems arise from simpler components, and 'natural selection' explains the mechanism of evolution, but neither directly demonstrates the unity among all living organisms as clearly as the shared genetic code in option (b).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Unity of Life

The unity of life refers to the shared characteristics and common ancestry of all living organisms. Despite the vast diversity in form and function, all life on Earth shares fundamental biological processes and structures, indicating a common origin. This concept underscores the interconnectedness of life and is foundational in understanding evolutionary biology.

DNA and Genetic Code

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the hereditary material in all living organisms, containing the instructions for development, functioning, growth, and reproduction. The universal genetic code, which dictates how sequences of nucleotides in DNA are translated into proteins, is remarkably consistent across different species. This commonality in genetic coding is a key piece of evidence for the unity of life.

Natural Selection

Natural selection is a mechanism of evolution proposed by Charles Darwin, where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce more successfully. This process leads to the gradual evolution of species and highlights the diversity of life. However, it also emphasizes the shared ancestry of organisms, as all species evolve from common ancestors through this process.

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