Running head: WHAT IS LIFE? 1

What is Life?

BIO 101

WHAT IS LIFE? 2

What is Life?

A scientist or teams of scientists use the scientific method to help them answer their

initial questions, through the use of examination, speculation, and logic scientists make their

final conclusions or findings. There are five steps of the scientific method. The first step is called

observation and research; this is where the object is observed and researched to better understand

the subject. The next step is called the hypothesis; which is based on examination and study of an

educated guess or probable explanation is formed. Prediction is the third step; this is where a

scientist will predict an outcome of the findings. The following step is called experimentation; in

this step the hypothesis is tested. The final step is the conclusion; which is the outcome or results

and how the findings compare against the hypothesis.

Chemistry in Biology

Biochemistry is the study of chemical processes in living organisms. Biochemistry

presides over every existing life form, organisms, and their development. Biochemical signaling

is used to manage the flow of information and chemical energy. A majority of biochemistry

focuses on the configuration and purpose of cellular mechanism such as carbohydrates, lipids,

proteins, nucleic and other biological molecules. It is the current focus mainly directed towards

pure biochemistry and understanding the developmental process of biological molecules.

Studying and understanding the manner take place inside living cells can lead to cures and

preventatives for ill health, disease, and addictions. These types of breakthroughs can also lead

to world peace or wars it all depends on how greedy man is.

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Energy Metabolism of Cells

Since birth the continual course of action in every living organism uses a chemical

reaction called metabolism. Without the energy metabolism of cells any living organism ceases

to exist or dies. On a cellular level metabolism is the gathering of chemical reactions which

occur within every living thing. Metabolism uses the food organisms eat and converts that fuel

into the get-up-and-go needed to function or accomplish life’s task. For example; the energy

collected from food allows us to talk, run, and dance, walk, and move, think, grow, and etcetera.

These chemical reactions are managed by different proteins located within the body, and a

metabolic reaction usually happens simultaneously and is synchronized by the body.

Structures and Functions of Different Cell Types

Every animal or plant has several different cells that have a function or purpose and make

up the basic control of the organism. In order to maintain the different function the energy

metabolism of the cell needs to continually take place. The most important function is the

production of proteins which controls and coordinates the chemical reactions involved in the

metabolism process.

Cell Types

Chavis (1999-2013) stated “There are different types of cells depending on the organism,

each with a distinct structure.” In nature there are two types of cells called eukaryotic and

prokaryotic. Prokaryotic do not have a nucleus or information center and act autonomously;

meaning they are their own organisms, while eukaryotic helps to make up and build up an

WHAT IS LIFE? 4

organism more advanced that are usually made up of a multitude of cells, and all cells have little

organs called organelles whose purpose is to keep the cell healthy.

Meaning of Life

Life is not simple and while something’s are still a mystery, through observation and

research, hypothesis, prediction, experimentation, and conclusion we have acquired a majority of

some knowledge. In the New King James Version of the Bible located in Psalms 139 verse

fourteen says “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;[b]Marvelous are Your

works, And that my soul knows very well.” Our bodies are made of several different cells some

have nucleus while others do not and just as our cells are designed from birth to keep us healthy

we need to work cohesively with our bodies to make sure it is getting the necessary fuel to help

us live each day.

WHAT IS LIFE? 5

Reference

Understanding and using the Scientific Method. (2006-2011). Retrieved from

http://www.sciencemadesimple.com/scientific_method.html

Biology. (2013). Retrieved from https://www.khanacademy.org/

What Is Metabolism? (1995-2013). Retrieved from

http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_body/body_basics/metabolism.html

Chavis, J. The Structure & Function of a Cell. (1990-2013).Retrieved from

http://www.ehow.com/about_5105947_structure-function-cell.html

Psalm 139 (New King James Version). (2010). Retrieved from

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+139&version=NKJV