The exploration of life science starts with the study of microbes. Microbes science fair projects can be completed to get a deeper understanding of some of the smallest life forms on the planet. You can find more information about life science projects at Super Science Fair Projects.
Science is the systematic examining of the physical and chemical components and processes that make up the universe. This broad field is broken up into multiple fields of study. One of the primary fields of study in science is life science.
What Is Life Science?
Life science is the study of what it means to be "alive." The definition for "life," as provided by the Merriam-Webster diction is "an organismic state characterized by capacity for metabolism, growth, reaction to stimuli, and reproduction." When studying life science you will examine each of these components.
Metabolism
Metabolism is a chemical process that transforms raw materials into energy. While the generation of energy can be created by inorganic processes, organic metabolism is unique in that it is done in a somewhat controlled system that continuously takes specific raw materials, breaks them down into chemicals and initiates chemcial reactions in order to create energy that can be utilized by the cells in an organism to complete the functions that are required for life.
Growth
Growth is the process of adding on to a base. Growth can be related to every part of an organism from individual cells to complete organ systems. Growth is usually characterized by increased dimensions of cells, systems or a body. Growth occurs in systematic stages and ends at the death of a cell or of the organism. Growth is fueled by hormones and nutrition.
Reaction to Stimuli
While some of the characteristics of life can also be applied to inorganic elements, the reaction to stimuli is one that cannot. All life forms are able to react to a stimuli, even plants. Plants react to the position of the sun, to temperature changes and even to physical stimulation. They react by moving to face the sun, by opening its flower and by initiating chemical responses.
Animals react to stimuli in a more intelligent manner. Since they are not rooted to the ground, animals are able to move to investigate a stimuli or to move away from a stimuli. They can also touch, taste and visually inspect stimuli. Finally, they can change their behavior as a response to a stimuli.
Reproduction
The final characteristic of life is the ability to reproduce. Reproduction can be accomplished in several ways. The more advanced and complex the organism the more advanced and complex their reproductive means seem to be. For example, single cell organisms usually reproduce by cellular division. Mammals, on the other hand, reproduce sexually. Furthermore, humans utilize selective sexual reproduction, which means that they consciously control how many offspring they have and with whom they partner with to have offspring.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Chemistry and Goals of Chemists
- HSC Chemistry
- On Line Chemistry Degrees are Vital Career in Pharmaceuticals
- What is Chemistry and How to Tame It?
- Mathematics in Physics and Chemistry
- 10 Things you Didn’t Know About North West Science and Technology
- Contributions of Ancient Arabian and Egyptian Scientists on Chemistry
- A Look At Four Incredibly Fun Toys That Help Encourage Kids To Love Science
Protein and planning your diabetic meals
By: anthony turner | 04/12/2009Protein and planning your meals: The vast majority of people in the US eat more protein than the daily recommended amount. The primary sources are meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products like milk.
How to write an essay and application essay straightforward
By: Mike Miller | 04/12/2009Many of us don’t know the importance of essay writing. It is very essential to prove one’s language and climb up the career ladder line.
How Solar Water Heaters Work?
By: Dave Stilman | 04/12/2009Solar water heater can be a cost effective solution to generate hot water at home, while making use of a natural free resource, the sun. The solar water heating systems basically include storage tanks and solar collectors. How these two combination work together to heat up and generate hot water at home?
Pulse and Amount of Movement
By: Carlos Duarte | 03/12/2009Pulse and Amount of Movement: Definitions, Theorem of the Pulse, Theorem of the conservation of the amount of movement, Phenomena that find explanation in the theorem of the amount of movement - the) it collides mechanical.
BASE OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY – KIRTI NIRALWAD
By: Kirti Niralwad | 03/12/2009Chemists of the period noted that there seemed to be an essential yet inexplicable difference between the properties of the two different types of compounds. The vital force theory (sometimes called "vitalism") was therefore proposed (and widely accepted) as a way to explain these differences. Vitalism proposed that there was something called a "vital force" which existed within organic material but did not exist in any inorganic materials.
What must be present on a Canadian Consumer CCCR Label?
By: Editor123 | 03/12/2009All hazardous chemical products sold in Canada within the consumer/retail market are included under the Consumer Chemicals and Containers Regulations (CCCR), 2001.
How do I avoid stress cracks when bonding plastics?
By: Rebecca Wilmot | 03/12/2009Stress cracks occur when the short-term mechanical strength of a plastic is subjected to adverse forces. Reducing or preventing stress cracks is accomplished with a careful design of compatible substrates and consistent manufacturing and assembly processes. There are several areas to consider when looking for the cause of stress cracks in plastic components.
How Has Science Affected Sports?
By: Madeline Binder | 28/11/2009 | EducationScience has had a major impact on the world of sports. In fact, science has reformatted the way in which games are trained for, the way that they are played and the way that they are viewed. Sports have become so dependent on science that sports have become its own...
How Has Warfare Been Changed by Science and Technology?
By: Madeline Binder | 28/11/2009 | EducationWarfare is an element of the human experience since the beginning of time. While warfare is a destructive force, it also is a very creative force as many technologies have been developed as a result of the need to win a war. As new technologies developed so did warfare. Simple Tools The...
Is Sociology a Science?
By: Madeline Binder | 28/11/2009 | EducationScience has been defined by the Merriam Webster dictionary as "knowledge obtained through study or practice." Using this definition sociology can be classified as a science as it is a field of study that has been developed to obtain knowledge about society and human social behaviors through the study of...
What Jobs Can I Get With a Bachelors of Science Degree?
By: Madeline Binder | 11/11/2009 | ScienceStarting a career in science doesn't have to wait until you have a PhD. There are many jobs in science that only require a bachelors of science degree.
What Is a Control in a Science Experiment?
By: Madeline Binder | 11/11/2009 | ScienceA control experiment is a required component of a science fair project. It is used to create a baseline of data from which comparisons are made.
How to Write a Reflection in a Science Notebook
By: Madeline Binder | 11/11/2009 | ScienceCollecting data requires the young scientist to keep a science journal or a science notebook. Learn how to write a reflection entry in your notebook.
What Is a Science Fair Project?
By: Madeline Binder | 11/11/2009 | ScienceScience fair projects are a critical learning opportunity that should not be missed. They give students the chance to explore science with a freedom that will not be replicated until college.