Organization of Life. Levels of Organization The different branches of biology can be classified based on different levels of complexity Each “level”

Organization of Life

Levels of Organization

• The different branches of biology can be classified based on different levels of complexity

• Each “level” is made up of smaller component, and usually contributes to a larger system.

Levels- smallest to biggest

1. Molecules- groups of atoms; the smallest unit of most chemical compounds

2. Cells- smallest functional unit of life. Basic units of structure and function.

3. Tissues- composed of specialized cells which perform a specific function– Ex. Blood, muscle, nerve

Levels of Structural Organization

Figure 1.1, step 1

Molecules

Atoms

Chemical levelAtoms combine toform molecules

Levels of Structural Organization

Figure 1.1, step 2

Smooth muscle cellMolecules

AtomsCellular levelCells are made up of molecules

Chemical levelAtoms combine toform molecules

Levels of Structural Organization

Figure 1.1, step 3

Smooth muscle cellMolecules

Atoms

Smoothmuscletissue

Cellular levelCells are made up of molecules

Tissue levelTissues consist ofsimilar types of cells

Chemical levelAtoms combine toform molecules

Levels- smallest to biggest

4. Organs- groups of specialized tissues that perform a specific function

– Ex. Heart, brain, liver, skin

5. Organ Systems- consist of different organs that work together to perform a specific function

– Ex. Digestive, nervous

6. Organism- any single living thing

Levels of Structural Organization

Figure 1.1, step 4

Smooth muscle cellMolecules

Atoms

Smoothmuscletissue

Epithelialtissue

Smoothmuscletissue

Connectivetissue

Bloodvessel(organ)

Cellular levelCells are made up of molecules

Tissue levelTissues consist ofsimilar types of cells

Organ levelOrgans are made upof different typesof tissues

Chemical levelAtoms combine toform molecules

Levels of Structural Organization

Figure 1.1, step 5

Smooth muscle cellMolecules

Atoms

Smoothmuscletissue

Epithelialtissue

Smoothmuscletissue

Connectivetissue

Bloodvessel(organ)

Cardio-vascularsystem

Cellular levelCells are made up of molecules

Tissue levelTissues consist ofsimilar types of cells

Organ levelOrgans are made upof different typesof tissues

Organ system levelOrgan systems consist of differentorgans that work together closely

Chemical levelAtoms combine toform molecules

Levels of Structural Organization

Figure 1.1, step 6

Smooth muscle cellMolecules

Atoms

Smoothmuscletissue

Epithelialtissue

Smoothmuscletissue

Connectivetissue

Bloodvessel(organ)

Cardio-vascularsystem

Cellular levelCells are made up of molecules

Tissue levelTissues consist ofsimilar types of cells

Organ levelOrgans are made upof different typesof tissues

Organ system levelOrgan systems consist of differentorgans that work together closely

Organismal levelHuman organismsare made up of manyorgan systems

Chemical levelAtoms combine toform molecules

Getting Bigger…• Population: Organisms of a species interact to

form a population– Species: group of similar organisms that are capable

of interbreeding to produce fertile offspring.

• Community: Populations of different species that live together in an area create a community.

• Ecosystem: The community and it’s non-living environment make up an ecosystem.