Question

Which of the following is not a key property of life? (a) the maintenance of order in living cells; (b) the ability to evolve over time; (c) the ability to violate the second law of thermodynamics.

Short answer

Option (c) is not a key property of life because it contradicts scientific principles.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Question

The question asks which option does not represent a key property of life. We need to evaluate each option to determine if they are generally considered essential to life or contradicts biological principles.

Option (a): The Maintenance of Order in Living Cells

Living organisms maintain internal order by organizing molecules and structures within cells. This is a fundamental property of life because it enables complex biological processes. Therefore, maintenance of order is an essential property of life.

Option (b): The Ability to Evolve Over Time

Evolution is a core concept in biology, explaining the adaptation and survival of organisms over generations. This property is fundamental to life as it underscores the diversity and adaptability of living organisms.

Option (c): The Ability to Violate the Second Law of Thermodynamics

The second law of thermodynamics states that systems naturally tend towards disorder (increased entropy). Living organisms do consume energy to maintain order, but they do not violate this law. Instead, they increase entropy in the surroundings to sustain their order. Thus, violating this law is not a property of life.

Determining the Odd One Out

Comparing all options, options (a) and (b) are indeed properties of life, while option (c) contradicts fundamental scientific principles. Therefore, option (c) is not a key property of life.

Key concepts

Biological Principles

Biological principles are foundational concepts that help us understand how life operates. These principles define what it means to be alive and include a range of properties shared by all living organisms.
One of the key principles is the maintenance of order within living cells.

• Cells contain intricate systems and structures that organize molecules effectively, allowing various metabolic activities essential for life.
• This order is crucial for processes like DNA replication, cellular respiration, and protein synthesis.

Another important principle is the ability of organisms to evolve over time, ensuring that they adapt to changing environments. Evolution results in the diversity of species and enables organisms to survive and thrive in different conditions.
These principles are vital in differentiating between living and non-living entities, guiding us in the study of life sciences activities.

Thermodynamics in Biology

Thermodynamics is a branch of physics that deals with energy transformations. In biology, it explains how living organisms use and convert energy.
The second law of thermodynamics states that in any energy transfer, the system will tend toward increasing disorder or entropy.
Living organisms seem to maintain order in their cells, which might appear to violate this law. However, they do not breach thermodynamic principles. Instead:

• Organisms consistently take in energy from their environment (e.g., through food or sunlight).
• They use this energy to fuel their bodily processes and maintain internal order.
• In doing so, they release energy back into their environment, often as heat, thereby increasing the surrounding entropy.

This way, life sustains itself without defying the laws of thermodynamics, illustrating the balance of energy management and order maintenance in living systems.

Evolution in Biology

Evolution is a process by which species adapt over time through changes in their genetic makeup. This is a fundamental aspect of life, contributing to both diversity and the survival of organisms.
It works through mechanisms such as natural selection, where beneficial traits become more common in successive generations.

• Through evolution, organisms can become better suited to their environments, enhancing their chances of survival and reproduction.
• Genetic variations occur due to mutations, gene flow, and genetic drift, providing the raw material for evolution.

Evolutionary biology helps us understand the history of life on Earth and the relationships among different life forms. It is an essential concept because it underscores how species can continue to exist and adapt in a rapidly changing world.
Overall, evolution not only provides insights into the past but also offers predictions about how species might continue to change over time.