“The incredible thing about living systems is that no matter how small the view, it is just as
complicated as ever.” What does the author mean by this? Describe some of the
complexity at the cellular or molecular level.
An electron microscope is a microscope capable of observing the smallest things on earth. This microscope uses a beam of electrons in order to create an image of the specimen being observed. It has much high concentrations than that of a light microscope, being able to see the specimen in much finer detail. When the author mentions the complexity of living systems, even if the system is as small as virus, the author means that living organisms, whether they’re visible or non-visible, they contain their own complex functions that help contribute to the organism’s entire living system. For instance, plants produce glucose and release oxygen, when taking in carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight. This is the overall picture; however at the cellular level, other processes are occurring (for example: photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and transpiration, etc). Each of these processes has different functions (for example: Glycolysis, Krebs’s Cycle, ETC, Photo system II/I, Calvin Cycle, etc), but they all work together. These processes can’t be seen with the naked eye, but they are happening in each plant cell in the entire world. Another way to think about the complexity of tiny living system is a “cell [is] a world down there… (some) specs could be towns… (and) forms and shapes [could resemble] rivers and streams and oxbow lakes” (Preston 116-117). If one step of a living system goes wrong, then the whole living system doesn't function; that is how complex organisms are, and not only plants, but also living organisms that can either be seen by the naked eye or by an electron microscope.
Preston, R. (1994). The Hot Zone. New York: Random House.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAn electron microscope is a microscope capable of observing the smallest things on earth. This microscope uses a beam of electrons in order to create an image of the specimen being observed. It has much high concentrations than that of a light microscope, being able to see the specimen in much finer detail. When the author mentions the complexity of living systems, even if the system is as small as virus, the author means that living organisms, whether they’re visible or non-visible, they contain their own complex functions that help contribute to the organism’s entire living system. For instance, plants produce glucose and release oxygen, when taking in carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight. This is the overall picture; however at the cellular level, other processes are occurring (for example: photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and transpiration, etc). Each of these processes has different functions (for example: Glycolysis, Krebs’s Cycle, ETC, Photo system II/I, Calvin Cycle, etc), but they all work together. These processes can’t be seen with the naked eye, but they are happening in each plant cell in the entire world. Another way to think about the complexity of tiny living system is a “cell [is] a world down there… (some) specs could be towns… (and) forms and shapes [could resemble] rivers and streams and oxbow lakes” (Preston 116-117). If one step of a living system goes wrong, then the whole living system doesn't function; that is how complex organisms are, and not only plants, but also living organisms that can either be seen by the naked eye or by an electron microscope.
ReplyDeletePreston, R. (1994). The Hot Zone. New York: Random House.