Scientific Foundations of the Universe and Human Life

Scientific Hypotheses and the Universe

Understanding Scientific Hypotheses

What are hypotheses? They are assumptions considered correct at the start that could solve the problem posed, even without initial verification.

How can you tell if a hypothesis is true? By using the deductive process and experimental design.

Can they be refuted over time? Yes, because their acceptance depends on whether new experiences appear to contradict them.

The Infinite and Static Universe Model

In this model, the Earth and the planets revolve around the Sun. The universe is made up of an infinite number of stars. The gravitational attraction between these infinite stars is kept in a state of equilibrium of forces.

The Formation and Expansion of the Universe

How was the universe formed? It was formed millions of years ago in a large initial explosion. Was the universe infinite? It was very small, dense, and at a high temperature.

Which atoms were formed in greater quantity? Hydrogen and helium, which are the simplest and smallest atoms.

What happened to the temperature as the universe expanded? It largely cooled down as the universe grew.

Nuclear Fusion and the Life Cycle of Stars

What are composite atoms in fusion reactions? Two hydrogen atoms. What kind of atom is obtained? Helium. What happens when hydrogen is exhausted? That would end the life cycle of the star.

The Nebular Hypothesis and Sun Formation

According to the nebular hypothesis, how did the Sun form? Matter began to form in the solar nebula.

Bioelements and Biomolecules in Living Things

Primary Bioelements and Biomolecules

Bioelements: The set of elements that are part of living beings. Biomolecules: Molecules that make up living things.

Inorganic and Organic Biomolecules

• Inorganic:
  • Water: It dissolves and carries substances.
  • Mineral salts: They form structures such as bone.
• Organic:
  • Carbohydrates: Acting as an energy reserve.
  • Lipids: They serve as energy reserves and also perform structural functions.
  • Proteins: They regulate the metabolism and transport substances.
  • Nucleic acids: They contain genetic information.

Environmental Health and Infectious Diseases

Factors Influencing Health

What are the environmental factors that influence health? Chemical factors, psychological factors, and social factors.

Influenza and the Stages of Disease

What kind of illness is influenza? It is an infectious disease.

Stages:

• Transmission: The transmission may be direct or indirect.
• Incubation: The agent multiplies and spreads through the body.
• Development: Symptoms appear.
• Convalescence: The body recovers from the disease.

Defining Deficiency, Disability, and Incapacity

• Deficiency: An injury of a psychological, physiological, or anatomical nature.
• Disability: A decrease in the capacity to perform an activity caused by a deficiency.
• Incapacity: A disadvantage caused by a disability.

Genetics and the Human Genome Project

Genes, Genomes, and Scientific Research

Gene: The basic unit of heredity in living beings. Genome: The set of genes of an organism.

What is the Human Genome Project? It consists of locating and sequencing all the genes that constitute the human genome.

What ratio does the health project have? It provides detailed information about the structure, organization, and function of a complete set of human genes.

Ethical Issues in Genomic Research

Key ethical issues include human dignity, the human rights of individuals, investigation of the human genome, and the conditions for scientific activities.