All the properties of a given system cannot be determined or explained by its component parts alone
Reductionism
The reduction of complex systems to simple components that are more manageble to study
Prokaryotic Cell
Do not have a nucleus; includes cells such as bacteria and cynabacteria. Genetic info is in a circular loop/plasmid. Very small 3 major shapes: Rod; spherical;Spiral. They divide by binary fission.