Biology

Cells are the fundamental units of life and all organisms are made up of cells. Cells process hereditary information encoded in genes through transcription and translation, leading to the synthesis of proteins that carry out various functions in the organism.

Evolution is crucial in explaining how all living organisms are related through a common ancestor and how they have diversified into various forms over time. It accounts for the unity and diversity of life by providing a framework for understanding the similarities and differences among species.

Energy processing allows organisms to carry out essential functions such as movement, growth, and reproduction. Organisms acquire and utilize energy to maintain their biological processes and sustain life.

Studying life at multiple levels of organization allows biologists to gain a comprehensive understanding of living systems, from the molecular interactions within cells to the complex interactions between organisms and their environments. This approach provides insights into the interconnectedness of biological phenomena.

Biologists use the scientific method to make observations, form hypotheses, conduct experiments, analyze data, and draw conclusions. This systematic approach enables them to address research questions and test the validity of their hypotheses.

The unifying themes of biology include the cellular basis of life, heredity and evolution, energy processing, and the ability of organisms to regulate their internal environment.

Biologists can study life at levels ranging from molecular biology (e.g., studying the structure and function of cell components) to the anatomy and physiology of plants and animals (e.g., studying the circulatory system of animals or the reproductive system of plants), and the evolution of populations (e.g., studying genetic variation and natural selection within a population).

Biologists use the scientific method to make observations, pose questions, form hypotheses, conduct experiments or gather data, analyze the results, and draw conclusions based on evidence.

Energy processing is crucial for life as it enables organisms to carry out essential functions such as movement, growth, and reproduction. Organisms obtain and process energy to fuel their metabolic activities, which are fundamental to their survival and functioning.

Subdisciplines within biology are defined by the nature of their research questions and the specific tools and methodologies they employ. Each subdiscipline focuses on distinct aspects of life, such as genetics, ecology, microbiology, or anatomy, and utilizes specialized techniques to investigate these areas.