Biology Basics: Characteristics of Life

Major Branches of Biology

• Biology encompasses the study of life and living organisms.
• Key subdivisions include:
  • Zoology: Focus on animal life.
  • Botany: Focus on plant life.

Characteristics of Life

• Homeostasis: Maintenance of internal balance within organisms.
• Organization: Hierarchical structure from simple to complex.
• Reproduction: Producing new organisms; involves offspring formation from parent organisms.
• Irritability: Capability to react to environmental stimuli.
• Metabolism: Total of all chemical processes that sustain life functions.
• Evolution: Gradual change in population traits due to environmental factors over time.
• Growth: Transformation in size and form as an organism develops.

Biomolecules Overview

• Nucleic Acids
  • Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA):
    • Characterized by a double-helix structure.
    • Serves as the genetic blueprint necessary for organismal development.
    • Fundamental in guiding protein synthesis.
    • Composed of nucleotides, which include:
      • Components: Deoxyribose sugar, phosphate group, nucleobase.
      • Nucleobases:
        • Purines: Adenine (A), Guanine (G).
        • Pyrimidines: Cytosine (C), Thymine (T).
      • Pairings:
        • Adenine pairs with Thymine (A - T).
        • Cytosine pairs with Guanine (C - G).
  • Ribonucleic Acid (RNA):
    • Derived from DNA, where adenine pairs with uracil (U) instead of thymine.
    • Plays a crucial role in protein synthesis.
• Proteins:
  • Fundamental building blocks of life.
  • Basic unit: Amino Acids, which include:
    • An amino group and a carboxyl group in their structure.

This quiz explores the fundamental characteristics of life, including homeostasis, organization, reproduction, irritability, metabolism, and evolution. Understand how these characteristics define living organisms and their functions. Test your knowledge in biology and discover the intricacies of life!