Biology Branches and Cell Biology Basics

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid): genetic material that contains instructions for development and function
Genes: units of heredity that carry information from one generation to the next
Chromosomes: thread-like structures that carry genes
Traits: characteristics that are determined by genes
Inheritance patterns: how traits are passed down from parents to offspring

Theory of Evolution: explains how species change over time through natural selection
Natural Selection: process by which individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce
Speciation: process by which a new species emerges from an existing one
Fossil Record: provides evidence of evolutionary history
Comparative Anatomy: study of similarities and differences in body structures between species

Ecosystem: community of living and non-living components that interact with each other
Biotic factors: living components (organisms)
Abiotic factors: non-living components (environmental factors)
Energy Flow: energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next through consumption
Nutrient Cycling: nutrients are recycled through ecosystems
Biodiversity: variety of species within an ecosystem

Botany: Involves the study of plant life, including their physiology, structure, and interactions with the environment.
Zoology: Focuses on the diverse aspects of animal life, covering behavior, physiology, and classification.
Microbiology: Examines microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and their roles in ecosystems and human health.
Ecology: Studies the relationships between organisms and their surroundings, focusing on ecosystems and environmental processes.
Biochemistry: Investigates the chemical processes vital for life, including metabolic pathways and molecular structures.
Genetics: Explores heredity and variations in organisms, addressing how traits are inherited across generations.
Molecular Biology: Analyzes biological molecules, especially DNA and proteins, and their interactions within cellular processes.

Cell: Recognized as the fundamental building block of all living organisms, responsible for all life functions.
Cell Membrane: Semi-permeable barrier controlling the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
Cytoplasm: Gel-like substance within the cell that hosts organelles and various chemical processes.
Nucleus: Organelle that houses DNA, containing the genetic information essential for cell function and reproduction.
Mitochondria: Known as the powerhouse of the cell, converting nutrients into energy through cellular respiration.
Chloroplasts: Organelles in plant cells that facilitate photosynthesis, converting sunlight into chemical energy.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid): Carries the genetic blueprint for the development, functioning, and reproduction of organisms.
Genes: Specific sequences of DNA that determine various traits and characteristics passed from parents to offspring.
Chromosomes: Structures made of DNA that organize genetic information; humans typically have 46 chromosomes.
Traits: Observable characteristics that result from the expression of genes, influenced by environmental factors.
Inheritance Patterns: Refers to the mechanisms through which traits are transmitted from parents to offspring, including dominant and recessive patterns.

Theory of Evolution: Proposes that species adapt and change over time driven by the process of natural selection.
Natural Selection: Mechanism by which advantageous traits increase an organism's chances of survival and reproduction.
Speciation: The evolutionary process leading to the formation of new species, often as a result of isolation and genetic divergence.
Fossil Record: Collection of preserved biological remains that provides insight into the evolutionary history of life on Earth.
Comparative Anatomy: Examines structural similarities and differences between species to understand evolutionary relationships.

Ecosystem: A complex network of living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) elements that interact and sustain life.
Biotic Factors: Include all living organisms within an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms.
Abiotic Factors: Comprise non-living components like climate, soil, water, and nutrients that affect organism survival.
Energy Flow: Describes how energy moves through an ecosystem, primarily from producers through various trophic levels to consumers.
Nutrient Cycling: The continuous movement of nutrients through biotic and abiotic components, ensuring ecosystem health.
Biodiversity: Refers to the variety of life in an ecosystem, which contributes to resilience and stability against environmental changes.

Carbohydrates: Organic compounds serving as primary energy sources and important structural components in cells.
Proteins: Essential biomolecules that perform a myriad of functions, including catalyzing reactions (enzymes), providing structure, and performing transport duties.
Lipids: Diverse group of hydrophobic molecules, including fats and oils, critical for energy storage and cell membrane structure.
Nucleic Acids: Biological molecules like DNA and RNA that store and transmit genetic information.
ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate): Known as the cell’s energy currency, it is pivotal for powering various cellular activities.