Biology Branches and Cell Structure

Cell Structure:
- Plasma membrane: outer layer of cell
- Cytoplasm: jelly-like substance inside cell
- Nucleus: contains genetic material
- Mitochondria: generates energy for cell
- Ribosomes: site of protein synthesis
Cell Functions:
- Metabolism: conversion of energy and nutrients
- Photosynthesis: process by which plants produce energy
- Cell Division: process of cell growth and reproduction

DNA Structure:
- Double helix model
- Composed of nucleotides (A, C, G, and T)
Gene Expression:
- Transcription: process of creating RNA from DNA
- Translation: process of creating protein from RNA
Inheritance Patterns:
- Mendelian inheritance: study of how traits are passed down
- Dominant and recessive genes

Mechanisms of Evolution:
- Natural Selection: process of adaptation to environment
- Genetic Drift: random change in gene frequency
- Mutation: change in DNA sequence
Evidence for Evolution:
- Fossil Record: chronological record of life on Earth
- Comparative Anatomy: study of similarities and differences in body structure
- Molecular Biology: study of similarities and differences in DNA and proteins

Components of Ecosystems:
- Biotic factors: living organisms
- Abiotic factors: non-living components (light, temperature, water, etc.)
Energy Flow:
- Producers: organisms that produce energy through photosynthesis
- Consumers: organisms that obtain energy by consuming other organisms
- Decomposers: organisms that break down dead organic matter
Interactions:
- Predator-prey relationships
- Symbiotic relationships (mutualism, commensalism, parasitism)

Botany studies plants and their characteristics.
Zoology focuses on animals, including their structure, behavior, and evolution.
Microbiology examines microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and protists.
Ecology explores the interactions between organisms and their environment.
Biochemistry investigates the chemical processes within living organisms.
Molecular Biology studies biological molecules, such as DNA, proteins, and their interactions.
Genetics delves into heredity, variation, and the transmission of traits.
Evolutionary Biology examines the processes and mechanisms of evolution.

The plasma membrane is the outer layer of a cell, controlling what enters and leaves.
Cytoplasm is a jelly-like substance inside the cell where many metabolic processes occur.
The nucleus contains genetic material in the form of DNA.
Mitochondria generate energy for the cell through cellular respiration.
Ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis, where mRNA is translated into proteins.

Metabolism is the conversion of energy and nutrients within the cell.
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria produce energy from sunlight.
Cell Division is the process of cell growth and reproduction, resulting in two daughter cells.

DNA is structured as a double helix, composed of nucleotides (A, C, G, and T).
Transcription is the process of creating RNA from DNA, which then leaves the nucleus.
Translation is the process of creating protein from RNA, occurring at the ribosomes.

Natural Selection is the process of adaptation to the environment, leading to the survival and reproduction of fittest individuals.
Genetic Drift is the random change in gene frequency, often occurring in small populations.
Mutation is a change in DNA sequence, which can result in new traits or increased genetic variation.

Biotic factors include all living organisms, from producers to decomposers.
Abiotic factors are non-living components, such as light, temperature, water, and nutrients.
Producers, such as plants and algae, produce energy through photosynthesis.
Consumers, including herbivores and carnivores, obtain energy by consuming other organisms.
Decomposers, like bacteria and fungi, break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients.