Biology Chapter 1: An Introduction

Study Notes

Biology studies life and living organisms, exploring their structures, functions, growth, and interactions.
Significant discoveries arise from investigating living organisms, enhancing our understanding of life.

Cells and Organization: Cells are the fundamental units of life, organized into tissues, organs, and systems.
Energy Use and Metabolism: Metabolism encompasses all chemical reactions within a cell, including energy conversion from photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
Response to Environmental Stimuli: Organisms respond to changes in their environment, evidenced by:
- Plants flowering in response to daylight or temperature
- Venus flytrap responding to touch
- Plant stems growing towards light and roots towards gravity
Regulation and Homeostasis: Homeostasis refers to maintaining a stable internal environment, such as temperature regulation (e.g., ~40°C for humans), and balance of water, glucose, and pH.
Growth and Development: Organisms progress through stages of growth, illustrated by developmental processes, such as the transformation of a salamander from egg to adult.
Reproduction: All organisms reproduce, creating offspring through:
- Asexual reproduction (e.g., bacteria, protists)
- Sexual reproduction (e.g., plants, animals)
Evolution: Populations of organisms evolve through generations, driven by genetic mutations that can lead to the emergence of new species.