Biology Fundamentals

Study Notes

Cell Structure

Cell Membrane: semi-permeable, regulates what enters and leaves the cell
Cytoplasm: jelly-like substance inside the cell membrane, contains organelles
Organelles:
- Nucleus: contains DNA, controls cell growth and reproduction
- Mitochondria: generates energy for the cell through cellular respiration
- Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): transports proteins and lipids
- Ribosomes: site of protein synthesis
- Lysosomes: contains digestive enzymes, breaks down waste and foreign substances
- Golgi Apparatus: modifies and packages proteins and lipids for transport

Human Physiology

Nervous System:
- Central Nervous System (CNS): brain and spinal cord, integrates and processes information
- Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): nerves, transmits information to and from CNS
Circulatory System:
- Heart: pumps blood throughout the body
- Blood Vessels: arteries, veins, and capillaries, transport oxygen and nutrients
Respiratory System:
- Lungs: exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide
- Trachea: airway that leads to the lungs
Digestive System:
- Mouth: begins mechanical and chemical digestion
- Stomach: mixes food with digestive enzymes
- Small Intestine: absorbs nutrients into the bloodstream
- Large Intestine: absorbs water and electrolytes, stores waste

Photosynthesis

Light-Dependent Reactions:
- Light Absorption: light energy is absorbed by pigments (e.g. chlorophyll)
- Electron Transport: light energy is converted into ATP and NADPH
Light-Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle):
- Carbon Fixation: CO2 is fixed into a 3-carbon molecule
- Reduction Reactions: 3-carbon molecule is reduced to form glucose
Overall Equation: 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 (glucose) + 6 O2

Genetics

Mendel's Laws:
- Law of Segregation: each pair of alleles separates during gamete formation
- Law of Independent Assortment: alleles for different genes are sorted independently
- Law of Dominance: dominant alleles are expressed over recessive alleles
DNA Structure:
- Double Helix: two complementary strands of nucleotides
- Nucleotides: composed of sugar, phosphate, and nitrogenous bases
Genotype: genetic makeup of an individual
Phenotype: physical expression of an individual's genotype

Ecosystems

Biotic Factors: living components of an ecosystem (e.g. plants, animals, microorganisms)
Abiotic Factors: non-living components of an ecosystem (e.g. water, sunlight, temperature)
Energy Flow:
- Producers: organisms that convert sunlight into energy (e.g. plants)
- Consumers: organisms that obtain energy by consuming other organisms
- Decomposers: organisms that break down organic matter
Food Webs: complex networks of energy flow through an ecosystem

NCERT

NCERT Books: textbooks published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (India)
Biology Curriculum: covers topics such as cell structure, genetics, evolution, and ecology
Importance: provides a comprehensive and standardized education in biology for students in India

Description

Test your knowledge of biology basics, covering cell structure, human physiology, photosynthesis, genetics, ecosystems, and NCERT biology curriculum. Review key concepts and terminology in these fundamental areas of biology.