Biology Fundamentals

Branches of Biology

• Botany: study of plants
• Zoology: study of animals
• Microbiology: study of microorganisms
• Ecology: study of interactions between organisms and their environment
• Genetics: study of heredity and variation
• Biochemistry: study of chemical processes in living organisms
• Molecular Biology: study of structure and function of biological molecules

Cell Biology

• Cell: basic unit of life
• Cell membrane: thin layer of lipid and protein molecules surrounding the cell
• Cytoplasm: jelly-like substance inside the cell membrane
• Nucleus: control center of the cell containing DNA
• Mitochondria: organelles responsible for energy production
• Cell division: process of cell growth and reproduction

Biological Molecules

• Carbohydrates: energy source for cells (e.g. glucose)
• Proteins: building blocks of life (e.g. enzymes, hormones)
• Lipids: energy storage molecules (e.g. fats, oils)
• Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA, containing genetic information
• ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate): energy currency of the cell

Evolution

• Natural Selection: process by which species adapt to their environment
• Speciation: formation of new species
• Fossil Record: record of ancient life forms
• Comparative Anatomy: study of similarities and differences between species

Ecology

• Ecosystem: community of living and non-living components interacting in an environment
• Food Chain: sequence of predators and prey
• Food Web: complex network of food chains
• Biodiversity: variety of species in an ecosystem
• Ecosystem Services: benefits provided by ecosystems (e.g. air and water purification)