Biology Fundamentals

Study Notes

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)

Description

Test your knowledge of the basics of biology, including branches of biology, cell biology, biological molecules, evolution, and ecology. Learn about the different fields of biology, the structure and function of cells, and the fundamental principles of life.