Biology: Introduction and Branches

Definition and Scope

• Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms
• It encompasses the structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy of all living things

Branches of Biology

• Botany: study of plants
• Zoology: study of animals
• Microbiology: study of microorganisms
• Ecology: study of interactions between organisms and their environment
• Biochemistry: study of chemical processes that occur within living organisms
• Molecular Biology: study of the structure and function of biomolecules
• Genetics: study of heredity and variation
• Evolutionary Biology: study of the evolution of species

Biological Molecules

• Carbohydrates: provide energy and structure for cells
• Proteins: perform a wide range of functions, including catalysis, transport, and structure
• Lipids: provide energy and structure for cells
• Nucleic Acids: contain genetic information (DNA and RNA)

Cell Structure and Function

• Cell Membrane: semi-permeable membrane that surrounds the cell
• Cytoplasm: jelly-like substance inside the cell membrane
• Nucleus: contains genetic material
• Mitochondria: generate energy for the cell
• Ribosomes: site of protein synthesis

Biological Processes

• Photosynthesis: process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy
• Respiration: process by which cells generate energy from glucose
• Cell Division: process by which cells reproduce and grow
• Homeostasis: ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment

Evolution and Diversity

• Species: group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring
• Speciation: process by which new species arise
• Adaptation: process by which organisms become better suited to their environment
• Phylogeny: study of the evolutionary history of organisms

Definition and Scope

• Biology is the study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy.

Branches of Biology

• Botany studies plants, examining their structure, function, growth, and evolution.
• Zoology focuses on animals, exploring their behavior, physiology, and evolution.
• Microbiology delves into the world of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
• Ecology investigates the interactions between organisms and their environment, including the impact of human activity.
• Biochemistry examines the chemical processes that occur within living organisms, including metabolism and energy production.
• Molecular Biology analyzes the structure and function of biomolecules, such as DNA, proteins, and carbohydrates.
• Genetics explores heredity and variation, including the inheritance of traits and genetic disorders.
• Evolutionary Biology studies the evolution of species, including the processes of adaptation and speciation.

Biological Molecules

• Carbohydrates provide energy and structure for cells, serving as a source of fuel and building blocks for biomolecules.
• Proteins perform a wide range of functions, including catalyzing metabolic reactions, transporting molecules, and maintaining cell structure.
• Lipids supply energy and structure for cells, forming cell membranes and storing energy.
• Nucleic Acids contain genetic information, with DNA and RNA serving as the blueprints for life.

Cell Structure and Function

• The cell membrane is a semi-permeable membrane that surrounds the cell, regulating the flow of materials in and out.
• Cytoplasm is the jelly-like substance inside the cell membrane, where many metabolic processes occur.
• The nucleus contains the genetic material, protecting and organizing the DNA.
• Mitochondria generate energy for the cell through cellular respiration, producing ATP.
• Ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis, where genetic information is translated into amino acid sequences.

Biological Processes

• Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy, producing glucose and oxygen.
• Respiration is the process by which cells generate energy from glucose, releasing ATP and carbon dioxide.
• Cell Division is the process by which cells reproduce and grow, involving the replication of DNA and the separation of chromosomes.
• Homeostasis is the ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment, despite changes in external conditions.

Evolution and Diversity

• A species is a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring, sharing a common gene pool.
• Speciation is the process by which new species arise, often through geographic isolation or genetic drift.
• Adaptation is the process by which organisms become better suited to their environment, increasing their chances of survival and reproduction.
• Phylogeny is the study of the evolutionary history of organisms, reconstructing their relationships and ancestral lineages.