Biology Overview

Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms
Explores the structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy of all living things
Encompasses various disciplines, including botany, zoology, microbiology, ecology, and biochemistry

Botany: study of plants and plant-like organisms
Zoology: study of animals and animal-like organisms
Microbiology: study of microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses
Ecology: study of interactions between organisms and their environment
Biochemistry: study of chemical processes and substances in living organisms
Molecular Biology: study of biological molecules, such as DNA and proteins
Evolutionary Biology: study of the processes that have shaped the diversity of life on Earth
Genetics: study of heredity, genes, and genetic variation

Carbohydrates: provide energy and structure for organisms (e.g., sugars, starches)
Proteins: perform various functions, such as enzymes, hormones, and structural components
Lipids: provide energy and structure for organisms (e.g., fats, oils)
Nucleic Acids: contain genetic information (e.g., DNA, RNA)

Photosynthesis: process by which plants and some microorganisms convert light energy into chemical energy
Cellular Respiration: process by which cells generate energy from glucose
Mitosis: process of cell division resulting in two identical daughter cells
Meiosis: process of cell division resulting in four non-identical daughter cells (gametes)

Theory of Evolution: explains how species change over time through natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, and gene flow
Natural Selection: process by which individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce
Speciation: process by which a new species emerges from an existing one

Ecosystem: community of living and non-living components interacting in a specific environment
Food Chain: sequence of organisms that eat other organisms
Food Web: complex network of food chains
Biodiversity: variety of species, ecosystems, and genes in an environment
Ecosystem Services: benefits provided by ecosystems, such as air and water purification, and climate regulation

Biology examines life forms, their characteristics, and interactions.
Covers diverse aspects like structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy of organisms.
Major fields include botany, zoology, microbiology, ecology, and biochemistry.

Carbohydrates serve as energy sources and structural components (e.g., sugars, starches).
Proteins execute various roles: enzymes speed up reactions, hormones regulate processes, and structural proteins provide support.
Lipids, including fats and oils, are vital for energy storage and forming cell structures.
Nucleic Acids like DNA and RNA carry genetic information essential for heredity.

The cell membrane controls substance entry and exit, maintaining homeostasis.
Cytoplasm is the intracellular environment where cellular processes occur.
The nucleus houses the organism's genetic material (DNA).
Mitochondria produce energy through cellular respiration, essential for cell function.
Ribosomes are the sites for synthesizing proteins, critical for all cellular activities.
Lysosomes contain enzymes that digest waste and recycle cell components.

Photosynthesis allows plants and certain microorganisms to convert light into chemical energy using carbon dioxide and water.
Cellular Respiration enables cells to extract energy from glucose for metabolic processes.
Mitosis is the process of producing two genetically identical daughter cells, crucial for growth and repair.
Meiosis produces four genetically distinct gametes, essential for sexual reproduction.

The Theory of Evolution outlines species' transformation over time via natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, and gene flow.
Natural Selection favors survival and reproduction of individuals with advantageous traits, driving evolutionary change.
Speciation occurs when new species evolve from existing ones, impacting biodiversity.

An ecosystem consists of living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) elements working together in a specific environment.
A Food Chain illustrates the direct energy transfer between organisms, while a Food Web showcases the complex interconnections between multiple food chains.
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms within a habitat, contributing to ecosystem resilience.
Ecosystem Services include essential functions like air and water purification, climate stabilization, and nutrient cycling.