Biology Overview: Cells, Genetics, Evolution, Ecology

Cell Biology

• Cell Theory: All living organisms are composed of cells; the cell is the basic unit of life; all cells arise from pre-existing cells.
• Types of Cells:
  • Prokaryotic: No nucleus, smaller, simpler (e.g., bacteria).
  • Eukaryotic: Nucleus present, larger, complex (e.g., plant and animal cells).

Genetics

• DNA Structure: Double helix made of nucleotides (adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine).
• Gene: A segment of DNA that encodes for a protein.
• Mendelian Genetics: Inheritance patterns based on dominant and recessive alleles.

Evolution

• Natural Selection: Process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce.
• Speciation: Formation of new and distinct species through evolution.

Ecology

• Ecosystem: A community of living organisms and their interaction with their environment.
• Food Chains/Webs: Hierarchical model showing energy transfer from producers to various consumers.
• Biomes: Large ecological areas with distinct climates and organisms (e.g., tundra, rainforest, desert).

Physiology

• Homeostasis: The process by which living organisms regulate their internal environment to maintain stable conditions.
• Organ Systems: Groups of organs that work together (e.g., circulatory, respiratory, digestive).

Biochemistry

• Macromolecules:
  • Proteins: Made of amino acids; function as enzymes, hormones, and structural components.
  • Carbohydrates: Sugars and starches; main energy source.
  • Lipids: Fats and oils; important for energy storage and membrane structure.
  • Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA; involved in genetic information storage and transfer.

Microbiology

• Microorganisms: Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa; play roles in decomposition, disease, and fermentation.
• Antibiotics: Medications used to treat bacterial infections.

Biotechnology

• Genetic Engineering: Manipulation of an organism’s DNA to achieve desired traits.
• CRISPR: A technology for editing genes with precision.

Evolutionary Biology

• Phylogenetics: Study of evolutionary relationships among biological entities.
• Adaptive Radiation: Diversification of a group of organisms into forms filling different ecological niches.

Conservation Biology

• Biodiversity: Variety of life in the world; important for ecosystem health.
• Endangered Species: Species at risk of extinction due to habitat loss, climate change, and other factors.

Plant Biology

• Photosynthesis: Process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy (glucose).
• Plant Structure: Roots, stems, leaves; important for nutrient absorption and photosynthesis.

Animal Behavior

• Ethology: Study of animal behavior in natural conditions.
• Innate vs. Learned Behavior: Innate behaviors are instinctual; learned behaviors are acquired through experience.

Cell Biology

• Cell Theory: Fundamental principles stating that all living organisms consist of cells, cells are the basic units of life, and all cells originate from pre-existing cells.
• Types of Cells:
  • Prokaryotic: Characterized by the absence of a nucleus, smaller and simpler structure; examples include bacteria.
  • Eukaryotic: Possess a nucleus, larger and more complex; encompasses plant and animal cells.

Genetics

• DNA Structure: Consists of a double helix formed by nucleotides: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G).
• Gene: A specific sequence of DNA that encodes for a particular protein.
• Mendelian Genetics: Defines inheritance patterns involving dominant and recessive alleles, laying the foundation for genetic study.

Evolution

• Natural Selection: A mechanism where organisms that are better adapted to their environments survive and proliferate, influencing the evolution of species.
• Speciation: The evolutionary process resulting in the formation of new and distinct species from a common ancestor.

Ecology

• Ecosystem: A network of living organisms interacting with one another and their physical environment.
• Food Chains/Webs: Models representing the flow of energy from producers (like plants) to various consumers, illustrating ecological relationships.
• Biomes: Large regions defined by distinct climates and ecological communities, such as tundras, rainforests, and deserts.

Physiology

• Homeostasis: The ability of living organisms to maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes, essential for survival.
• Organ Systems: Composed of groups of organs that collaborate to perform specific functions, including the circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems.

Biochemistry

• Macromolecules:
  • Proteins: Composed of amino acids, serve vital roles as enzymes, hormones, and structural elements.
  • Carbohydrates: Include sugars and starches, functioning as the primary energy source for organisms.
  • Lipids: Encompass fats and oils, crucial for energy storage and forming cell membranes.
  • Nucleic Acids: Include DNA and RNA, critical for the storage and transmission of genetic information.

Microbiology

• Microorganisms: Include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, contributing to processes like decomposition, disease, and fermentation.
• Antibiotics: Pharmacological agents specifically used to combat bacterial infections.

Biotechnology

• Genetic Engineering: The scientific process of altering an organism’s DNA to produce desired traits or characteristics.
• CRISPR: A revolutionary gene-editing technique allowing precise alterations in DNA sequences.

Evolutionary Biology

• Phylogenetics: Analyzes the evolutionary relationships among species, helping to construct a tree of life based on genetic and morphological data.
• Adaptive Radiation: The rapid diversification of a species into various forms that adapt to different ecological niches.

Conservation Biology

• Biodiversity: The variety of life forms in ecosystems, crucial for maintaining ecological balance and health.
• Endangered Species: Species facing a high risk of extinction, primarily due to habitat destruction, climate change, and other anthropogenic factors.

Plant Biology

• Photosynthesis: The biochemical process where plants convert sunlight into chemical energy stored as glucose, essential for plant growth.
• Plant Structure: Includes roots, stems, and leaves, each crucial for nutrient uptake and the photosynthetic process.

Animal Behavior

• Ethology: The branch of biology focused on the study of animal behavior in natural settings.
• Innate vs. Learned Behavior: Innate behaviors are instinctive responses present at birth, while learned behaviors are acquired through experiences and interactions.

Test your knowledge on key concepts in biology, including cell theory, the structure of DNA, natural selection, and ecology. This quiz covers essential topics such as prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, Mendelian genetics, and ecosystem interactions. Perfect for students studying general biology or preparing for exams.