Biology Overview

Overview of Biology

• Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms
• It explores 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 the relationships between organisms and their environment
• Genetics: study of heredity, genes, and genetic variation
• Biochemistry: study of the chemical processes that occur within living organisms
• Molecular Biology: study of the structure and function of biological molecules

Biomolecules

• Carbohydrates: provide energy and structure for organisms
• Proteins: perform a wide range of functions, including catalyzing metabolic reactions, replicating DNA, and responding to stimuli
• Lipids: provide energy and structure for organisms
• Nucleic Acids: contain the genetic instructions for an organism (DNA and RNA)

Cell Biology

• Cell Structure: cells are the basic units of life, consisting of a cell membrane, cytoplasm, and genetic material
• Cellular Processes: cells perform various functions, including metabolism, growth, and reproduction
• Cell Division: cells can divide to produce new cells through mitosis and meiosis

Evolution

• Theory of Evolution: all species of life have evolved over time through natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, and gene flow
• Mechanisms of Evolution: evolution occurs through the processes of mutation, genetic drift, gene flow, and natural selection
• Evidence for Evolution: fossil record, comparative anatomy, and molecular biology provide evidence for evolution

Ecology

• Ecosystems: communities of organisms and their environment
• Energy Flow: energy flows through ecosystems from producers to consumers
• Nutrient Cycles: nutrients are cycled through ecosystems
• Population Dynamics: populations of organisms change over time due to birth, death, and migration rates

Explore the basics of biology, including branches of biology, biomolecules, cell biology, evolution, and ecology. Learn about the structure and function of living organisms, from cells to ecosystems.