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