Biology Overview

Branches of Biology

• Botany: study of plants
• Zoology: study of animals
• Microbiology: study of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, etc.)
• Ecology: study of interactions between organisms and their environment
• Biochemistry: study of chemical processes within living organisms
• Molecular Biology: study of the structure and function of biological molecules (DNA, proteins, etc.)

Cell Biology

• Cell Structure:
  • Plasma membrane: separates cell from environment
  • Cytoplasm: jelly-like substance inside cell
  • Nucleus: contains genetic material (DNA)
  • Mitochondria: generates energy for cell
• Cellular Processes:
  • Metabolism: conversion of energy and nutrients
  • Photosynthesis: process by which plants produce energy from sunlight
  • Cell division: process by which cells reproduce

Genetics

• DNA Structure:
  • Double helix model
  • Composed of nucleotides (A, C, G, T)
• Genetic Inheritance:
  • Dominant and recessive traits
  • Mendel's laws of inheritance
• Genetic Variation:
  • Mutation: change in DNA sequence
  • Genetic drift: random change in gene frequency

Evolution

• Theory of Evolution:
  • Descent with modification
  • Natural selection
  • Speciation
• Evidence for Evolution:
  • Fossil record
  • Comparative anatomy
  • Molecular biology

Ecosystems

• Ecosystem Components:
  • Producers (plants, algae)
  • Consumers (herbivores, carnivores, omnivores)
  • Decomposers (bacteria, fungi)
• Energy Flow:
  • Energy pyramid
  • Food chains and webs
• Ecosystem Services:
  • Oxygen production
  • Carbon sequestration
  • Climate regulation