Biology: Scope and Branches

Definition and Scope

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

Branches of Biology

• Botany: study of plants
• Zoology: study of animals
• Microbiology: study of microorganisms
• Ecology: study of interactions between organisms and their environment
• Biochemistry: study of chemical processes within living organisms
• Molecular Biology: study of biological molecules and their interactions
• Genetics: study of heredity and variation
• Evolutionary Biology: study of evolution and its mechanisms

Biological Molecules

• Carbohydrates: provide energy and structure
• Proteins: perform various functions, including enzymes, hormones, and structural roles
• Lipids: provide energy, structure, and serve as hormones
• Nucleic Acids (DNA and RNA): contain genetic information
• ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate): energy currency of the cell

Cell Biology

• Cell: basic unit of life, consisting of plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and genetic material
• Cellular processes:
  • Metabolism: energy conversion and chemical reactions
  • Photosynthesis: conversion of light energy into chemical energy
  • Cell division: replication and reproduction
  • Cell signaling: communication and response to stimuli

Genetics and Evolution

• Mendelian Genetics: study of inheritance patterns
• Genotype: genetic makeup of an individual
• Phenotype: physical and behavioral traits expressed by an individual
• Evolution: change in species over time through natural selection and genetic drift
• Speciation: formation of new species

Ecology and Environment

• Ecosystem: community of living and non-living components interacting in an environment
• Biodiversity: variety of species, genes, and ecosystems
• Conservation Biology: preservation and protection of species, ecosystems, and biodiversity
• Environmental Impact: human effects on ecosystems and the biosphere

Definition and Scope of Biology

• Scientific study of life and living organisms, examining structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy.
• Encompasses botany, zoology, microbiology, ecology, and biochemistry as disciplines.

Branches of Biology

• Botany: studies plants.
• Zoology: studies animals.
• Microbiology: studies microorganisms.
• Ecology: examines interactions between organisms and their environment.
• Biochemistry: studies chemical processes within living organisms.
• Molecular Biology: explores biological molecules and their interactions.
• Genetics: investigates heredity and variation.
• Evolutionary Biology: studies evolution and its mechanisms.

Biological Molecules

• Carbohydrates: provide energy and structure to living organisms.
• Proteins: perform functions such as enzymes, hormones, and structural roles.
• Lipids: provide energy, structure, and serve as hormones.
• Nucleic Acids (DNA and RNA): contain genetic information.
• ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate): serves as the energy currency of cells.

Cell Biology

• Cell: the basic unit of life, consisting of plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and genetic material.
• Cellular processes include:
  • Metabolism: energy conversion and chemical reactions.
  • Photosynthesis: conversion of light energy into chemical energy.
  • Cell division: replication and reproduction.
  • Cell signaling: communication and response to stimuli.

Genetics and Evolution

• Mendelian Genetics: studies inheritance patterns.
• Genotype: the genetic makeup of an individual.
• Phenotype: the physical and behavioral traits expressed by an individual.
• Evolution: change in species over time through natural selection and genetic drift.
• Speciation: the formation of new species.

Ecology and Environment

• Ecosystem: a community of living and non-living components interacting in an environment.
• Biodiversity: the variety of species, genes, and ecosystems.
• Conservation Biology: preserves and protects species, ecosystems, and biodiversity.
• Environmental Impact: human effects on ecosystems and the biosphere.

Explore the scientific study of life and living organisms, including its various disciplines such as botany, zoology, microbiology, ecology, and biochemistry. Learn about the structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy of all living things.