Biology Unit 1: Introduction to Cells and Evolution

Study Notes

Evolution explains the development of organisms from earlier forms throughout Earth's history.
Key contributors:
- Jean Baptiste Lamarck proposed spontaneous generation based on needs.
- Charles Darwin introduced the concept of survival of the fittest through mutations.

Proposed in 1838 by Theodor Schwann and Matthias Schleiden.
Key principles:
- All living things are composed of cells.
- Cells are the fundamental unit of structure and function in organisms.
- New cells arise only from division of existing cells.

Cells represent the smallest living form, responsible for transport, metabolism, respiration, reproduction, and energy production.
Prokaryotic Cells:
- Lack a defined nucleus; DNA located in the nucleoid region.
- Surrounded by a cell membrane and cell wall (made of peptidoglycan).
- Contain ribosomes for protein synthesis.
Eukaryotic Cells:
- Have a defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
- Include organisms like protists, fungi, plants, and animals.
- More complex than prokaryotic cells.

Organelles are microscopic structures found in the cytoplasm, either membrane-bound or not, each serving specific functions.

Jelly-like substance inside the cell membrane that facilitates chemical reactions.
Contains organelles responsible for distinct cellular functions.

Control center of the cell, regulating activities and containing DNA in the form of chromosomes.
Enclosed by a nuclear envelope.

Homeostasis: The ability of living organisms to maintain internal stability in response to environmental changes.
Stem Cells: Undifferentiated cells with applications in regenerative medicine and developmental biology.
Genetic Algorithms: Computational models inspired by natural selection, often used in optimization and problem-solving.