Branches and Characteristics of Biology

Study Notes

Branches of Biology

Biology is the scientific study of life.
Branches include:
- Botany: Study of plants
- Zoology: Study of animals
- Microbiology: Study of microorganisms
- Genetics: Study of genes and heredity
- Ecology: Study of interactions between organisms and their environment
- Physiology: Study of the functions of living organisms

Characteristics of Living Organisms

Living organisms exhibit several key characteristics:
- Organization: Cells are the basic units of life, organized into tissues, organs, and systems.
- Metabolism: The sum of all chemical reactions necessary for life, including acquiring and using energy.
- Growth and Development: Increase in size and complexity throughout an organism's life.
- Adaptation: Adjustment to their environment over generations, leading to evolutionary change.
- Response to Stimuli: Reactions to internal and external stimuli (e.g., temperature changes, light).
- Reproduction: Creation of new organisms of the same kind.
- Homeostasis: Maintaining a stable internal environment.
- Evolution: Change in the heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations.

Cell Structure and Function

Cells are the fundamental units of life.
Two main types of cells:
- Prokaryotic cells: Lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Bacteria are prokaryotes.
- Eukaryotic cells: Contain a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Animals, plants, fungi, and protists are eukaryotes.
Common components of eukaryotic cells:
- Cell membrane: Regulates passage of materials into and out of the cell.
- Cytoplasm: Fluid substance containing organelles
- Nucleus: Contains genetic material (DNA)
- Mitochondria: Site of cellular respiration (energy production).
- Ribosomes: Site of protein synthesis.
- Endoplasmic reticulum (ER): Involved in protein synthesis and lipid metabolism.
- Golgi apparatus: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins.
- Vacuoles: Storage compartments.

Cell Processes

Diffusion: Passive movement of molecules from high to low concentration.
Osmosis: Diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.
Active transport: Movement of molecules against a concentration gradient, requiring energy (ATP).
Photosynthesis: The process by which plants and some other organisms convert light energy to chemical energy. CO2 and water are converted into glucose and oxygen.
Cellular respiration: Process that releases energy from glucose molecules. Oxygen is required and CO2 is produced. Energy is transformed into ATP.

Genetics

DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid, the hereditary material of most organisms.
Genes: Segments of DNA that control specific traits.
Chromosomes: Structures made of DNA and protein that carry genes.
Mitosis: Cell division that results in two identical daughter cells.
Meiosis: Cell division that produces gametes (sex cells).

Taxonomy

Taxonomy: The science of classifying and naming organisms.
Hierarchical classification system:
- Domain
- Kingdom
- Phylum
- Class
- Order
- Family
- Genus
- Species

Ecology

Ecosystems: Communities of organisms interacting with their physical environment.
Food chains: Linear sequences of feeding relationships.
Food webs: Interconnected food chains, showing more complex feeding relationships.
Biomes: Large-scale ecosystems with similar climate, vegetation, and animal life types.

Evolution

Natural selection: Process where organisms better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.
Adaptation: Inherited trait that gives an organism an advantage in its environment.
Common ancestry: All life on Earth shares a common ancestor.
Evolutionary trees: Diagrams that illustrate evolutionary relationships.

Description

This quiz covers the various branches of biology including botany, zoology, and more. It also delves into the key characteristics of living organisms, such as organization, metabolism, and adaptation. Test your knowledge on these fundamental concepts of life sciences.