Branches of Biology

Botany: study of plants
Zoology: study of animals
Microbiology: study of microorganisms
Ecology: study of interactions between organisms and their environment
Genetics: study of heredity and variation
Biochemistry: study of chemical processes in living organisms
Biophysics: study of physical principles underlying biological processes
Biotechnology: application of biological principles to develop new products and technologies

Cell structure:
- Plasma membrane: outer layer of cell
- Cytoplasm: jelly-like substance inside cell
- Nucleus: contains genetic material (DNA)
- Mitochondria: site of cellular respiration
Cell functions:
- Metabolism: energy conversion and utilization
- Photosynthesis: production of energy from sunlight
- Cell division: process of cell growth and reproduction

Theory of evolution:
- Descent with modification
- Natural selection
Mechanisms of evolution:
- Mutation
- Gene flow
- Genetic drift
Evidence for evolution:
- Fossil record
- Comparative anatomy
- Molecular biology

Plant biology:
- Photosynthesis
- Plant structure and function
Animal biology:
- Body systems (nervous, circulatory, etc.)
- Animal behavior and development
Human biology:
- Human physiology
- Human health and disease

Botany: Focuses on the study of plant life, including their structure, growth, and functions.
Zoology: Involves the study of animal species, covering their behavior, physiology, and classification.
Microbiology: Examines microscopic organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.
Ecology: Investigates the relationships and interactions between living organisms and their environments.
Genetics: Explores inheritance, variation in traits, and the molecular basis of genetic information.
Biochemistry: Analyzes chemical processes and substances that occur within living organisms.
Biophysics: Applies principles of physics to understand biological processes and structures.
Biotechnology: Utilizes biological systems and organisms to create innovative products and technologies for various applications.

Cell Structure: Comprises several key components, including:
- Plasma Membrane: Semi-permeable barrier that surrounds and protects the cell.
- Cytoplasm: Viscous substance within the cell, hosting organelles and metabolic reactions.
- Nucleus: Central organelle housing the cell's DNA, essential for genetic information.
- Mitochondria: Organelles responsible for energy production through cellular respiration.
Cell Functions: Essential processes that occur in cells:
- Metabolism: Encompasses all chemical reactions for energy transformation and utilization.
- Photosynthesis: Conversion of light energy into chemical energy in plant cells.
- Cell Division: Mechanism for cell reproduction and growth, including mitosis and meiosis.

DNA Structure: Characterized by:
- Double Helix Model: Describes the coiled structure of DNA, resembling a twisted ladder.
- Nucleotides: The basic units of DNA, composed of a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base.
Gene Expression: Involves the processes by which genetic information is converted:
- Transcription: The synthesis of RNA from a DNA template.
- Translation: The process where ribosomes create proteins based on RNA sequences.
Genetic Code: The arrangement of nucleotides that encodes the protein structure, determining amino acid sequences.

Theory of Evolution: Key concepts include:
- Descent with Modification: The idea that species evolve over time from common ancestors.
- Natural Selection: The process where organisms better suited to their environment tend to survive and reproduce.
Mechanisms of Evolution: Key processes driving evolutionary change:
- Mutation: Random changes in DNA that can lead to variations in traits.
- Gene Flow: The transfer of genetic material between populations through migration.
- Genetic Drift: Random changes in allele frequencies within a population due to chance.
Evidence for Evolution: Supported by multiple lines of inquiry:
- Fossil Record: Provides chronological evidence of past organisms and evolutionary changes.
- Comparative Anatomy: Examines similarities and differences in the structure of different organisms.
- Molecular Biology: Analyzes DNA and protein similarities and variations among different species.

Plant Biology: Studies include:
- Photosynthesis: Process through which plants convert light energy into glucose and oxygen.
- Plant Structure and Function: Investigation of plant parts and their roles in growth, reproduction, and survival.
Animal Biology: Encompasses:
- Body Systems: Examination of specialized systems like the nervous, circulatory, and digestive systems.
- Animal Behavior and Development: Analyzes behavior in relation to survival and the developmental stages of animals.
Human Biology: Focuses on:
- Human Physiology: Understanding bodily functions and processes in humans.
- Human Health and Disease: Investigating factors affecting health, disease mechanisms, and treatments.