Cell Biology and Ecosystems

Cell Biology

• Cells are the basic units of life. All living things are composed of cells, from single-celled organisms to complex multicellular ones.
• Cells have different shapes and sizes, adapted to their specific functions.
• Key components of animal cells include the nucleus (controls cell activities), cytoplasm (gel-like substance), cell membrane (controls what enters and leaves), mitochondria (powerhouse of the cell), and ribosomes (protein synthesis).
• Plant cells have similar components to animal cells, but also include cell walls (for support and protection), chloroplasts (for photosynthesis), and a large central vacuole (for storage).
• Cells utilize energy through cellular respiration, transforming nutrients into usable energy (ATP).
• Specialized cells in multicellular organisms work together in tissues to perform specific functions. Tissues combine to form organs, and organs to form organ systems.

Ecosystems

• An ecosystem encompasses all living organisms (biotic factors) and the non-living environment (abiotic factors) in a specific area.
• Abiotic factors include sunlight, water, soil, temperature, and minerals.
• Biotic factors include plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria.
• Energy flows through an ecosystem via food chains and food webs.
• Producers (plants) capture energy from sunlight through photosynthesis to create their own food.
• Consumers (herbivores, carnivores, omnivores) obtain energy by consuming other organisms.
• Decomposers (bacteria and fungi) break down dead organisms and return nutrients to the soil.
• Different trophic levels represent the different feeding positions in the food chain or web.
• Ecosystems are dynamic and constantly changing due to natural processes and human activity.
• Factors such as predation, competition, symbiosis (mutualism, commensalism, parasitism) impact the balance of an ecosystem.
• Nutrient cycles (carbon, nitrogen, water) are essential for maintaining ecosystem health.
• Biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem stability and resilience. A wide array of species increases the ecosystem's ability to withstand disturbances.
• Harmful interactions, such as pollution and habitat destruction, can disrupt ecosystem balance.

Explore the fundamentals of cell biology and the structure of ecosystems. Understand the components of both animal and plant cells, their functions, and how they work together within multicellular organisms. Additionally, dive into the relationships and interactions in ecosystems that support life on Earth.