Cell Biology and Genetics Overview

Cell Biology

• Cells are the fundamental units of life, exhibiting a wide range of shapes and structures adapted to specific functions.
• Key components include the cell membrane, cytoplasm, and organelles.
• The cell membrane is a selectively permeable barrier, regulating the passage of materials into and out of the cell.
• Cytoplasm is the jelly-like substance within the cell, containing enzymes and other molecules crucial for metabolism.
• Organelles like mitochondria (powerhouses of the cell), ribosomes (protein synthesis), and the nucleus (containing genetic material) perform specific tasks.
• Prokaryotic cells (bacteria and archaea) lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
• Eukaryotic cells (plants, animals, fungi, and protists) possess a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Genetics

• Genes are segments of DNA that carry the hereditary information.
• DNA, composed of nucleotides, stores genetic instructions.
• RNA plays a crucial role in protein synthesis, acting as a messenger between DNA and ribosomes.
• Chromosomes are thread-like structures of DNA containing genes.
• Genes code for specific proteins, which determine traits and characteristics.
• Mutations are changes in DNA sequence, impacting traits.
• Mendelian genetics describes hereditary patterns within families.

Evolution

• Evolution is the change in heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations.
• Natural selection is a key mechanism of evolution, where organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.
• Adaptations are traits that enhance survival and reproduction in a given environment.
• Speciation is the formation of new species over time.
• Common ancestry connects all life forms through evolutionary lineages.

Ecology

• Ecology examines the interactions between organisms and their environment.
• Ecosystems include all living organisms (biotic factors) and non-living components (abiotic factors).
• Food webs depict the energy flow among organisms within an ecosystem.
• Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, encompassing genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity.
• Biomes are large-scale ecosystems characterized by specific climates and communities of organisms.
• Human activities are major drivers of environmental change.

Plant Biology

• Plants are multicellular photosynthetic organisms that play crucial roles in ecosystems.
• Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy.
• Plant cells contain chloroplasts, specialized organelles for photosynthesis.
• Plant tissues include dermal, vascular, and ground tissues, with distinct functions.
• Plant reproduction involves both sexual and asexual mechanisms.
• Plants exhibit diverse adaptations for survival in various environments.

Animal Biology

• Animals are multicellular organisms that lack chlorophyll and rely on external food sources.
• Animal tissues form organs and systems, each performing specific functions.
• Animal development proceeds through stages, from fertilized egg to adult.
• Animal reproduction varies among species.
• Animal behavior is shaped by genetic and environmental factors.
• Diversity among animal groups is vast and well-fitted to different habitats.