Cell Biology and Genetics Overview

Cell Biology

• Cell Theory:

  • All living organisms are composed of cells.
  • The cell is the basic unit of life.
  • All cells arise from pre-existing cells.

• Cell Structure:

  • Prokaryotic Cells: Lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles (e.g., bacteria).
  • Eukaryotic Cells: Contain a nucleus and organelles (e.g., plants, animals).

Genetics

• DNA Structure:

  • Double helix formed by nucleotides (adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine).

• Gene Expression:

  • Transcription: DNA to RNA.
  • Translation: RNA to protein.

• Mendelian Genetics:

  • Traits are inherited according to dominant and recessive alleles.
  • Key concepts include homozygous, heterozygous, genotype, and phenotype.

Evolution

• Natural Selection:

  • Mechanism of evolution where individuals better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce.

• Common Descent:

  • All living organisms share a common ancestor.

• Speciation:

  • The formation of new and distinct species during the course of evolution.

Ecology

• Ecosystem Components:

  • Biotic (living organisms) and abiotic (non-living factors) components.

• Energy Flow:

  • Energy flows through an ecosystem via food chains and food webs, from producers to consumers and decomposers.

• Population Dynamics:

  • Factors influencing population size: birth rate, death rate, immigration, emigration.

Biochemistry

• Macromolecules:
  • Carbohydrates: Provide energy (e.g., sugars, starch).
  • Proteins: Made of amino acids, function as enzymes, structural components.
  • Lipids: Fats and oils, important for membranes and energy storage.
  • Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA, store and transmit genetic information.

Physiology

• Homeostasis:

  • Maintenance of a stable internal environment (e.g., temperature, pH).

• Organ Systems:

  • Major systems include circulatory, respiratory, digestive, nervous, and endocrine.

Biotechnology

• Genetic Engineering:

  • Manipulation of an organism's DNA (e.g., CRISPR technology).

• Cloning:

  • Producing a genetically identical copy of an organism.

• Stem Cells:

  • Undifferentiated cells capable of developing into different cell types.

Microbiology

• Microorganisms:

  • Includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.

• Pathogens:

  • Microorganisms that can cause disease.

• Antibiotics:

  • Medications that inhibit bacterial growth or kill bacteria.

Plants and Animals

• Plant Structure:

  • Key parts: roots, stems, leaves (photosynthesis).

• Animal Behavior:

  • Responses to environmental stimuli, including innate and learned behaviors.

This overview encompasses various fundamental principles and areas of study within biology.

Cell Theory

• All living organisms are made up of one or more cells
• The cell is the fundamental unit of life
• All cells arise from pre-existing cells

Prokaryotic Cells

• Lack a nucleus
• Lack membrane-bound organelles
• Examples: bacteria

Eukaryotic Cells

• Have a nucleus
• Have membrane-bound organelles
• Examples: plants, animals

DNA Structure

• Double helix
• Composed of nucleotides: adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine

Gene Expression

• Transcription: DNA is transcribed into RNA
• Translation: RNA is translated into protein

Mendelian Genetics

• Traits are inherited based on dominant and recessive alleles
• Key concepts include: homozygous, heterozygous, genotype, phenotype

Natural Selection

• Individuals better adapted to their environment survive and reproduce more successfully

Common Descent

• All living organisms share a common ancestor

Speciation

• Formation of new, distinct species during evolution.

Ecosystem Components

• Biotic: Living organisms (e.g., plants, animals, bacteria)
• Abiotic: Non-living factors (e.g., temperature, water, sunlight)

Energy Flow

• Flows through an ecosystem via food chains and food webs
• Energy is transferred from producers to consumers to decomposers

Population Dynamics

• Factors influencing population size: birth rate, death rate, immigration, emigration.

Macromolecules

• Carbohydrates: Provide energy (e.g., sugars, starch)
• Proteins: Made of amino acids, function as enzymes, structural components
• Lipids: Fats and oils, important for membranes and energy storage
• Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA, store and transmit genetic information.

Homeostasis

• Maintenance of a stable internal environment (e.g., temperature, pH)

Organ Systems

• Major systems include circulatory, respiratory, digestive, nervous, and endocrine.

Genetic Engineering

• Manipulation of an organism's DNA (e.g., CRISPR technology)

Cloning

• Producing a genetically identical copy of an organism

Stem Cells

• Undifferentiated cells capable of developing into different cell types

Microorganisms

• Include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa

Pathogens

• Microorganisms that can cause disease

Antibiotics

• Medications that inhibit bacterial growth or kill bacteria.

Plant Structure

• Key parts: roots, stems, leaves (photosynthesis)

Animal Behavior

• Responses to environmental stimuli, including innate and learned behaviors.