General Biology Overview & Cell Biology

Study Notes

General Biology Overview

Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms, encompassing their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy.
It's a vast field, branching into numerous specialized areas.
Key unifying themes in biology include cell theory, evolution, genetics, homeostasis, metabolism, and the flow of energy.

Cell Biology

The cell is the fundamental unit of life.
All living organisms are made up of one or more cells.
Cells exhibit structural and functional complexity, ranging from prokaryotic (bacteria and archaea) to eukaryotic (protists, fungi, plants, and animals).
Prokaryotic cells are simpler, lacking membrane-bound organelles. Eukaryotic cells are more complex, containing membrane-bound organelles (e.g., nucleus, mitochondria).
Key cellular processes include cellular respiration, photosynthesis, protein synthesis, and cell division.
Cell membrane function includes selective permeability, regulating transport of materials in and out of the cell.

Genetics

Genetics studies heredity and variation among living organisms.
Heredity is the transmission of traits from parents to offspring.
Variation exists due to differences in genetic material, both within and across species.
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the major carrier of genetic information, containing genes.
Gene expression involves the process of converting the nucleotide sequence of a gene into a functional product (like a protein).
Mutations can alter genetic information, leading to variations in organisms.

Evolution

Evolution is the change in heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations.
It's a fundamental unifying concept in biology.
Natural selection is the mechanism by which evolution occurs—organisms better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.
Evolution leads to biodiversity, the variety of life on Earth.
The fossil record, comparative anatomy, and molecular biology provide evidence for evolution.

Ecology

Ecology studies the relationships between organisms and their environment.
Organisms interact with each other and their physical surroundings in complex ways.
Key ecological concepts include population dynamics, community ecology, and ecosystem structure and function.
Understanding ecological processes is crucial for conservation efforts.
Interactions such as predation, competition, and symbiosis shape ecosystems.

Biochemistry

Biochemistry investigates the chemical processes within and relating to living organisms.
It encompasses the study of the structure and function of biological molecules (e.g., carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids), and their metabolism.
Enzymes are crucial biological catalysts, speeding up metabolic reactions.
Biochemistry is essential for understanding basic cellular processes.

Physiology

Physiology studies the functions and mechanisms of living organisms.
Focuses on the integrated function of individual cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems within an organism.
Includes topics such as respiration, circulation, digestion, and nervous system function.
Organisms maintain homeostasis, a stable internal environment, through various physiological processes.

Description

Explore fundamental concepts in biology, including the study of living organisms and the foundational unit of life: the cell. This quiz covers essential themes such as evolution, cell theory, and cellular processes. Test your knowledge on the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.