Introduction to Biology

Study Notes

Introduction to Biology

Biology is the scientific study of life.
Living organisms share common characteristics like organization, metabolism, growth, reproduction, adaptation, and response to stimuli.
Levels of biological organization include atoms, molecules, cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, organisms, populations, communities, and ecosystems.

Characteristics of Life

Organization: Living things exhibit a highly ordered structure, from atoms to complex organ systems.
Metabolism: The sum of all chemical reactions in an organism, including energy acquisition and use.
Growth and Development: Increase in size and complexity.
Reproduction: Producing offspring, either sexually or asexually, transmitting genetic information.
Adaptation: Evolutionary processes that favor organisms better suited to their environment, enabling survival and reproduction.
Response to Stimuli: Ability to react to internal or external changes in the environment.
Homeostasis: Maintenance of stable internal conditions, necessary for survival.

Basic Chemistry in Biology

Matter: Anything that occupies space and has mass.
Elements: Fundamental substances composed of atoms of only one type.
Atoms: Basic units of matter, composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Molecules: Groups of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds.
Water: Essential for life, involved in many biological processes. A polar molecule.
pH: Measure of acidity or alkalinity in a solution.
Organic Molecules: Four major classes of organic molecules crucial to life: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
- Carbohydrates: Source of energy, structural components.
- Lipids: Energy storage, structural components of cell membranes.
- Proteins: Perform diverse functions like catalysis, transport, and structure.
- Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA, store and transmit genetic information.

Cell Structure and Function

Cells are the fundamental units of life.
Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles (e.g., bacteria).
Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles (e.g., animals, plants).
Major cell organelles include the nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and chloroplasts (in plant cells).
Cell membranes regulate what enters and leaves the cell.

Introduction to Biological Processes

Energy: All biological processes require energy.
Photosynthesis: Process in which plants convert light energy into chemical energy (glucose).
Cellular Respiration: Process in which cells break down glucose to release energy in the form of ATP.
Enzymes: Biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions.
Diffusion: Movement of molecules from high to low concentration.
Osmosis: Diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

Scientific Method

Observation: Gathering information about the natural world.
Question: Formulating a specific question about an observation.
Hypothesis: A testable explanation for the observed phenomenon.
Prediction: A logical consequence of the hypothesis, if true.
Experiment: Testing the hypothesis.
Data Analysis: Interpreting the results of the experiment.
Conclusion: Supporting or rejecting the hypothesis based on the data.

Scientific Ethics

Integrity: Honesty and accuracy in research.
Objectivity: Fair and unbiased assessment of data.
Transparency: Open sharing of research methods and data.
Safety: Ensuring the safety of researchers and participants in studies.
Responsibility: Accountability for the potential impact of research.

Description

Explore the essential concepts of biology, including the characteristics of life and various levels of biological organization. This quiz will cover topics such as metabolism, reproduction, adaptation, and the structure of living organisms. Test your understanding of these fundamental biological principles.