Introduction to Biology and Biomimicry

Introduction to Biology

• Biology is the study of life
• Attributes of life include: order, composed of cells, reproduction, evolution/adaptation, energy processing, growth and development, response to stimuli, and homeostasis

Nature's Blueprint - Biomimicry

• Biomimicry is using nature's designs to solve human problems and create sustainable innovations.
• Examples include:
  • Velcro from burdock plant burrs. The burrs' tiny hooks latch onto fabric.
  • Bullet train designs copied from kingfisher beaks. Engineers mimicked the streamlined beak for efficiency.
  • Wind turbine blades inspired by humpback whale fins. The fins' bumpy texture design reduces drag and increases lift.

The Cellular Level of Organization

• Mycoplasma genitalium is the smallest known organism capable of independent growth and reproduction.
• It is a parasitic bacterium, living in primate bladders, waste disposal organs, genitals and respiratory tracts.
• It is unicellular, around 200-300 nm in size.
• Armillaria solidipes or honey fungus is the largest known organism. It covers vast areas, and is estimated to be thousands of years old. It is multicellular.

Classical Cell Theory (1839)

• Proposed by Schwann and Schleiden.
• All organisms are made of cells.
• Cells are the basic units of life.
• Cells come from pre-existing cells.
• The third part of the theory was developed by Rudolf Virchow in 1858 (Omnis cellula e cellula).

Modern Cell Theory

• Cells are the structural, functional, and organizational units of all organisms.
• Cells divide and pass on hereditary information.
• Energy flows within cells
• Cells in similar species are structurally and chemically similar.

Cell Cycle

• A self-regulated sequence controlling cell growth and division
• The goal is to produce two daughter cells identical to the parent cell.
• Phases of the cell cycle include interphase (G1, S, G2) and M phase (mitosis).

Cell Cycle Checkpoints

• Points in the cycle where progression can halt until the conditions are favorable.
• Checkpoints prevent compromised cells from continuing to divide.
  • The G1 checkpoint checks conditions for favorable growth.
  • The G2 checkpoint checks if DNA replication and chromosome copying are complete and error-free.
  • The M checkpoint ensures proper chromosome attachment to spindle fibers before separation.
• The checkpoints often involve monitoring DNA for damage and triggering repair or cell death if problems are detected

Regulator Molecules of the Cell Cycle

• Two groups of intracellular molecules that regulate the cycle:
  • Positive regulators (promotes progression)
  • Negative regulators (halts the cycle)

Positive Regulation of the Cell Cycle

• Cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) drive the cell cycle forward.
• CDKs are enzymes activated by cyclins.
• The levels of various cyclins fluctuate to move the cycles through stages.

Negative Regulation of the Cell Cycle

• Examples include p53 and retinoblastoma protein (Rb).
• These proteins halt the cell cycle if necessary. For example, if DNA damage is present. If repaired, cell division can continue.

Cell Cycle Regulation and Cancer

• Cancer develops from uncontrolled cell growth.
• Proto-oncogenes become oncogenes in cancer..

This quiz explores fundamental concepts in biology, including the attributes of life and cellular organization. It also covers the innovative practice of biomimicry, highlighting how nature inspires sustainable solutions to human problems. Test your knowledge on these fascinating topics!