Introduction to Biology and Cell Biology

Study Notes

Introduction to Biology

Biology is the natural science that studies life and living organisms, including their physical structure, chemical processes, molecular interactions, physiological mechanisms, development, and evolution.
It encompasses a vast range of scales, from the molecular level to the ecosystem level.
Key branches of biology include botany (plants), zoology (animals), microbiology (microorganisms), genetics, ecology, and physiology.
The study of biology relies on a scientific method, including observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation, data analysis, and conclusion drawing.

Cell Biology

Cells are the basic structural and functional units of all living organisms.
Cells can be prokaryotic (lacking a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles) or eukaryotic (possessing a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles).
Eukaryotic cells are typically larger than prokaryotic cells.
Key organelles include the nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and lysosomes.
Cellular processes include metabolism, respiration, reproduction, and transport.

Molecular Biology

This field examines the structure and function of macromolecules essential to life, such as DNA, RNA, and proteins.
DNA carries genetic information encoded in a specific sequence of nucleotides.
RNA facilitates protein synthesis.
Proteins perform a wide array of functions, including structural support, enzymatic activity, and transportation.
Molecular biology utilizes techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, and sequencing to study these molecules.

Genetics

Genetics is the study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics.
Heredity is the passage of traits from one generation to the next.
Genes are segments of DNA that determine specific traits.
Chromosomes are structures composed of DNA and proteins that carry genes.
Genetic mutations can lead to variations and potentially new traits in a population.
Mendelian genetics describes the basic principles of inheritance based on observable traits.
Modern genetics explore complex patterns of inheritance and the interactions between genes and the environment.

Ecology

Ecology studies the relationships between organisms and their environment.
It considers abiotic components (non-living), such as sunlight, water, and temperature, along with biotic factors (living) like plants, animals, and microorganisms.
Ecological interactions like competition, predation, and symbiosis shape ecosystems.
Biomes are large geographic areas with specific climates and characteristic plant and animal communities.
Ecosystems are composed of interconnected communities and abiotic factors.
Succession describes the gradual change in an ecosystem over time.

Evolution

Evolution is the change in the heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations.
Natural selection is a key mechanism of evolution, favoring traits that enhance survival and reproduction in a given environment.
Adaptation is the process by which organisms develop traits that make them better suited to their environment.
Diversification of species through evolution leads to biodiversity.
Evidence for evolution includes fossil records, comparative anatomy, embryology, and molecular biology.

Physiology

Physiology studies the functions of organisms and their parts.
It examines how living organisms work at the cellular, organ, and systemic levels.
Physiological processes vary across different species and are shaped by environmental factors.
Examples include respiration, digestion, circulation, and nervous and immune systems.

Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of biology, focusing on the study of life and its various branches including cell biology. This quiz covers the distinctions between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, key organelles, and the scientific method used in biological research. Test your knowledge on the structure and function of living organisms!