Introduction to Biology

Study Notes

Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy.
It explores the diversity of life, from the simplest molecules to complex ecosystems.

Botany: study of plants and their interactions with the environment
Zoology: study of animals and their interactions with the environment
Microbiology: study of microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses
Ecology: study of the relationships between organisms and their environment
Genetics: study of heredity, genes, and genetic variation
Molecular Biology: study of the structure and function of biomolecules, such as DNA and proteins
Evolutionary Biology: study of the processes that have shaped the diversity of life on Earth

Cell theory: all living things are composed of cells, which are the basic units of life
Cellular processes:
- Metabolism: energy conversion and nutrient utilization
- Photosynthesis: conversion of light energy into chemical energy
- Mitosis: cell division and replication
- Meiosis: reduction division in gamete production
- Gene expression: transcription and translation of genetic information

Ecosystem: community of living and non-living components interacting in an environment
Biodiversity: variety of species, genes, and ecosystems
Ecological relationships:
- Predator-prey interactions
- Symbiotic relationships (mutualism, commensalism, parasitism)
- Nutrient cycling and energy flow
Human impact on ecosystems: pollution, climate change, and conservation efforts

Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy.
It explores the diversity of life, from the simplest molecules to complex ecosystems.

Botany involves the study of plants and their interactions with the environment.
Zoology involves the study of animals and their interactions with the environment.
Microbiology involves the study of microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses.
Ecology involves the study of the relationships between organisms and their environment.
Genetics involves the study of heredity, genes, and genetic variation.
Molecular Biology involves the study of the structure and function of biomolecules, such as DNA and proteins.
Evolutionary Biology involves the study of the processes that have shaped the diversity of life on Earth.

The cell theory states that all living things are composed of cells, which are the basic units of life.
Metabolism is the process of energy conversion and nutrient utilization.
Photosynthesis is the process of converting light energy into chemical energy.
Mitosis is the process of cell division and replication.
Meiosis is the process of reduction division in gamete production.
Gene expression involves the transcription and translation of genetic information.

Mendelian inheritance refers to the principles of heredity and genetic transmission.
DNA has a double helix structure and is responsible for replication and transcription.
Genetic variation occurs through mutation, gene flow, genetic drift, and natural selection.
Evolutionary mechanisms include adaptation, speciation, and phylogenetics.

An ecosystem is a community of living and non-living components interacting in an environment.
Biodiversity refers to the variety of species, genes, and ecosystems.
Ecological relationships include predator-prey interactions, symbiotic relationships, and nutrient cycling and energy flow.
Human activities can impact ecosystems through pollution, climate change, and conservation efforts.