Introduction to Biology Branches

Branches of Biology

• Botany: study of plants
• Zoology: study of animals
• Microbiology: study of microorganisms
• Ecology: study of interactions between organisms and their environment
• Evolutionary biology: study of evolution and diversity of life
• Biochemistry: study of chemical processes in living organisms
• Biophysics: study of physical principles underlying biological processes
• Molecular biology: study of structure and function of biological molecules

Cell Biology

• Cell structure:
  • Plasma membrane
  • Cytoplasm
  • Nucleus
  • Mitochondria
  • Endoplasmic reticulum
  • Ribosomes
• Cell functions:
  • Metabolism
  • Photosynthesis
  • Cell division (mitosis, meiosis)
  • Cell signaling
  • Cell death (apoptosis)

Genetics

• Mendelian genetics:
  • Laws of inheritance (segregation, independent assortment)
  • Dominant and recessive traits
  • Genotype and phenotype
• Molecular genetics:
  • DNA structure (double helix)
  • DNA replication
  • Gene expression (transcription, translation)
  • Mutations and genetic variation

Evolution

• Mechanisms of evolution:
  • Natural selection
  • Genetic drift
  • Gene flow
  • Mutation
• Evidence for evolution:
  • Fossil record
  • Comparative anatomy
  • Molecular biology (DNA and protein sequences)
  • Biogeography

Ecosystems

• Components of ecosystems:
  • Abiotic factors (light, temperature, water, nutrients)
  • Biotic factors (organisms)
• Energy flow:
  • Producers (autotrophs)
  • Consumers (heterotrophs)
  • Decomposers
• Nutrient cycling:
  • Carbon cycle
  • Nitrogen cycle
  • Water cycle

Biodiversity

• Types of biodiversity:
  • Species diversity
  • Genetic diversity
  • Ecosystem diversity
• Importance of biodiversity:
  • Ecosystem services (pollination, pest control)
  • Medicinal resources
  • Food security
  • Climate change mitigation

Branches of Biology

• Botany studies plants
• Zoology studies animals
• Microbiology studies microorganisms
• Ecology studies interactions between organisms and their environment
• Evolutionary biology studies evolution and diversity of life
• Biochemistry studies chemical processes in living organisms
• Biophysics studies physical principles underlying biological processes
• Molecular biology studies structure and function of biological molecules

Cell Biology

• Cell structure consists of plasma membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and ribosomes
• Cell functions include metabolism, photosynthesis, cell division (mitosis, meiosis), cell signaling, and cell death (apoptosis)

Genetics

• Mendelian genetics involves laws of inheritance (segregation, independent assortment), dominant and recessive traits, and genotype and phenotype
• Molecular genetics involves DNA structure (double helix), DNA replication, gene expression (transcription, translation), and mutations and genetic variation

Evolution

• Mechanisms of evolution include natural selection, genetic drift, gene flow, and mutation
• Evidence for evolution includes fossil record, comparative anatomy, molecular biology (DNA and protein sequences), and biogeography

Ecosystems

• Components of ecosystems include abiotic factors (light, temperature, water, nutrients) and biotic factors (organisms)
• Energy flow involves producers (autotrophs), consumers (heterotrophs), and decomposers
• Nutrient cycling includes carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, and water cycle

Biodiversity

• Types of biodiversity include species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity
• Importance of biodiversity includes ecosystem services (pollination, pest control), medicinal resources, food security, and climate change mitigation

Explore the different branches of biology, including botany, zoology, microbiology, and more. Learn about the study of life and its various aspects.