Introduction to Biology

Study Notes

Definition and Scope

Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms
It encompasses the structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy of all living things

Branches of Biology

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
Biochemistry: study of the chemical processes that occur within living organisms
Molecular Biology: study of the structure and function of biological molecules such as DNA and proteins
Genetics: study of heredity and variation in organisms
Evolutionary Biology: study of the processes that have shaped the diversity of life on Earth

Biological Molecules

Carbohydrates: provide energy and structure for cells
Proteins: perform a wide range of functions including enzymatic, structural, and transport roles
Lipids: provide energy and structure for cells
Nucleic Acids: store and transmit genetic information
ATP: energy currency of the cell

Cell Structure and Function

Cell Membrane: semi-permeable membrane that regulates the flow of materials in and out of the cell
Cytoplasm: gel-like substance inside the cell membrane where metabolic processes occur
Nucleus: contains the cell's genetic material
Mitochondria: generate energy for the cell through cellular respiration
Ribosomes: site of protein synthesis
Lysosomes: contain digestive enzymes that break down and recycle cellular waste

Biological Processes

Photosynthesis: process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy
Cellular Respiration: process by which cells generate energy from glucose
Metabolism: set of chemical reactions that occur within cells to maintain life
Homeostasis: ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in the external environment
Transportation: movement of materials in and out of cells and throughout the body

Definition and Scope of Biology

Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms, encompassing their structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy.

Branches of Biology

Botany: the study of plants and their interactions with the environment.
Zoology: the study of animals and their interactions with the environment.
Microbiology: the study of microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses.
Ecology: the study of relationships between organisms and their environment.
Biochemistry: the study of chemical processes that occur within living organisms.
Molecular Biology: the study of biological molecules such as DNA and proteins.
Genetics: the study of heredity and variation in organisms.
Evolutionary Biology: the study of processes that have shaped the diversity of life on Earth.

Biological Molecules

Carbohydrates: provide energy and structure for cells.
Proteins: perform enzymatic, structural, and transport roles.
Lipids: provide energy and structure for cells.
Nucleic Acids: store and transmit genetic information.
ATP: the energy currency of the cell.

Cell Structure and Function

Cell Membrane: semi-permeable membrane regulating the flow of materials in and out of the cell.
Cytoplasm: gel-like substance inside the cell membrane where metabolic processes occur.
Nucleus: contains the cell's genetic material.
Mitochondria: generate energy for the cell through cellular respiration.
Ribosomes: site of protein synthesis.
Lysosomes: contain digestive enzymes that break down and recycle cellular waste.

Biological Processes

Photosynthesis: the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy.
Cellular Respiration: the process by which cells generate energy from glucose.
Metabolism: a set of chemical reactions that occur within cells to maintain life.
Homeostasis: the ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in the external environment.
Transportation: the movement of materials in and out of cells and throughout the body.

Description

This quiz covers the definition and scope of biology, including its branches such as botany, zoology, microbiology, and ecology. It explores the study of life and living organisms, their structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy.