Introduction to Biology

Study Notes

Definition of Biology

Biology is the scientific study of life, encompassing living organisms and their interactions.
The term originates from Greek: "bios" meaning life and "logos" meaning study.
Focuses on the physical components, structure, chemical processes, and molecular interactions of organisms.

Key Concepts in Biology

Cells are the basic unit of life.
Genes are the basic units of heredity, composed of DNA or RNA.
Organisms maintain a stable internal environment.
Evolution accounts for the unity and diversity among living organisms.
All organisms absorb and convert energy for survival.

Major Branches of Biology

Anatomy: Study of the structure and parts of organisms, including adaptations and balance with the environment.
Botany: Scientific study of plants, covering structure, physiology, genetics, and ecological importance.
Taxonomy: Categorization and naming of organisms based on characteristics.
Zoology: Study of animal behavior, physiology, structure, classification, and distribution.
Microbiology: Examination of microorganisms like bacteria and viruses.
Mycology: The study of fungi, focusing on cycling nutrients in ecosystems.
Phycology: Scientific study of algae and their photosynthetic capabilities.
Parasitology: Research on parasitic organisms and their relationships with hosts.
Virology: Study of viruses and viral diseases.
Physiology: Investigates normal functions of various parts within living organisms.
Theoretical Biology: Interdisciplinary research applicable to medicine and biotechnology.
Cell Biology: Focus on the structure and function of the cell as the fundamental unit of life.
Genetics: Study of genes, variations, and heredity principles in living organisms.
Ecology: Examines interactions among organisms and their environment.
Evolution: Studies heritable changes and diversification of organisms over generations.
Biochemistry: Intersection of biology and chemistry, focusing on chemical processes within living bodies.
Biophysics: Application of physics laws to biological phenomena.
Molecular Biology: Deals with the structure and function of proteins and nucleic acids.
Structural Biology: Studies molecular structures of biological macromolecules.
Biotechnology: Exploitation of biological processes for producing hormones, antibodies, and relevant industrial products.
Plant Physiology: Sub-discipline of botany that investigates physiological functions of plants.
Immunology: Focuses on immunity and the immune system.
Marine Biology: Study of life forms in marine environments.
Photobiology: Investigates interactions of living organisms with light.
Radiobiology: Examines ionizing radiation effects on living organisms.

Pioneers of Biology

Aristotle: Known as the "Father of Biology," studied life processes like metabolism, inheritance, and embryogenesis.
Gregor Mendel: Father of genetics, his pea plant experiments established rules of heredity and crossbreeding.
Charles Darwin: Proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection, emphasizing "descent with modification."
Antonie van Leeuwenhoek: The "Father of Microbiology," recognized for his work with microscopes and discovery of microbes.