Introduction to Biology

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

Molecule: basic building blocks of life (e.g. DNA, proteins)
Organelle: specialized structures within cells (e.g. mitochondria, chloroplasts)
Cell: basic structural and functional unit of life
Tissue: group of similar cells performing a specific function
Organ: structure composed of two or more types of tissues
Organ System: group of organs working together to perform a specific function
Organism: individual living thing (e.g. plant, animal, fungus)

Carbohydrates: energy storage molecules (e.g. glucose, starch)
Proteins: molecules performing a wide range of functions (e.g. enzymes, structural proteins)
Lipids: molecules involved in energy storage and cell membrane structure (e.g. fats, oils)
Nucleic Acids: molecules containing genetic information (e.g. DNA, RNA)

Metabolism: conversion of energy and nutrients
Photosynthesis: process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy
Cellular Respiration: process by which cells generate energy from glucose
DNA Replication: process by which cells duplicate their genetic material
Gene Expression: process by which cells translate genetic information into proteins

Theory of Evolution: process by which species change over time through natural selection
Natural Selection: mechanism driving evolution, favoring individuals with advantageous traits
Speciation: process by which a new species emerges from an existing one
Phylogeny: study of evolutionary relationships between organisms

Scientific discipline focused on life and living organisms.
Examines structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy of all life forms.

Botany: Studies all aspects of plants.
Zoology: Focuses on the biology of animals.
Microbiology: Investigates microorganisms including bacteria and viruses.
Ecology: Analyzes interactions between living beings and their environment.
Genetics: Explores heredity and genetic variation among organisms.
Biochemistry: Examines chemical processes that occur within living entities.
Molecular Biology: Studies biological molecules and their interactions at a molecular level.
Cell Biology: Investigates cell structure, function, and behavior.

Molecule: Fundamental building blocks of life, examples include DNA and proteins.
Organelle: Distinct structures within cells, like mitochondria for energy production and chloroplasts for photosynthesis.
Cell: The basic unit of life, fulfilling both structural and functional roles.
Tissue: A collection of similar cells performing a common function.
Organ: Comprised of two or more tissue types working together.
Organ System: Integrated group of organs that performs complex functions.
Organism: An individual living entity, such as a plant, animal, or fungus.

Carbohydrates: Serve as energy storage and include molecules like glucose and starch.
Proteins: Function across various roles including enzymes that catalyze reactions and structural components.
Lipids: Play crucial roles in energy storage and forming cell membranes, examples are fats and oils.
Nucleic Acids: Store and transmit genetic information, notably DNA and RNA.

Metabolism: Involves the chemical processes for energy conversion and nutrient utilization.
Photosynthesis: Enables plants to convert light energy into chemically stored energy.
Cellular Respiration: The method cells use to generate energy from glucose breakdown.
DNA Replication: Process allowing cells to accurately duplicate their genetic hereditary material.
Gene Expression: The conversion of genetic information into functional proteins.

Theory of Evolution: Explains how species evolve through natural selection mechanisms.
Natural Selection: Drives evolutionary changes by favoring traits that enhance survival and reproduction.
Speciation: The evolutionary process leading to the formation of new species from existing ones.
Phylogeny: Studies the evolutionary histories and relationships of different organisms.