Key Concepts in Biology

Key Concepts in Biology

• Cell Structure

  • Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells
    • Prokaryotes: No nucleus, smaller, simpler (e.g., bacteria)
    • Eukaryotes: Nucleus, larger, more complex (e.g., plants, animals)

• Genetics

  • DNA Structure: Double helix, composed of nucleotides (A, T, C, G)
  • Genes: Units of heredity; segments of DNA that code for proteins
  • Chromosomes: Structures made of DNA and protein found in the nucleus

• Evolution

  • Natural Selection: Process by which organisms adapt to their environment; survival of the fittest
  • Speciation: Formation of new and distinct species through evolution
  • Common Ancestry: All living organisms share a common ancestor

• Ecology

  • Ecosystems: Interactions between living organisms and their environment
  • Food Chains and Food Webs: Energy flow through trophic levels (producers, consumers, decomposers)
  • Biomes: Large geographic biotic community (e.g., rainforest, desert)

• Physiology

  • Homeostasis: Regulation of internal conditions (temperature, pH, etc.)
  • Major Systems:
    • Circulatory: Transport of nutrients and oxygen
    • Respiratory: Exchange of gases (O2 and CO2)
    • Digestive: Breakdown of food for energy and nutrients
    • Nervous: Response to environmental stimuli

• Biochemistry

  • Macromolecules:
    • Carbohydrates: Energy sources and structural components (e.g., sugars)
    • Proteins: Composed of amino acids, perform various functions (enzymes, structure)
    • Lipids: Fats and oils, important for energy storage and cell membranes
    • Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA, responsible for genetic information

• Cell Division

  • Mitosis: Process of cell division resulting in two identical daughter cells
    • Phases: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase
  • Meiosis: Produces gametes (sperm and egg) with half the number of chromosomes

• Plant Biology

  • Photosynthesis: Process by which plants convert solar energy into chemical energy (glucose)
    • Equation: 6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2
  • Plant Structures: Roots (absorption), stems (support), leaves (photosynthesis)

• Microbiology

  • Bacteria: Single-celled organisms, roles in nutrient cycling and disease
  • Viruses: Non-cellular pathogens; require a host to replicate

• Human Impact on Biology

  • Conservation: Protecting biodiversity and ecosystems
  • Climate Change: Affecting species distribution and ecosystem dynamics
  • Biotechnology: Genetic engineering for agriculture, medicine, and research

Important Terms

• Homeostasis
• Biodiversity
• Metabolism
• Enzyme
• Ecology
• Adaptation

These notes summarize key areas within the field of biology, capturing essential concepts and terminology for study and review.

Cell Structure

• Prokaryotic cells: No nucleus, smaller, simpler, include bacteria.
• Eukaryotic cells: Contain a nucleus, larger, more complex, include plants and animals.

Genetics

• DNA: Double helix structure, composed of nucleotides adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G).
• Genes: Units of heredity, segments of DNA that code for proteins.
• Chromosomes: Structures made of DNA and protein found in the nucleus.

Evolution

• Natural Selection: Process by which organisms adapt to their environment, survival of the fittest.
• Speciation: Formation of new and distinct species through evolution.
• Common Ancestry: All living organisms share a common ancestor.

Ecology

• Ecosystems: Interactions between living organisms and their environment.
• Food Chains and Food Webs: Energy flow through trophic levels, including producers, consumers, and decomposers.
• Biomes: Large geographic biotic communities, examples include rainforest and desert.

Physiology

• Homeostasis: Regulation of internal conditions (e.g. temperature, pH, etc.)
• Major Systems:
  • Circulatory: Transport of nutrients and oxygen.
  • Respiratory: Exchange of gases (O2 and CO2).
  • Digestive: Breakdown of food for energy and nutrients.
  • Nervous: Response to environmental stimuli.

Biochemistry

• Macromolecules: Organic molecules essential for life.
  • Carbohydrates: Energy sources and structural components (e.g., sugars).
  • Proteins: Composed of amino acids, perform various functions (e.g., enzymes, structure).
  • Lipids: Fats and oils, important for energy storage and cell membranes.
  • Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA, responsible for genetic information.

Cell Division

• Mitosis: Process of cell division, results in two identical daughter cells.
  • Phases: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase.
• Meiosis: Produces gametes (sperm and egg) with half the number of chromosomes.

Plant Biology

• Photosynthesis: Plants convert solar energy into chemical energy (glucose).
  • Equation: 6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2
• Plant Structures:
  • Roots: Absorption of water and nutrients.
  • Stems: Provide support, transport water and nutrients.
  • Leaves: Photosynthesis.

Microbiology

• Bacteria: Single-celled organisms, play roles in nutrient cycling and disease.
• Viruses: Non-cellular pathogens, require a host to replicate.

Human Impact on Biology

• Conservation: Protecting biodiversity and ecosystems.
• Climate Change: Affects species distribution and ecosystem dynamics.
• Biotechnology: Genetic engineering for agriculture, medicine, and research.

This quiz covers fundamental concepts in biology including cell structure, genetics, evolution, ecology, and physiology. Test your understanding of these essential topics that form the foundation of biological science.