Key Concepts in Biology

Definition: The study of living organisms, their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution.

Cell Biology
- Focuses on the structure and function of cells.
- Key components: cell membrane, nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, etc.
Genetics
- Study of heredity and variation in organisms.
- Key concepts: DNA, genes, chromosomes, mutations.
Evolutionary Biology
- Examines the processes that lead to genetic change in populations over time.
- Key concepts: natural selection, adaptation, speciation.
Ecology
- Study of interactions among organisms and their environment.
- Key concepts: ecosystems, food chains, biogeochemical cycles.
Physiology
- Study of the functions and mechanisms in living systems.
- Focus areas: human physiology, plant physiology, animal physiology.

Photosynthesis
- Conversion of light energy into chemical energy in plants.
- Key equation: 6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 O₂.
Respiration
- Process of breaking down glucose for energy.
- Types: aerobic and anaerobic respiration.
Cell Division
- Includes mitosis (cell replication) and meiosis (formation of gametes).
- Mitosis stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase.

Domains
- Bacteria: Single-celled prokaryotes.
- Archaea: Single-celled prokaryotes, often extremophiles.
- Eukarya: Includes all eukaryotic organisms (plants, animals, fungi, protists).
Kingdoms (Eukarya)
- Plantae: Multicellular, photosynthetic organisms.
- Animalia: Multicellular, heterotrophic organisms.
- Fungi: Decomposers, multicellular or unicellular.
- Protista: Mostly unicellular eukaryotes.

Observation: Identifying a phenomenon.
Hypothesis: Proposing a testable explanation.
Experimentation: Testing the hypothesis through controlled methods.
Analysis: Interpreting the data collected.
Conclusion: Drawing conclusions based on the analysis and revising hypotheses if necessary.

Homeostasis: Maintenance of stable internal conditions.
Adaptation: Changes in organisms to better suit their environment.
Biodiversity: Variety of life in a given area.
Symbiosis: Interaction between different organisms living in close physical proximity.

Microscopy: Techniques used to magnify small objects, including light and electron microscopy.
Molecular techniques: Techniques like PCR, cloning, and sequencing for DNA analysis.
Statistical methods: Used for analyzing biological data and experimental results.

The scientific study of life in all its forms, including structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution.

Cell Biology: Focuses on the building blocks of life – cells. Key structures include cell membrane, nucleus, mitochondria, and ribosomes.
Genetics: Unravels the secrets of heredity and variation. Key concepts include DNA, genes, chromosomes, and mutations.
Evolutionary Biology: Examines how life changes over time. Key concepts include natural selection, adaptation, and the emergence of new species.
Ecology: Studies the intricate relationships between organisms and their environment. Key concepts include ecosystems, food chains, and nutrient cycles.
Physiology: Focuses on the functions and mechanisms of living systems. This includes human, plant, and animal physiology.

Photosynthesis: Plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce energy-rich sugars, releasing oxygen as a byproduct.
Respiration: The breaking down of glucose for energy. Divided into aerobic (with oxygen) and anaerobic (without oxygen) respiration.
Cell Division: Essential for growth and reproduction. Includes mitosis for cell replication and meiosis for the formation of sex cells.

Molecular: The fundamental building blocks of life, like proteins and nucleic acids.
Cellular: The basic functional unit of life.
Tissue: A group of similar cells carrying out a specific function.
Organ: Different tissues working together to perform a complex task.
Organism: A complete living being.
Population: A group of individuals of the same species inhabiting a specific area.
Community: Different species interacting within a shared environment.
Ecosystem: The living community and its non-living environment.
Biosphere: The sum of all ecosystems on Earth, representing the global web of life.

Domains: The broadest classification level.
- Bacteria: Single-celled prokaryotes.
- Archaea: Single-celled prokaryotes, often inhabiting extreme environments.
- Eukarya: All organisms with complex cells (plants, animals, fungi, protists).
Kingdoms (Eukarya):
- Plantae: Multicellular organisms capable of photosynthesis.
- Animalia: Multicellular organisms that obtain energy by consuming other organisms.
- Fungi: Decomposers, either single-celled or multicellular.
- Protista: Mostly single-celled eukaryotic organisms.

Observation: Taking note of an interesting phenomenon.
Hypothesis: Formulating a testable explanation for the observation.
Experimentation: Designing and conducting controlled experiments to test the hypothesis.
Analysis: Analyzing and interpreting the data collected from experiments.
Conclusion: Drawing conclusions based on the data, supporting or refuting the original hypothesis.

Homeostasis: Maintaining a stable internal environment.
Adaptation: Changes in organisms that help them survive and thrive in their environment.
Biodiversity: The variety of life in a given area.
Symbiosis: Close and often long-term interactions between different species.

Microscopy: Powerful techniques (light and electron microscopy) for studying the microscopic world.
Molecular Techniques: Methods like PCR, cloning, and sequencing for analyzing DNA.
Statistical Methods: Analyzing and interpreting biological data.