Key Concepts in Biology

Cell Theory: All living organisms are composed of cells; cells are the basic unit of life; all cells arise from pre-existing cells.
Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells:
- Prokaryotic: No nucleus, smaller, simpler (e.g., bacteria).
- Eukaryotic: Nucleus present, larger, more complex (e.g., plants, animals).
Organelles:
- Nucleus: Contains genetic material.
- Mitochondria: Energy production (ATP synthesis).
- Ribosomes: Protein synthesis.
- Endoplasmic Reticulum: Protein and lipid synthesis (rough and smooth).
- Golgi Apparatus: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins.

DNA Structure: Double helix, composed of nucleotides (adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine).
Gene Expression: Process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize proteins (transcription and translation).
Mendelian Genetics: Principles of inheritance (dominant and recessive traits).
Chromosomes: Structures that carry genetic information; humans have 46 chromosomes (23 pairs).

Natural Selection: Mechanism of evolution where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce.
Speciation: The formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution.
Evidence for Evolution: Fossil records, comparative anatomy, molecular biology, and biogeography.

Ecosystems: Communities of living organisms interacting with their environment (abiotic factors).
Food Chains and Webs: Energy flow through trophic levels (producers, consumers, decomposers).
Biomes: Large geographical biotic communities defined by climate and vegetation (e.g., tundra, rainforest).
Biodiversity: Variety of life in an ecosystem, crucial for resilience and stability.

Organ Systems:
- Circulatory: Transports nutrients and oxygen.
- Respiratory: Gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide).
- Digestive: Breaks down food and absorbs nutrients.
- Nervous: Controls body functions and responses.
Homeostasis: Maintenance of stable internal conditions despite external changes.

Genetic Engineering: Altering an organism’s DNA to produce desired traits (e.g., CRISPR).
Cloning: Producing a genetically identical copy of an organism.
Biopharmaceuticals: Using biological processes for medical treatments (e.g., insulin production).

Photosynthesis: Process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy (glucose) using chlorophyll.
Plant Structures: Roots (absorb water), stems (support), leaves (photosynthesis), flowers (reproduction).
Plant Life Cycles: Alternation of generations (haploid and diploid phases).

Microorganisms: Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa; play roles in disease, decomposition, and symbiosis.
Pathogens: Microorganisms that cause disease.
Antibiotics and Vaccines: Methods to combat bacterial infections and prevent diseases.

Use diagrams to visualize cell structures, evolutionary trees, and ecological interactions.
Create flashcards for key terms and processes.
Practice applying concepts through problem-solving and case studies.

Cell Theory: Basis of biology stating that all living organisms are made of cells, which are the fundamental units of life, arising from pre-existing cells.
Prokaryotic Cells: Characterized by the absence of a nucleus, generally smaller in size, and simpler structure; primarily includes bacteria.
Eukaryotic Cells: Feature a nucleus, are larger, and display greater complexity; includes plants and animals.
Nucleus: Organelle housing the genetic material (DNA).
Mitochondria: Powerhouse of the cell responsible for ATP synthesis and energy production.
Ribosomes: Sites of protein synthesis, translating genetic information into protein.
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): Network involved in protein and lipid synthesis, differentiated into rough (with ribosomes) and smooth (without ribosomes) variations.
Golgi Apparatus: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

DNA Structure: Double helical configuration made of nucleotides: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), guanine (G).
Gene Expression: Involves transcription (DNA to mRNA) and translation (mRNA to protein) to produce proteins from genetic information.
Mendelian Genetics: Laws of inheritance illustrating dominant and recessive traits through Punnett squares and monohybrid crosses.
Chromosomes: Carriers of genetic information for organisms; humans have a total of 46 chromosomes arranged in 23 pairs.

Natural Selection: A process where advantageous traits enhance survival and reproduction, leading to gradual evolution of species.
Speciation: Emergence of new species resulting from evolutionary processes over time.
Evidence for Evolution: Supported by fossil records, similarities in anatomy, molecular biology data, and biogeographical patterns.

Ecosystems: Comprised of living organisms and their interactions with abiotic factors (like climate and soil).
Food Chains and Webs: Models showing how energy moves through an ecosystem from producers to consumers to decomposers.
Biomes: Larger community areas characterized by specific climate and vegetation types, such as tundra or rainforest.
Biodiversity: The variety of life forms within ecosystems, essential for ecological balance and resilience.

Organ Systems:
- Circulatory System: Responsible for the transport of nutrients and oxygen throughout the body.
- Respiratory System: Facilitates gas exchange, primarily oxygen intake and carbon dioxide expulsion.
- Digestive System: Functions to break down food and absorb crucial nutrients.
- Nervous System: Governs body functions and responses to stimuli.
Homeostasis: The process of maintaining stable internal conditions despite external environmental changes.

Genetic Engineering: Techniques to modify an organism's DNA for desired outcome, exemplified by CRISPR technology.
Cloning: Method for generating genetically identical organisms.
Biopharmaceuticals: Application of biological systems to produce medical products, including insulin.

Photosynthesis: Conversion of light energy into chemical energy (glucose), facilitated by chlorophyll found in plant cells.
Plant Structures:
- Roots: Anchor plants and absorb water and minerals.
- Stems: Support plant structure, transporting nutrients and water.
- Leaves: Main site for photosynthesis.
- Flowers: Reproductive structures facilitating plant reproduction.
Plant Life Cycles: Involves alternation of generations between haploid and diploid stages.

Microorganisms: Includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa playing significant roles in health, decomposition, and symbiotic relationships.
Pathogens: Microbes responsible for causing diseases in hosts.
Antibiotics and Vaccines: Therapeutic tools to fight bacterial infections and prevent infectious diseases.

Utilize diagrams to clarify complex biological concepts, including cell structures and ecological relationships.
Develop flashcards for fundamental terminology and essential processes for easier recall.
Engage in problem-solving activities or case studies to apply learned concepts in practical contexts.