Key Concepts in Biology

Molecule: Basic unit of life; includes DNA, proteins.
Cell: Basic unit of life; can be prokaryotic (bacteria) or eukaryotic (plants, animals).
Tissue: Group of similar cells performing a specific function.
Organ: Structure made of tissues performing specific functions (e.g., heart, brain).
Organ System: Group of organs working together (e.g., circulatory system).
Organism: Individual living entity.
Population: Group of organisms of the same species.
Community: Different populations interacting in the same environment.
Ecosystem: Community plus its physical environment.
Biome: Large area defined by climate and geographic features.
Biosphere: Global sum of all ecosystems.

DNA Structure: Double helix composed of nucleotides (adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine).
Gene: Sequence of DNA that encodes for a protein.
Chromosome: DNA packaged with proteins, found in the nucleus.
Mendelian Genetics: Inheritance patterns studied by Gregor Mendel; principles of dominance, segregation, and independent assortment.

Natural Selection: Mechanism for evolution; survival and reproduction of the fittest.
Speciation: Process through which new species arise.
Genetic Drift: Random changes in allele frequencies in a population.

Ecosystem Dynamics: Interactions between organisms and their environment (energy flow, nutrient cycling).
Food Chains and Webs: Models showing the flow of energy and nutrients through ecosystems.
Biomes: Major ecological communities defined by climate and vegetation types.

Organ Systems: Major systems (e.g., circulatory, respiratory, digestive) and their functions.
Homeostasis: Maintenance of stable internal conditions (temperature, pH, etc.).
Immune System: Body's defense against infections and diseases.

Metabolism: Sum of all chemical processes within organisms (anabolism and catabolism).
Respiration: Process of converting food into energy (cellular respiration).
Photosynthesis: Conversion of light energy into chemical energy by plants.

Bacteria: Prokaryotic organisms, diverse in function (pathogens, decomposers).
Viruses: Non-cellular agents that replicate only inside host cells.
Fungi: Eukaryotic organisms that decompose organic material.

Photosynthesis: Process by which plants convert CO2 and H2O into glucose using sunlight.
Plant Structure: Roots, stems, leaves; adaptations for different environments.
Reproduction: Sexual and asexual methods (seeds, spores).

Instinct vs. Learning: Innate behaviors versus learned behaviors through interaction with the environment.
Social Structures: Impact of social behaviors on populations (e.g., pack behavior in wolves).

This summary encompasses fundamental aspects of biology, providing a foundational understanding for further study.

Molecules are the fundamental building blocks of life, examples include DNA and proteins.
Cells are the basic unit of life, they can be prokaryotic like bacteria or eukaryotic like plants and animals.
Tissues are composed of similar cells working together to perform a specific function.
Organs are structures made of different tissues that function together, for example, the heart and brain.
Organ Systems are groups of organs working together to carry out a larger process, like the circulatory system.
Organism is an individual living entity.
Population is a group of organisms of the same species living in the same area.
Community is an interaction of different populations living together in the same environment.
Ecosystem is a community and its physical environment working together.
Biome is a large-scale ecosystem characterized by climate and dominant plant life.
Biosphere is the sum of all ecosystems on Earth.

DNA Structure is a double helix, made up of nucleotides: adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine.
Gene is a sequence of DNA that codes for a specific protein.
Chromosome is a packaged form of DNA and proteins, found in the nucleus of cells.
Mendelian Genetics is the study of inheritance patterns, proposed by Gregor Mendel. Key principles include:
- Dominance: Some traits are expressed over others.
- Segregation: Alleles for a trait separate during gamete formation.
- Independent Assortment: Genes for different traits are inherited independently.

Natural Selection is the driving force of evolution; organisms best suited to their environment survive and reproduce more successfully.
Speciation is the process by which new species evolve.
Genetic Drift is random changes in allele frequencies in a population over time.

Ecosystem Dynamics is the study of interactions between organisms and their environment, including energy flow and nutrient cycling.
Food Chain and Webs are models depicting energy and nutrient flow through ecosystems.
Biomes are major ecological communities distinguished by climate and vegetation.

Organ Systems are major functional units in the human body (e.g., circulatory, respiratory, digestive).
Homeostasis is the maintenance of stable internal conditions in the body, such as temperature and pH.
Immune System is the body's defense against infections and diseases.

Metabolism is the sum of all chemical processes within organisms, including anabolism (building up) and catabolism (breaking down).
Respiration is the process by which organisms convert food into energy (cellular respiration).
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy.

Bacteria are prokaryotic organisms with diverse functions, including pathogens and decomposers.
Viruses are non-cellular agents that can only replicate inside host cells.
Fungi are eukaryotic organisms that decompose organic matter.

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert CO2 and H2O into glucose using sunlight.
Plant Structure: Roots, stems, and leaves are the main parts of plants, adapted for specific functions.
Reproduction: Plants can reproduce sexually through seeds or asexually through spores.

Instinct vs. Learning: Animals can have innate behaviors (instincts) or learn behaviors through interaction with the environment.
Social Structures: Social interactions within species (e.g., pack behavior in wolves) can influence population dynamics.