Key Concepts in Biology

Definition: Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms, encompassing various fields that explore the structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy of living beings.

Cell Biology
- Study of cell structure, function, and processes.
- Focuses on cellular components: organelles, membranes, and signaling.
Genetics
- Study of heredity and variation in organisms.
- Involves DNA, genes, chromosomes, and genetic disorders.
Evolutionary Biology
- Study of the origins and changes in biodiversity over time.
- Key concepts include natural selection, adaptation, and speciation.
Ecology
- Study of interactions between organisms and their environment.
- Examines ecosystems, biodiversity, and conservation.
Physiology
- Study of the functions and mechanisms in living organisms.
- Covers systems such as muscular, nervous, and circulatory.
Microbiology
- Study of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.
- Focuses on their role in ecosystems and impact on human health.

Cell Theory
- All living organisms are composed of cells.
- Cells are the basic unit of life.
- All cells arise from pre-existing cells.
Gene Theory
- Traits are inherited through genes located on chromosomes.
- Genes function as units of heredity.
Homeostasis
- The ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment.
- Involves regulation of temperature, pH, and other physiological variables.
Biological Classification
- Organisms are classified into hierarchical categories: Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.
- Uses Binomial Nomenclature for scientific naming (Genus species).

Photosynthesis
- Process by which green plants and some other organisms convert light energy into chemical energy.
- Involves the conversion of carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.
Cellular Respiration
- Process by which cells convert glucose into energy (ATP) in the presence of oxygen.
- Involves glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.
Reproduction
- Mechanisms by which organisms produce offspring.
- Can be sexual (involving gametes) or asexual (budding, fission, etc.).

Microscopy
- Use of microscopes to observe small specimens and cells.
- Types: Light microscopes, electron microscopes.
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
- Technique used to amplify DNA sequences.
- Essential for genetic research and forensics.
Gene Editing
- Techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9 for modifying DNA.
- Applications in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology.

Genomics and Proteomics
- Study of genomes (complete set of DNA) and proteomes (complete set of proteins).
- Involves understanding gene function and regulation.
Synthetic Biology
- Design and construction of new biological parts and systems.
- Aims to create organisms with novel functions.
Conservation Biology
- Focus on the protection and management of biodiversity.
- Addresses threats like habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species.

Biology studies life, covering structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy of living organisms.

Cell Biology
- Focuses on the structure and function of cells, including organelles and signaling processes.
Genetics
- Investigates heredity, DNA, genes, and genetic disorders, highlighting the role of chromosomes in traits.
Evolutionary Biology
- Examines the origins and diversity of life through principles like natural selection, adaptation, and speciation.
Ecology
- Analyzes interactions between organisms and environments, addressing ecosystems, biodiversity, and conservation efforts.
Physiology
- Studies the functions and mechanisms of living systems, including muscular, nervous, and circulatory systems.
Microbiology
- Focuses on microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa) and their ecological roles and effects on human health.

Cell Theory
- Asserts that all living organisms are made of cells, the basic units of life, which arise from pre-existing cells.
Gene Theory
- Proposes that traits are inherited through genes on chromosomes, with genes acting as hereditary units.
Homeostasis
- Describes organisms' ability to maintain stable internal environments, regulating temperature, pH, and physiological variables.
Biological Classification
- Organisms are categorized in a hierarchy: Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species, using Binomial Nomenclature.

Photosynthesis
- Converts light energy into chemical energy, transforming carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.
Cellular Respiration
- Converts glucose into ATP energy in oxygen-rich conditions, involving glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.
Reproduction
- Mechanisms include sexual reproduction (gametes involvement) and asexual reproduction (e.g., budding and fission).

Microscopy
- Employs microscopes (light and electron) to study tiny specimens and cells.
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
- A technique for amplifying DNA sequences, crucial for genetics research and forensic applications.
Gene Editing
- Involves techniques like CRISPR-Cas9 for DNA modification, with implications in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology.

Genomics and Proteomics
- Investigates complete DNA sets (genomes) and protein sets (proteomes), focusing on gene function and regulation.
Synthetic Biology
- Involves the creation of new biological parts and systems, designing organisms with enhanced or novel capabilities.
Conservation Biology
- Aims to protect and manage biodiversity, tackling challenges like habitat destruction, climate change, and invasive species.