Medical Biology 1st Year Quiz

Course Information

• University: University of Mosul
• College: College of Medicine
• Subject: Medical Biology
• Year: 1st Year
• Lecturer: Inaam A. Abdulhameed
• Department: Anatomy
• Date: 13/11/2024

Aims of the Lecture

• Recognize and describe the characteristics of living organisms
• Identify different levels of biological organization
• Describe what a cell is and the two general types of cell
• Describe the tools of cell biology

Intended Learning Outcomes

• Define the term "Biology"
• Explain the basic characteristics of all living things
• Describe the levels of biological organization
• Define the term "Cell Biology"
• Compare prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
• Know the tools of cell biology

Introduction

• Biology is the study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy.
• Medical biology applies biological principles to medicine, healthcare, and lab diagnostics.

Characteristics of Life

• Living organisms share these basic characteristics:
  • Organization
  • Homeostasis
  • Adaptation
  • Response to stimuli
  • Metabolism
  • Reproduction
  • Growth and development

Levels of Biological Organization

• Biosphere (all living things and environments)
• Ecosystem (living and non-living factors)
• Community (all living things in an area)
• Population (organisms of the same species)
• Organism (single, living entity)
• Organ system (group of organs for a function)
• Organ (group of tissues with a function)
• Tissue (group of cells of a type)
• Cell (basic unit of life)
• Molecule (group of atoms)
• Atom (smallest part of an element)

Organization of Cells

• Atom: Smallest unit of an element (protons, neutrons, electrons)
• Molecule: Two or more atoms bonded
• Organelle: A small part inside a cell with a specific role
• Cell: The basic structural and functional unit of living organisms
• Tissue: Many cells of the same type working together to perform a function
• Organ: Different tissues working together
• Organ system: Organs working together
• Organism: A single living thing with life's characteristics

Cell Biology

• Cell biology is the study of cells (structure and function)
• Cells are the basic units of all living organisms (from single-celled bacteria to multicellular humans)
• Cell types are broadly classified as prokaryotic or eukaryotic.

Cell Theory

• All living things are composed of one or more cells.
• Cells are the basic units of structure and function in an organisms.
• Cells come only from the replication of existing cells

Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Cells

• Prokaryotic: Simple, single-celled organisms lacking a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles. Examples: Bacteria and archaea.
• Eukaryotic: Complex, single-celled or multicellular organisms containing a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles. Examples: Animals, plants, fungi, protists.

Comparison table showing similarities and differences between the two classes

• similarities: both have DNA as a genetic material, and similar metabolic processes

• Differences:

  • Prokaryotes: DNA is circular, and it floats freely in the cytoplasm. They have no nucleus or membrane-bound organelles. Their cells are small and unicellular. They reproduce by binary fission.
  • Eukaryotes: DNA is linear, contained within a nucleus. They have membrane-bound organelles. Their cells are larger, and can be unicellular or multicellular. They reproduce via mitosis or meiosis.

Tools of Cell Biology

• Microscopes: Instruments to view small objects
  • Light microscopes: Use light to magnify images, have low resolution.
  • Electron microscopes: Use electrons to magnify images, have high magnification and resolution.
    • Transmission electron microscopes (TEM): Pass electrons through the sample to create 2D images.
    • Scanning electron microscopes (SEM): Reflect electrons off the sample's surface to create 3D images.
• Cell culture: Growing cells in artificial media.
• Cell fractionation: Separating cellular components based on differences in mass and density, using a process.