Overview of Biology

Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms.
It encompasses various fields and levels of organization, from molecules to ecosystems.

Molecular Biology
- Focuses on the molecular basis of biological activity.
- Studies DNA, RNA, proteins, and their interactions.
Cell Biology
- Examines the structure and function of cells.
- Includes cell anatomy, physiology, and cellular processes (e.g., cell division).
Genetics
- Study of heredity and variation in organisms.
- Involves the transmission of genes and traits.
Ecology
- Studies the relationships between organisms and their environments.
- Explores ecosystems, biodiversity, and conservation.
Evolutionary Biology
- Investigates the origins and changes in species over time.
- Key concepts include natural selection and adaptation.
Physiology
- Examines the functions and mechanisms in living organisms.
- Encompasses human, animal, and plant physiology.
Microbiology
- Studies microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.
- Focuses on their roles in health, disease, and ecology.

Cell Theory
- All living organisms are composed of cells.
- The cell is the basic unit of life.
- All cells arise from pre-existing cells.
Theory of Evolution
- Explains the diversity of life through natural selection.
- Organisms evolve over time due to adaptations to their environment.
Homeostasis
- The ability of organisms to maintain a stable internal environment.
- Involves feedback mechanisms to regulate physiological processes.
Metabolism
- Refers to all chemical reactions within organisms.
- Includes catabolism (breaking down molecules) and anabolism (building up molecules).

Photosynthesis
- Process by which green plants and some organisms convert light energy into chemical energy.
- Occurs in chloroplasts using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water.
Cell Respiration
- The process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy (ATP), carbon dioxide, and water.
- Can be aerobic (with oxygen) or anaerobic (without oxygen).
Reproduction
- Mechanisms by which organisms produce offspring.
- Can be sexual (involving gametes) or asexual (without gametes).

Microscopy
- Use of microscopes to observe cellular structures and organisms.
Molecular Techniques
- PCR, gel electrophoresis, and DNA sequencing for genetic analysis.
Field Studies
- Observational and experimental studies conducted in natural environments to understand ecological interactions.

Genomics
- Study of genomes, their structure, function, evolution, and mapping.
Bioinformatics
- Combines biology, computer science, and information technology to analyze biological data.
Synthetic Biology
- Design and construction of new biological parts, devices, and systems.

Biology is the study of life and living organisms across various levels, from molecular to ecosystem organization.

Molecular Biology
- Investigates the molecular mechanisms of biological processes, focusing on DNA, RNA, and proteins.
Cell Biology
- Analyzes cellular structure and function, including anatomy and physiological processes such as division.
Genetics
- Explores heredity and variation in organisms, including gene transmission and trait expression.
Ecology
- Studies interactions between organisms and their environments, including ecosystems and conservation efforts.
Evolutionary Biology
- Examines species origins and changes over time, emphasizing natural selection and adaptation.
Physiology
- Investigates the mechanisms and functions within living organisms, covering human, animal, and plant systems.
Microbiology
- Focuses on microorganisms like bacteria and viruses, studying their roles in health, disease, and ecosystem dynamics.

Cell Theory
- All living organisms are made of cells, which are the fundamental units of life that arise from pre-existing cells.
Theory of Evolution
- Life's diversity is shaped by natural selection, leading to adaptations that enhance survival within environments.
Homeostasis
- Organisms maintain stable internal conditions through physiological feedback mechanisms.
Metabolism
- Encompasses all biochemical reactions within organisms, involving both the breakdown (catabolism) and formation (anabolism) of molecules.

Organisms are categorized hierarchically:
- Domains include Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya, followed by Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species.

Photosynthesis
- Converts light energy into chemical energy in green plants using chloroplasts, carbon dioxide, and water.
Cell Respiration
- Cells transform glucose and oxygen into ATP, CO2, and water; processes can be aerobic (with oxygen) or anaerobic (without oxygen).
Reproduction
- Organisms produce offspring either sexually (involving gametes) or asexually (without gametes).

Microscopy
- Employs microscopes to reveal cellular structures and living organisms.
Molecular Techniques
- Includes PCR, gel electrophoresis, and DNA sequencing for genetic research.
Field Studies
- Conduct observational and experimental research in natural settings to investigate ecological relationships.

Genomics
- Studies genome structure, function, evolution, and mapping.
Bioinformatics
- Integrates biology with computing and information technology to analyze extensive biological data sets.
Synthetic Biology
- Involves the design and creation of new biological components, systems, and devices.