Understanding Climate and Weather

Climate and Weather

• Weather: Short-term atmospheric conditions in a specific place at a specific time, including temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind speed, and visibility.
• Climate: Long-term average of weather patterns over a significant period (typically 30 years or more) for a particular region, including average temperatures, precipitation patterns, and seasonal variations.

Factors Affecting Climate

• Latitude: Determines solar radiation received, with equatorial regions being warmer and polar regions being colder.
• Altitude: Higher altitudes are cooler due to lower air pressure and density.
• Ocean Currents: Warm and cold currents influence coastal climates, moderating temperatures.
• Distance from the Sea: Coastal areas have milder climates, while inland areas experience more extreme temperatures.
• Wind Patterns: Distribute heat and moisture around the globe, affecting regional climates.
• Topography: Mountain ranges can block or redirect air masses, creating rain shadows or influencing local weather patterns.

Climate Zones

• Tropical: Near the equator, characterized by high temperatures and abundant rainfall. Examples: Amazon Rainforest, Congo Basin.
• Arid: Dry regions with low precipitation. Examples: Sahara Desert, Arabian Desert.
• Temperate: Moderate temperatures with distinct seasons. Examples: Eastern United States, Western Europe.
• Polar: Cold regions with ice and snow. Examples: Antarctica, Arctic regions.

Climate Change

• Causes: Natural factors (volcanic eruptions, solar radiation variations) and human activities (burning fossil fuels, deforestation).
• Impacts: Global warming, sea level rise, changing precipitation patterns, more frequent and severe weather events, loss of biodiversity.
• Mitigation and Adaptation: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, using renewable energy, reforestation, improving energy efficiency, developing resilient infrastructure.

Molecular Biology and Genetics

• DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid): The molecule that carries genetic information in cells.
• Structure: Double helix composed of nucleotides (adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine) paired by hydrogen bonds (A-T, C-G).
• Function: Stores genetic information, directs protein synthesis, and ensures heredity by replicating during cell division.

Genetic Code and Protein Synthesis

• Genetic Code: The sequence of nucleotides in DNA that determines the sequence of amino acids in proteins.
• Transcription: The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.
• Translation: The process where ribosomes synthesize proteins using mRNA as a template.

Cell Division and Inheritance

• Mitosis: Cell division resulting in two identical daughter cells for growth and repair.
• Meiosis: Cell division producing four genetically diverse gametes for sexual reproduction.
• Mendelian Genetics: Principles of heredity discovered by Gregor Mendel, including concepts of dominant and recessive alleles, genotype, and phenotype.

Genetic Mutations and Biotechnology

• Mutations: Changes in the DNA sequence that can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful.
• Genetic Engineering: Techniques for modifying the genetic makeup of organisms, including CRISPR, ...