Biology PDF - Definition, Branches, and Biomolecules

# Biology **Definition:** Science that studies living beings, their origin, evolution, diversity, development, and interaction with the environment. **Branches:** * **Anatomy:** Structure of living beings * **Botany:** Plants * **Biochemistry:** Chemical processes * **Cytology:** Cells * **Ecolo...

# Biology **Definition:** Science that studies living beings, their origin, evolution, diversity, development, and interaction with the environment. **Branches:** * **Anatomy:** Structure of living beings * **Botany:** Plants * **Biochemistry:** Chemical processes * **Cytology:** Cells * **Ecology:** Relationship of living beings with the environment * **Ethology:** Behavior of living beings * **Embryology:** Study of embryos * **Genetics:** Heredity of genes * **Mycology:** Fungi * **Paleontology:** Study of fossils * **Zoology:** Animals **Bioelements → Biomolecules → Organelles → Cells → Tissues → Organs → Systems or apparatuses → Individual** ## Biomolecules ### Carbohydrates: * Also known as saccharides. * Hydrates of carbon important for living beings. * Simple sugar present in fleshy fruits, such as glucose. * Important as a source of energy storage in animals (glycogen) and plants (starch). * Function: Fuel in metabolic processes. * Contain less energy than fats (1 gram of glucose = 4.1 calories). ### Lipids: * Also known as oils or fats. * Organic compounds with long chains. * Slightly soluble in water, more soluble in organic solvents. * Important as a source of energy storage in animals (1 gram of fat = 9.3 calories). ### Proteins: * Macromolecules formed by linear chains of amino acids. * Fundamental in living beings. * Most versatile and diverse biomolecules. * Functions: * Structural (collagen, keratin) * Regulatory (insulin, growth hormone) * Transportadora (albumin, hemoglobin) * Defensive (antibodies, immunoglobulins) * Examples: All meats, egg, milk, cheese, etc. ### Minerals: * Act as co-factors for some enzymes, such as magnesium. * Regulate cellular osmotic pressure, such as sodium and potassium. * Some serve for muscle contraction, such as calcium. **Note:** Like vitamins, they do not provide energy, but fulfill other functions: * They are part of bone and dental structure (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and fluorine). * They regulate water balance inside and outside the cell (electrolytes). This is also known as osmosis. * They are involved in nerve excitability and muscle activity (calcium, magnesium). * They allow substances to enter cells (glucose requires sodium to be used as energy at the cellular level). * Involved in metabolic processes (chromium is needed for insulin function, selenium acts as an antioxidant). * They contribute to the proper functioning of the immune system (zinc, selenium, copper). * In addition, they are part of large molecules like hemoglobin in blood and chlorophyll in plants.