Introduction to Biology

Domains of Life

The domain system classifies all living organisms into three major groups based on cellular structure and genetics.

• Bacteria: Prokaryotic, unicellular organisms lacking a nucleus.

• Archaea: Prokaryotic, often found in extreme environments, genetically distinct from bacteria.

• Eukarya: Eukaryotic organisms with cells containing a nucleus; includes animals, plants, fungi, and protists.

Hierarchy of Living Organisms

Biological organization follows a hierarchical structure from smallest to largest.

• Atoms → Molecules → Organelles → Cells → Tissues → Organs → Organ Systems → Organism

Shared Characteristics of Living and Nonliving Things

• Living things: Exhibit metabolism, growth, reproduction, response to stimuli, and homeostasis.

• Nonliving things: May have structure and mass but lack biological processes.

Scientific Method

The scientific method is a systematic approach to investigation.

• Observation

• Hypothesis

• Experiment

• Data Collection

• Analysis

• Conclusion

Homeostasis

Homeostasis is the maintenance of a stable internal environment despite external changes.

• Example: Regulation of body temperature.

Chemistry of Life

Most Abundant Elements in Humanity

• Carbon (C)

• Hydrogen (H)

• Oxygen (O)

• Nitrogen (N)

• Phosphorus (P)

• Sulfur (S)

Reductionism

Reductionism is the approach of understanding complex systems by studying their simpler components.

Importance of DNA

• DNA stores genetic information and directs cellular activities.

• Essential for inheritance, coding for proteins, and cell function.

Types of Chemical Bonds

• Ionic Bonds: Formed by transfer of electrons between atoms.

• Covalent Bonds: Formed by sharing electrons between atoms.

• Hydrogen Bonds: Weak attractions between hydrogen and electronegative atoms (e.g., oxygen).

Polarity of Molecules

• Polar molecules: Unequal sharing of electrons, resulting in partial charges (e.g., water).

• Nonpolar molecules: Equal sharing of electrons, no charge separation (e.g., methane).

Acids, Bases, and pH

• Acidic substances: pH < 7

• Basic substances: pH > 7

• Neutral: pH = 7

Radioisotope Technology

• Used in medical imaging, cancer treatment, and biological research.

Atoms and Charge

• Atoms change charge by gaining or losing electrons, forming ions.

• Negatively charged elements (anions) attract positively charged elements (cations).

Structure & Function of Cells

Cell Organelles: Names, Functions, and Shapes

• Nucleus: Stores DNA; round, central structure.

• Mitochondria: Site of ATP production; oval with inner folds (cristae).

• Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): Synthesis of proteins (rough ER) and lipids (smooth ER); network of tubules.

• Golgi Apparatus: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins; stack of flattened sacs.

• Lysosomes: Digestion of cellular waste; spherical vesicles.

• Ribosomes: Protein synthesis; small, round particles.

• Plasma Membrane: Controls entry/exit; flexible, bilayer structure.

Cell Size and Surface Area

Cell size is limited by surface area-to-volume ratio, affecting nutrient and waste exchange.

• Smaller cells have higher surface area relative to volume, allowing efficient transport.

Microscopy Types

• Light Microscopy: Used for viewing live cells and tissues.

• Electron Microscopy: Used for high-resolution imaging of cell structures.

Plasma Membrane Structure

• Composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins.

• Selective permeability regulates passage of substances.

What Can and Can't Pass Through the Plasma Membrane

• Can pass: Small, nonpolar molecules (e.g., O2, CO2), some small polar molecules (e.g., water).

• Cannot pass: Large molecules, ions, and most polar substances without transport proteins.

Types of Junctions

• Tight Junctions: Seal cells together, preventing leakage.

• Gap Junctions: Allow communication between cells.

• Desmosomes: Provide mechanical strength.

Chemical Processes in Cells

Diffusion

Diffusion is the movement of molecules from high to low concentration.

• Passive process, no energy required.

Active Transport

Active transport moves substances against their concentration gradient using energy (ATP).

• Example: Sodium-potassium pump.

Isotonic Solutions

An isotonic solution has equal solute concentration as the cell, causing no net movement of water.

• Cells retain their normal shape.

Cellular Respiration

Glycolysis

Glycolysis is the first step in cellular respiration, breaking down glucose to produce ATP.

• Occurs in the cytoplasm.

• Produces pyruvate, ATP, and NADH.

Electron Transport Chain and ATP Production

• Most ATP is produced in the ATP synthase protein complex during the electron transport chain.

Electron Carriers in the Citric Acid Cycle

• NADH and FADH2 are electron carriers.

• They obtain electrons from metabolic reactions in the citric acid cycle.

Tissues & Organ Systems

Types of Tissues and Their Functions

• Epithelial Tissue: Covers surfaces, lines cavities, protects and absorbs.

• Connective Tissue: Supports, binds, and protects organs.

• Muscle Tissue: Contracts to produce movement.

• Nervous Tissue: Transmits electrical signals.

Types of Connective Tissues

• Loose Connective Tissue: Cushions organs.

• Dense Connective Tissue: Provides strength (e.g., tendons).

• Cartilage: Flexible support.

• Bone: Rigid support.

• Blood: Transport of substances.

Locations of Tissue Types

• Epithelial: Skin, lining of digestive tract.

• Connective: Tendons, ligaments, bone, blood.

• Muscle: Skeletal muscles, heart, stomach.

• Nervous: Brain, spinal cord, nerves.

Type of Muscle in the Stomach

• Smooth muscle is found in the stomach, responsible for involuntary contractions.

Summary Table: Tissue Types and Functions

Additional info:

• ATP synthase is the protein complex responsible for most ATP production during cellular respiration.

• Radioisotope technology is used in PET scans and cancer therapy.