Introduction to Biology

Biology

The study of living things, can be described as the science of life.

Cells

The basic unit of life; all living organisms are composed of cells.

Properties of Life

Key characteristics shared by all living organisms, including cellular organization, order, sensitivity, growth, reproduction, energy utilization, evolutionary adaptation, and homeostasis.

Cell Theory

The concept stating that all living organisms are composed of cells, and all cells come from pre-existing cells.

Mitosis

A type of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells, involved in growth and tissue repair.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four genetically diverse gametes for sexual reproduction.

Natural Selection

The process where organisms with favorable adaptations survive and reproduce more successfully than others.

Emergent Properties

New attributes or characteristics that emerge at higher levels of biological organization that do not exist at lower levels.

DNA

The molecule that carries genetic information, composed of two strands forming a double helix.

Homeostasis

The process by which living organisms maintain relatively stable internal conditions despite changes in their environment.

Evolution

The change in the inherited traits of a population over successive generations.

Gene

A segment of DNA that contains the instructions for building a specific protein, thereby influencing an organism's traits.

Ecosystem

A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.

Heredity

The transmission of genetic characteristics from parents to offspring.

Taxonomy

The branch of biology concerned with naming and classifying organisms.

Autotrophs

Organisms that produce their own food, usually through photosynthesis, such as plants.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that obtain their food by consuming other organisms, such as animals.

Phagocytes

A type of immune cell that engulfs and digests foreign particles and pathogens.

Antigen

A foreign substance that triggers an immune response.

Antibody

Proteins produced by B cells that bind to antigens and help in their destruction.

Lymphatic System

The system that helps protect and maintain the fluid environment of the body by filtering and draining lymph.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that can lead to variations in traits and may contribute to evolution.

Proteins

Large biomolecules consisting of one or more long chains of amino acid residues; they perform a vast array of functions within living organisms.