Comprehensive Study Guide: Cell Biology and Biodiversity (copy)

Biology

The scientific study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution.

Application of Biology in Medicine and Healthcare

Biological knowledge is essential for diagnosing diseases, developing vaccines, and understanding human anatomy and physiology.

Botany

The scientific study of plants, including their physiology, structure, genetics, and ecology.

Zoology

The branch of biology that deals with the animal kingdom, focusing on structure, embryology, evolution, classification, and distribution of animals.

Microbiology

The study of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, archaea, fungi, and protozoa.

Genetics

The study of genes, genetic variation, and heredity in organisms.

Ecology

The branch of biology that deals with the relations of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings.

Anatomy

The study of the internal structure of living organisms.

Preservatives for Specimens

Common preservatives include ethanol (usually 70\text{%}) and formalin (formaldehyde solution) used for preserving biological specimens.

Light Microscope

A microscope that uses visible light and lenses to magnify specimens up to approximately $\times 1,500$.

Electron Microscope

Uses a beam of electrons instead of light to achieve high magnification and resolution; can be Transmission or Scanning types.

Cell

The basic unit of structure and function in living organisms.

Tissue

A group of similar cells working together to perform a specific function.

Organ

A group of different tissues working together to perform a complex function.

Carbohydrates

Organic molecules made of Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen, typically in a ratio of $1:2:1$; primary source of energy.

Proteins

Large molecules made of amino acids, containing Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Nitrogen; vital for growth, repair, and enzyme function.

Lipids

Fats and oils composed of glycerol and fatty acids; function in energy storage and as components of cell membranes.

Vitamins

Essential organic micronutrients required in small amounts for health, classified as water-soluble or fat-soluble.

Enzymes

Biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed; operate on substrates at an active site.

Factors Affecting Enzymatic Reactions

Temperature, pH, substrate concentration, enzyme concentration, and inhibitors influence enzymatic activity.

Functions of Water

Acts as a solvent, transports nutrients and waste, aids thermoregulation, and maintains cell turgidity.

Functions of Mineral Salts

Essential for various biological functions; Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Sodium, and Potassium play critical roles.