BIOL 211 Study Notes

Overview of BIOL 211: Biomolecules and Cellular Systems

  • Focuses on cells and energy transformations, molecular basis of inheritance, and genetic information decoding.

Learning Objectives

  1. Describe the 3 Domains of life and their classification over the 5 Kingdom system.

  2. Compare prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells; importance of surface area to volume (SA:V) ratios.

  3. Explain the origin of eukaryotic cells through endosymbiosis.

  4. Compare structures and functions of microtubules, intermediate filaments, and microfilaments.

  5. Differentiate between plant and animal cell structures.

  6. Classify organisms based on energy and carbon nutritional requirements.

Taxonomy and Classification Systems

  • Carolus Linnaeus established early taxonomic systems.

  • 5 Kingdoms: Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, Animalia.

  • Transition to 3 Domain System: Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya, emphasizing shared ancestry.

Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Cells

  • Prokaryotes (Bacteria, Archaea): Small, unicellular, no nucleus.

  • Eukaryotes: Larger, multicellular or unicellular, with a nucleus and organelles.

  • SA:V ratio decreases as cell size increases, influencing diffusion and overall cell function.

Endosymbiotic Theory

  • Eukaryotic organelles (mitochondria, chloroplasts) originated from free-living prokaryotes through a symbiotic relationship.

  • Evidence: Organelle size, ribosomal DNA similarities, mutual dependencies.

Cytoskeleton Functions

  • Composed of microtubules, intermediate filaments, microfilaments.

  • Provides structure, supports cell division, and facilitates movement.

Organism Classification by Nutrition

  • Energy sources: Phototrophs, Chemotrophs (Chemoorganotrophs, Chemolithotrophs).

  • Carbon sources: Autotrophs vs. Heterotrophs.

Main Concepts in Cellular Structure

  • Both animal and plant cells possess nuclei and mitochondria; plants have unique features (chloroplasts, vacuoles, cell walls).

  • Nutritional requirements impact organism classification, influencing ecology and evolution.