Intro to Biology

The Field of Biology and its Relevance

Biology - the study of life

bios - life; logos - study

  • It deals with the structures, functions, and relationships of organisms with the environment.
Hierarchical Levels of Biological Environment
  1. Atoms
  2. Molecules
  3. Macromolecules
  4. Organelles
  5. Cells
  6. Tissue
  7. Organ
  8. Organ System
  9. Organism
    1. Population
    2. Community
    3. Ecosystem
    4. Biosphere

Atoms in our body - CHONPS

  1. Carbon
  2. Hydrogen
  3. Oxygen
  4. Nitrogen
  5. Phosphorus
  6. Sulfur

Macromolecules in our body

  1. Nucleic Acids
  2. Fats/Lipids
  3. Proteins
  4. Carbohydrates
3 Major Divisions

Microbiology - the study of microorganisms

Zoology - the study of animals

Botany - the study of plants

Relevance of Biology
  • Understanding biology helps us to understand how life works and to better understand our functions
  • The current century (21st century) is dubbed as the “Century of Biology” because it ushers revolutionary ways in solving challenges in our societal issues today.

The Human Genome Project

  • it aims to sequence ALL 3 billion DNA bases in the human cell.

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Modern Fields of Biology

Molecular Biology - the study of molecules that makes up the cell of living organisms

Pharmacogenomics - the study of how genes affect a person’s response to drugs

Proteomics - study of different proteins

Synthetic Biology - combined biology and engineering

Systems Biology - study of systems of biological molecules

Bioinformatics -study of biological data using computer programs

Genomics - study of the entire genetic materials of a living organism

  • Modern Biology is integrative because it makes relationships to different branches of science.

Approaches in Biology