🧬 Biology Class Notes
📘 1. What is Biology?
Definition:
Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms.
Main Branches:
Zoology – study of animals
Botany – study of plants
Microbiology – study of microorganisms
Genetics – study of heredity
Ecology – study of organisms and their environment
🔬 2. Characteristics of Living Things
All living things:
1. Are made of cells
2. Use energy
3. Grow and develop
4. Reproduce
5. Respond to stimuli
6. Maintain homeostasis
7. Evolve over time
🧱 3. Cell Structure and Function
Types of Cells:
Prokaryotic – no nucleus (e.g., bacteria)
Eukaryotic – with nucleus (e.g., plant and animal cells)
Key Organelles:
Organelle Function
Nucleus Contains DNA
Mitochondria Produces energy (ATP)
Ribosomes Make proteins
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) Transports materials
Golgi Apparatus Packages and ships proteins
Lysosomes Break down waste
Chloroplast (plants) Photosynthesis
Cell Wall (plants) Structure and support
🌱 4. Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
Photosynthesis (in plants):
Equation:
6CO₂ + 6H₂O + sunlight → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
(Uses sunlight to make glucose)
Cellular Respiration (in animals & plants):
Equation:
C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + ATP
(Breaks down glucose for energy)
🧬 5. Genetics and DNA
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid):
Double helix structure
Made of nucleotides: A, T, C, G
A pairs with T, C pairs with G
Mendelian Genetics:
Dominant vs. Recessive traits
Genotype = genetic makeup (e.g., Aa)
Phenotype = physical trait (e.g., tall)
Use Punnett Squares to predict inheritance
💦 6. Biological Molecules
4 Major Macromolecules:
Type Monomer Function
Carbohydrates Monosaccharides Energy
Proteins Amino acids Enzymes, structure
Lipids Fatty acids Energy storage
Nucleic Acids Nucleotides Genetic info (DNA/RNA)
🧫 7. Classification of Life
Levels of Classification:
Domain
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Species
Mnemonic: “Dear King Philip Came Over For Good Soup”
🌎 8. Ecology Basics
Key Terms:
Ecosystem – community + environment
Habitat – where an organism lives
Niche – an organism’s role in its ecosystem
Food Chain – linear flow of energy
Food Web – interconnected food chains
Producers – make their own food (plants)
Consumers – eat other organisms
🧠 9. Human Body Systems (Overview)
System Function
Digestive Breaks down food
Respiratory Gas exchange
Circulatory Transports nutrients and oxygen
Nervous Sends signals through the body
Muscular Movement
Skeletal Support and structure
Immune Defends against disease
📊 10. Scientific Method
1. Ask a question
2. Form a hypothesis
3. Conduct an experiment
4. Analyze data
5. Draw conclusions
6. Report results