University:
California State University, Los Angeles
Course:
BIOL 1010 | General Biology
Academic year:

2024
Views:

494

Pages:

2
Author:

Zea H.

BIOLOGY NOTES & CHEAT SHEET Genetics Ecology Summary: Summary: Genetics is the study of genes, heredity, and variation in living organisms. It plays a crucial role in understanding how traits are passed from one generation to the next. Key concepts in genetics include DNA structure, replication, gene expression, Mendelian genetics, genetic mutations, and genetic engineering. Ecology studies the interactions between organisms and their environments. It explores topics such as ecosystems, trophic levels, biomes, biodiversity, and conservation biology. Understanding ecology is essential for addressing environmental challenges and preserving the planet's biodiversity. Key Points: Key Points:       DNA is a double-stranded molecule with nucleotides containing deoxyribose sugar, phosphate, and nitrogenous bases (A, T, C, G). DNA replication ensures accurate transmission of genetic information during cell division. Gene expression involves transcription (DNA to RNA) and translation (RNA to protein). Mendel's laws describe the inheritance of traits, including the law of segregation and the law of independent assortment. Genetic mutations are changes in DNA sequence and can have various effects on organisms. Genetic engineering allows scientists to modify DNA for beneficial purposes, such as in agriculture and medicine.      Ecosystems are composed of living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components. Trophic levels represent different feeding positions in a food chain or food web. Biomes are distinct geographical regions characterized by specific climate and biodiversity. Biodiversity refers to the variety of species in an ecosystem and is crucial for ecosystem health. Conservation biology focuses on strategies to protect and preserve biodiversity, including habitat preservation and species conservation. Evolution Summary: Evolution is the central concept in biology that explains the diversity of life on Earth. It involves natural selection, evidence of evolution, speciation, and the study of human evolution. Understanding evolution is fundamental to grasping the interconnectedness of all living organisms. Key Points:     Natural selection is the process by which advantageous traits increase in frequency within a population over time. Evidence of evolution includes fossil records, comparative anatomy, embryology, and molecular biology. Speciation is the formation of new species, often driven by geographic isolation and genetic divergence. The study of human evolution explores our ancestral history and the development of modern humans. Cell Biology Summary: Cell biology focuses on the structure and function of cells, the basic units of life. It distinguishes between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, covers cell division (mitosis and meiosis), and delves into cellular processes like cellular respiration and photosynthesis. Key Points:     Cells are the fundamental units of life and come in two main types: prokaryotic and eukaryotic. Cell division includes mitosis (for growth and repair) and meiosis (for gamete formation). Cellular respiration is the process by which cells generate energy (ATP) from glucose and oxygen. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen.