BIO101/FSC111 Course Outline: Concepts of Biology and Scientific

Inquiry

I. Introduction to Biology

 Definition of Biology/Life
 Exploration of what constitutes life and the scientific study of living organisms.
 Properties of Life
 Characteristics that define living organisms:
 Organization: Cellular structure and complexity.
 Metabolism: Chemical processes for energy and matter.
 Homeostasis: Regulation of internal conditions.
 Growth: Development and increase in size.
 Reproduction: Ability to produce offspring.
 Response to Stimuli: Interaction with the environment.
 Adaptation: Evolutionary changes over time.
 Unifying Themes in Biology
 Key themes that connect various biological concepts:
 Evolution: Change in populations over time.
 Energy Transfer: Flow of energy through ecosystems.
 Continuity of Life: Genetic inheritance and species survival.
 Interdependence of Organisms: Ecosystem dynamics and relationships.
 Methods of Inquiry in Biology
 The scientific method as a framework for investigation:
 Observation: Gathering information.
 Hypothesis Formulation: Proposing explanations.
 Experimentation: Testing hypotheses.
 Data Collection: Gathering results.
 Conclusion: Interpreting findings.
 II. Biomolecules and the Central Dogma

 Biomolecule Types and Functions

 Overview of major biomolecules:
 Carbohydrates: Energy storage and structural components.
 Lipids: Membrane structure and energy storage.
 Proteins: Catalysts and structural roles.
 Nucleic Acids: Genetic information storage and transfer.
 Introduction to DNA and RNA
 Structure and function of nucleic acids in heredity and protein synthesis.
 Differences Between DNA and RNA
 Key distinctions:
 Sugar Type: Deoxyribose (DNA) vs. ribose (RNA).
 Strand Structure: Double-stranded (DNA) vs. single-stranded (RNA).
 Base Pairing: Adenine pairs with thymine (DNA) and uracil (RNA).
 DNA Replication and Transcription
 Mechanisms of DNA duplication and the synthesis of RNA from DNA templates.
 Protein Synthesis
 The process of translation and the roles of ribosomes, tRNA, and mRNA in synthesizing
proteins.
 Genetic Code
 Understanding codons and their role in determining amino acid sequences.

III. Cell Structure and Function

 Cell Types
 Comparison of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells:
 Prokaryotic: Simple structure, no nucleus.
 Eukaryotic: Complex structure, membrane-bound organelles.
 Structure and Organization
 Overview of cellular components:
 Plasma Membrane: Barrier and transport.
 Cytoplasm: Site of metabolic processes.
 Nucleus: Genetic material storage.
 Functions of Cellular Organelles
 Roles of key organelles:
 Mitochondria: Energy production.
 Endoplasmic Reticulum: Protein and lipid synthesis.
 Golgi Apparatus: Modification and packaging of proteins.
 Lysosomes: Digestion and waste processing.
 Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
 Energy conversion processes:
 Photosynthesis: Light-dependent and light-independent reactions.
 Cellular Respiration: Glycolysis, Krebs cycle, and electron transport chain.

IV. Cellular Reproduction and Heredity

 Cell Cycle
 Phases of the cell cycle:
 Interphase: Growth and DNA replication.
 Mitosis: Division of the nucleus.
 Cytokinesis: Division of the cytoplasm.
 Mitosis and Meiosis and Their Significance
 Differences and significance:
 Mitosis: Somatic cell division for growth and repair.
 Meiosis: Gamete formation for sexual reproduction.
 Sex Determination in Humans
 Chromosomal basis of sex determination (XX vs. XY).
 Definition of Key Genetic Terms
 Important genetic vocabulary:
 Alleles: Different forms of a gene.
 Genotype: Genetic makeup.
 Phenotype: Observable traits.
 Homozygous: Identical alleles.
 Heterozygous: Different alleles.
 Genetic Crosses
 Use of Punnett squares
IV. Cellular Reproduction and Heredity (Continued)

 Chromosomes and Genes

 Structure of Chromosomes: Composed of DNA and proteins; organized into chromatin.
 Genes: Segments of DNA that code for proteins; the basic unit of heredity.
 Relationship: Genes are located on chromosomes; each chromosome carries many genes.
 Importance: Chromosomes ensure accurate replication and distribution of genetic material
during cell division; they play a crucial role in inheritance and variation.
 Mendelian Laws
 Law of Segregation: During gamete formation, the two alleles for a trait separate, so each
gamete carries only one allele for each gene.
 Law of Independent Assortment: Genes for different traits are inherited independently of each
other, provided they are on different chromosomes.

V. Animal Reproduction and Development

 Asexual and Sexual Reproduction

 Asexual Reproduction: Involves a single parent; offspring are genetically identical (e.g., binary
fission, budding).
 Sexual Reproduction: Involves two parents; offspring have genetic variation due to the
combination of parental genes.
 Human Male and Female Reproductive Systems
 Male Reproductive System: Anatomy and function of testes, vas deferens, prostate gland, and
penis.
 Female Reproductive System: Anatomy and function of ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and
vagina.
 Fertilization, Embryonic Development, and Birth
 Fertilization: Union of sperm and egg to form a zygote.
 Embryonic Development: Stages of development from zygote to embryo, including cleavage,
gastrulation, and organogenesis.
 Birth: The process of parturition and the stages leading to the delivery of the baby.
 Congenital Anomalies/Teratogenesis
 Congenital Anomalies: Birth defects that occur during embryonic development; can be caused
by genetic factors, environmental influences, or a combination of both.
 Teratogenesis: The study of abnormal fetal development and the factors that cause congenital
anomalies.
 Birth Control Methods
 Overview of various contraceptive methods, including hormonal, barrier, intrauterine devices
(IUDs), and natural methods, along with their mechanisms and effectiveness.

VI. Ecology

 Concepts of Population and Community

 Population: A group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area.
 Community: An assemblage of different populations that interact in a given area.
 Interactions Among Organisms
 Types of ecological interactions:
 Predation: One organism (predator) feeds on another (prey).
 Competition: Organisms compete for limited resources.
 Symbiosis: Close interactions between species, including mutualism, commensalism, and
parasitism.
 Ecosystems
 Structure and Function: Components of ecosystems, including producers, consumers, and
decomposers.
 Trophic Levels: Hierarchical levels in an ecosystem, from primary producers to apex predators.
 Food Chain and Food Web: Pathways of energy flow and nutrient cycling in ecosystems.
 Nitrogen, Water, and Carbon Cycles
 Nitrogen Cycle: The process of nitrogen fixation, nitrification, and denitrification.
 Water Cycle: The continuous movement of water through evaporation, condensation,
precipitation, and infiltration.
 Carbon Cycle: The movement of carbon through the atmosphere, biosphere, and geosphere.
 Man and the Environment
 Human impact on ecosystems, including pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change.
 Conservation efforts and sustainable practices to protect biodiversity.
 Habitat and Its Types
 Different types of habitats (terrestrial, aquatic, etc.) and their characteristics.
 Importance of habitat preservation for biodiversity.

VII. Classification and Evolution of Living Things

 Taxonomy: Definition
 The science of naming, describing, and classifying organisms based on shared characteristics.
 Early and Modern Systems of Classification
 Historical perspectives on classification, including Linnaeus's system and the development of
phylogenetic trees.
 Binomial Nomenclature
 The system of naming species using two names: the genus name (capitalized) and the species
name (lowercase).
 Evolution: Introduction to Darwinism and Lamarckism

 Darwinism:
 Natural Selection: The process by which organisms better adapted to their
environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. Key components include
variation, competition, survival of the fittest, and reproduction.
 Descent with Modification: The idea that species change over time, giving rise to new
species while sharing a common ancestor.
 Key Works: Charles Darwin's "On the Origin of Species" (1859) laid the foundation for
evolutionary biology.
 Lamarckism:
 Inheritance of Acquired Characteristics: Proposed by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, this
theory suggested that organisms could pass on traits acquired during their lifetime to
their offspring (e.g., a giraffe stretching its neck to reach higher leaves).
 Critique: While Lamarck's ideas were influential, they have been largely discredited in
favor of Darwin's theory, as modern genetics does not support the inheritance of
acquired traits.
 Processes and Evidence of Evolution
 Mechanisms of Evolution:
 Natural Selection: The primary mechanism driving evolution, where advantageous
traits become more common in a population.
 Genetic Drift: Random changes in allele frequencies in a population, particularly in
small populations, which can lead to significant evolutionary changes over time.
 Gene Flow: The transfer of genetic material between populations, which can introduce
new genetic variation.
 Evidence of Evolution:
 Fossil Record: Provides chronological evidence of past life forms and their changes
over time, showing transitional forms between species.
 Comparative Anatomy: The study of similarities and differences in the anatomy of
different species, revealing homologous structures (similar structures with different
functions) and analogous structures (different structures with similar functions).
 Molecular Biology: Genetic similarities among species, such as DNA and protein
sequences, provide evidence for common ancestry.
 Biogeography: The distribution of species across different geographical areas supports
the theory of evolution, as similar species are often found in similar environments.
 Geological Time Scale
 Definition: A system of chronological dating that relates geological strata (rock layers)
to time, providing a framework for understanding the history of Earth and the evolution
of life.
 Eras and Periods:
 Precambrian: The earliest era, covering about 88% of Earth's history, during which
simple life forms emerged.
 Paleozoic Era: Characterized by the emergence of diverse marine life, the colonization
of land by plants and animals, and the formation of the supercontinent Pangaea.
 Mesozoic Era: Known as the "Age of Reptiles," this era saw the rise and fall of
dinosaurs and the emergence of mammals and birds.
 Cenozoic Era: The current era, marked by the dominance of mammals and the
evolution of humans.
 Importance: The geological time scale helps scientists understand the timing and
relationships of evolutionary events, providing context for the development of life on
Earth.