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Biology_Branches_Study_Guide

The document provides an overview of major branches of biology, including botany, zoology, microbiology, genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, physiology, ecology, evolutionary biology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, and immunology. Each branch is defined, along with its sub-disciplines, methods, and applications in various fields such as medicine, agriculture, and environmental studies. This study guide serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding the diverse areas of biological research and their practical implications.

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4 views3 pages

Biology_Branches_Study_Guide

The document provides an overview of major branches of biology, including botany, zoology, microbiology, genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, physiology, ecology, evolutionary biology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, and immunology. Each branch is defined, along with its sub-disciplines, methods, and applications in various fields such as medicine, agriculture, and environmental studies. This study guide serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding the diverse areas of biological research and their practical implications.

Uploaded by

Aina ;3
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Study Guide: Major Branches of Biology

1. BOTANY

Definition: Study of plants - their structure, functions, genetics, and environmental interactions.

Sub-disciplines: Plant physiology, plant anatomy, taxonomy, ecology, agronomy, paleobotany.

Methods: Field surveys, microscopy, genetic sequencing, chromatography.

Applications: Agriculture, forestry, medicine (plant-derived drugs), environmental studies.

2. ZOOLOGY

Definition: Study of animals, including anatomy, physiology, behavior, and ecology.

Sub-disciplines: Entomology, ichthyology, ornithology, mammalogy, ethology, embryology.

Methods: Microscopy, DNA sequencing, field observation, telemetry, histology.

Applications: Conservation, medicine, pest control, agriculture.

3. MICROBIOLOGY

Definition: Study of microscopic organisms - bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae, protozoa.

Sub-disciplines: Bacteriology, virology, mycology, parasitology, microbial genetics, microbial

ecology.

Methods: Culture techniques, microscopy, PCR, biochemical assays.

Applications: Health (antibiotics, vaccines), food production, biotechnology, environmental cleanup.

4. GENETICS

Definition: Study of heredity and gene function.

Sub-disciplines: Molecular genetics, population genetics, cytogenetics, genomics.

Methods: Karyotyping, DNA sequencing, PCR, CRISPR.

Applications: Genetic testing, gene therapy, agriculture (GMO), forensic science.


5. CELL BIOLOGY

Definition: Study of cells - their structure, function, and life processes.

Sub-disciplines: Cell signaling, metabolism, differentiation, cell cycle.

Methods: Light and electron microscopy, cell culture, flow cytometry.

Applications: Cancer research, drug development, stem cell therapy.

6. BIOCHEMISTRY

Definition: Study of chemical processes and substances in living organisms.

Sub-disciplines: Enzymology, metabolism, molecular biology, structural biology.

Methods: Chromatography, spectrometry, X-ray crystallography, Cryo-EM.

Applications: Medicine, agriculture, food science, pharmaceuticals.

7. PHYSIOLOGY

Definition: Study of functions and mechanisms in living organisms.

Sub-disciplines: Human/animal physiology, plant physiology, cellular physiology.

Methods: ECG, imaging (MRI, PET), sensors, lab studies.

Applications: Medicine, sports science, veterinary health, crop physiology.

8. ECOLOGY

Definition: Study of organisms and their interactions with the environment.

Sub-disciplines: Population ecology, community ecology, ecosystem ecology, conservation biology.

Methods: Field surveys, remote sensing, GIS, modeling.

Applications: Conservation, climate science, natural resource management.

9. EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY

Definition: Study of how organisms evolve and diversify over time.

Sub-disciplines: Phylogenetics, paleontology, population genetics, evo-devo.


Methods: Fossil analysis, DNA comparison, experimental evolution.

Applications: Vaccine design, conservation, understanding biodiversity.

10. BIOTECHNOLOGY

Definition: Use of living systems to develop products and technologies.

Sub-disciplines: Medical, agricultural, industrial, environmental biotechnology.

Methods: Genetic engineering (CRISPR), fermentation, synthetic biology.

Applications: GMOs, drug production, biofuels, waste management.

11. BIOINFORMATICS AND COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY

Definition: Use of computational tools to analyze biological data.

Sub-disciplines: Genomics, proteomics, systems biology, structural bioinformatics.

Methods: Databases, sequence alignment, machine learning, modeling.

Applications: Genome analysis, personalized medicine, drug discovery, agricultural genetics.

12. IMMUNOLOGY

Definition: Study of the immune system and how organisms fight disease.

Sub-disciplines: Innate and adaptive immunity, immunodeficiencies, autoimmunity.

Methods: Flow cytometry, ELISA, immunoassays, animal models.

Applications: Vaccines, immunotherapy, allergy treatment, organ transplant compatibility.

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