Core Principles of Cell Biology, Macromolecules, and Genetics
Cell Biology Fundamentals and Origins
Cell Theory
- The cell is the fundamental unit of life.
- Living organisms are comprised of cells.
- Cells arise only from pre-existing cells.
- All life shares a common ancestor.
Origin of Life and Water Properties
The common origin of life is estimated at 4 billion years ago (bya).
Hypotheses for the Causes of Life:
- Primordial Soup: Early Earth conditions (gases, water, energy) led to the formation of organic molecules.
- Miller-Urey Experiment: Demonstrated that energy reactions
Biology Concepts Review: Phylogeny, Plant Reproduction, and Microorganisms
Taxonomy and Phylogenetic Principles
Fungi Classification in the Two-Kingdom System
Question: In the two-kingdom system, why were fungi classified in the kingdom Plantae? Answer: They are sedentary.Eukaryotic Domains
Question: How many eukaryotic domains are there? Answer: One.Phylogenetic Tree Terminology
- The horizontal line indicating a branch on a phylogenetic tree represents ancestral forms of the named taxon, thereby illustrating the evolutionary lineage leading to that taxon.
- Sister taxa are
Fundamental Concepts of Human Anatomy and Physiology
Unit 1: Foundations of Anatomy and Physiology
Core Principles in A&P
Complementarity of Structure and Function
The principle that structure is always best suited for its function, often summarized as form follows function, applies to each level of organization.
- Example: Tissues in the lungs are thin, allowing gases to cross rapidly.
- Example: The size of a red blood cell is relative to the size of veins and arteries.
- Example: The arrangement of fibers in dense regular and irregular connective tissues
Key Concepts in Biotechnology: GM Crops and Enzymes
BT Cotton: A Genetically Modified Crop
BT cotton is a genetically modified (GM), pest-resistant cotton variety. It is modified by inserting one or more genes from Bacillus thuringiensis (a common soil bacterium) which produces an insecticide to combat bollworms. This information is crucial for understanding biotechnology topics relevant to competitive examinations like the IAS exam.
Key Facts about BT Cotton
- BT cotton is the only GM crop approved for commercial cultivation in India (since 2002) by
Fundamental Biological Processes: From Cells to Systems
Metabolism and Energy
Diabetes: Type 1 vs. Type 2
In Type 2 diabetes, insulin is produced, but it does not affect the body’s cells. In contrast, with Type 1 diabetes, no insulin is produced at all. Management for diabetes can include exercise and careful control of diet.
Cellular Respiration and Muscle Contraction
Glucose serves as a respiratory substrate, used to produce ATP. This ATP is required to unbind the globular myosin heads from the actin-myosin cross-bridges, allowing them to re-bind further
Read MoreCore Concepts in Biology: Reproduction, Homeostasis, and Gas Exchange
Human Reproductive System Anatomy
Male Reproductive System
The male reproductive system components and their functions:
- Testicles: Produce sperm and testosterone.
- Epididymis: The reservoir for sperm, communicating with the testicles.
- Scrotum: Holds the testicles outside the body to maintain a temperature lower than core body temperature, which is essential for sperm viability.
- Seminal Duct (Vas Deferens): Transports sperm from the epididymis to the urethra.
- Urethra: A duct where the seminal ducts converge