Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Biology

TROPHIC LEVEL = consists of all the organims in an ecosystem which obtain their food in the same way.

The Human Digestive System

1. The Mouth

• Digestion Initiation: Digestion begins here, involving both mechanical action (chewing) and chemical breakdown (via enzymes).
• Saliva Production: The mouth produces saliva, which is composed of water, mucus, and the enzyme amylase.

2. The Esophagus

The esophagus is a muscular tube connecting the pharynx to the stomach.

• Length and Movement: It is approximately 25 cm long and facilitates the movement of food through peristalsis—a series of rhythmic muscular contractions and relaxations.
• Associated Structures: The passage of food involves the pharynx and the epiglottis, which prevents food from entering the trachea (windpipe).

3. The Stomach

This sac-like organ is involved in both mechanical and chemical digestion.... Continue reading "Anatomy and Function of the Human Digestive System" »

Cellular Transport and Water Potential

Diffusion

The movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration through a partially permeable membrane. (Osmosis is the same but with water molecules)

Concentration Gradient

The difference in concentration of a substance between two different areas.

Active Transport

The uptake of particles by cells against a concentration gradient. It requires energy and a carrier protein.

Partially Permeable Membrane

A membrane that allows small molecules of water and certain solutes but does not allow the passage of large solute molecules.

Kinetic Energy

The energy of movement

Brownian Motion

The random movement of particles

Water Potential

The ability for a substance or cell to accept more water.... Continue reading "Understanding Key Concepts in Biology and Physics: Diffusion, Energy, and Heat Transfer" »

Fundamental Concepts in Biology: Q&A

1. 1. What kind of organelles do photosynthetic Protista contain?

   Answer: Multicellular and Unicellular (Note: This answer describes types of Protista, not organelles.)

2. 2. What is the main body of Fungi called?

   Answer: Mycelium

3. 3. Plants produce what out for survival?

   Answer: Oxygen

4. 4. What are the two transport plant tissues called?

   Answer: Xylem and Phloem

5. 5. What is the smallest group of Bryophytes?

   Answer: Hornworts

6. 6. A plant with a fibrous root system and leaves with parallel venation would also have?

   Answer: None of the above

7. 7. Where does pollen transfer on plants to start reproduction?

   Answer: Stigma

8. 8. If a farmer wanted a more loosely packed cluster of grapes, he would most likely spray the immature bunches

Infectious Diseases: An Overview

Changes to body physiology that disrupt normal body functions and are caused by microorganisms are called infectious diseases. This explanation, established by Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch, is called the germ theory of disease.

Causes of Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases are caused by various microorganisms, including:

• Viruses
• Bacteria
• Fungi
• Protists
• Parasitic worms

Disease-causing microorganisms are also called pathogens. Koch also developed a series of rules, known as Koch's postulates, that help scientists identify which organism causes a specific disease.

While many microorganisms are symbionts that are either harmless or beneficial, pathogens cause disease by:

• Destroying cells
• Disrupting body functions
• Releasing

Common Knee Injuries

Knee Plica

Fetal knee development involves three chambers that typically merge into one. The internal walls (plica) separating these chambers may persist. While often asymptomatic, the medio-patellar plica is most prone to causing issues. Symptoms can mimic meniscus injury, leading to catching and locking sensations.

Patellar Subluxation and Dislocation

Occurs at the patellofemoral joint, with lateral dislocations being the most common.

Knee Joint Dislocation

Occurs at the tibiofemoral joint and often involves tears of the MCL, ACL, LCL, and joint capsule.

Patellar Tendon Rupture

A complete tear of the quadriceps or patellar tendon, typically at its attachment to the patella.

Medial and Lateral Collateral Ligament Injuries

• Medial

Arthropod Characteristics: Defining Features

Arthropods are defined by the following characteristics:

• Segmented body structure
• Coelomate (possessing a true coelom)
• Invertebrate
• Bilateral symmetry
• Exoskeleton with jointed appendages

Arthropods were the earliest known invertebrates to have jointed appendages, which allows for flexibility despite having a hard exoskeleton.

The Arthropod Exoskeleton

The exoskeleton is a hard, outer covering made of chitin and protein.

Functions of the Exoskeleton

• Protects and supports internal structures.
• Allows for the attachment of muscles.

Molting

Exoskeletons cannot grow, so they must be replaced throughout life, a process known as molting.

Body Segmentation

Most arthropods exhibit three primary segments: the head, thorax,... Continue reading "Defining Arthropod Characteristics and Body Systems" »

Characteristics of Poriferans

Poriferans, also called sponges, are aquatic organisms (the majority of them are marine organisms) that either have no symmetry or have radial symmetry. Their bodies, which have a tube shape, a cup shape, or an irregular shape, have multiple pores that are interlinked by thin channels. These channels lead to a central cavity, called the atrium, which is linked to the outside by an opening called the osculum. Inside the channels, there are cells known as choanocytes, which are specialized in capturing food.

Poriferans stay upright due to a skeleton made of small spines called spicules. They feed by filtration. Water, which contains food particles, enters through the pores and exits through the osculum with the food... Continue reading "Characteristics of Poriferans: Aquatic Organisms with Unique Structures and Reproduction" »

Microorganisms and Diseases

Microorganisms and associated diseases:

• Viruses: Common cold
• Bacteria: Pneumonia
• Protozoa: Malaria
• Fungi: Athlete's foot

Infectious Disease Transmission

Methods of infectious disease transmission:

• Waterborne: Cholera
• Vector-borne: Malaria
• Foodborne: Salmonella
• Airborne: Influenza (the flu)

Types of Diseases

Infectious Diseases: Influenza, AIDS, Gonorrhea, Tetanus, Measles, Tuberculosis

Non-Infectious Diseases: Diabetes, Lung cancer, Heart attack, Alzheimer's disease, Arthritis

Infections and Defenses

Infections and the body's defenses:

• Infected wound: Skin
• Intestinal infection: Large intestine
• Respiratory infection: Respiratory tract
• Vaginal infection: Bladder

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Three common sexually transmitted diseases:... Continue reading "Human Biology: Microorganisms, Diseases, and Reproduction" »

Human Body Organization

The human body is structured in a hierarchical manner, from the smallest components to the entire organism and its interactions within an ecosystem.

1. Subatomic Level

Consists of subatomic particles, i.e., protons, electrons, and neutrons (and sub-particles like quarks and leptons).

2. Atomic Level

Formed by atoms, the bioelements found in living beings. These include:

• Primary Bioelements: Essential for forming organic biomolecules (C, H, O, N, P, S), constituting 96% of dry living matter.
• Secondary Bioelements: Constitute 3% of dry living matter.
• Trace Elements: Present in small amounts but crucial for health (e.g., iron, iodine).

3. Molecular Level

Molecules are formed by grouping two or more atoms. Biomolecules in living beings... Continue reading "Human Body Organization: From Atoms to Ecosystems & Cell Basics" »