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

Protozoa

Features:

• Microscopic and eukaryotic unicellular organisms.
• Exhibit movement.
• Aquatic, living in aquatic or terrestrial environments.
• Some are free-living; others are parasites.
• Reproduction may be sexual or asexual.

Classification:

• Mastigophora (Flagellates): Possess flagella for locomotion.
• Rhizopods (Sarcodina): Move via pseudopods, extensions of the cytoplasm.
• Ciliophora (Ciliates): Move using cilia.
• Apicomplexa (Sporozoa): Have a complex life cycle; all are parasites.
• Suctoria: Have cilia in their juvenile phase and tentacles in adulthood.

Locomotion: Move by extending cytoplasm externally (pseudopods), into which the rest of the cytoplasm flows.

Nutrition: Engulf organic particles via pseudopods, forming a digestive vacuole. Enzymes digest... Continue reading "Protozoa, Bryophytes, Gymnosperms, and Angiosperms: A Comparison" »

Meiosis: Diploid to Haploid Cell Division

Meiosis is a specialized cell division mechanism that produces haploid daughter cells (n) with distinct genetic combinations from a single diploid cell (2n). It involves two consecutive divisions: Meiosis I (the first meiotic division) and Meiosis II (the second meiotic division).

Essentially, Meiosis transforms one diploid cell (2n), which has already duplicated its genetic material, into four genetically different haploid cells (n) through these two divisions. Without meiosis, gametes would retain the same chromosome number as somatic cells. Consequently, after each fertilization event, the resulting zygote would have double the necessary chromosomes. This highlights the crucial role of meiosis in maintaining... Continue reading "Meiosis Explained: Diploid to Haploid Cell Division Process" »

Mutations

Mutations: Sudden alterations in genetic material may go unnoticed or be a source of genetic variation. Mutations occurring in gametes are transmitted to offspring.

Types of Mutations:

1. Gene or Point Mutations:

   These replace one base pair with another. This can halt protein synthesis or cause the synthesis of a different protein.

2. Chromosome Mutations:

   These involve the loss (deletion) or duplication of a chromosome. They also include variations in the distribution of chromosome segments, such as translocation, where segments move to another chromosome.

3. Genomic Mutations:

   These include euploidies, which affect the entire set of chromosomes, leading to haploid (n) or polyploid (3n or 4n) conditions, often seen in plants. Aneuploidies involve

Cellular Biology

Synthesis of Cell Theory

• Each living organism is made up of one or more cells (structural unit).
• The smallest living organisms are single cells, and cells are structural units of multicellular organisms.
• All cells come from preexisting cells (the source drive).

Forms of bacteria:

• Bacilli
• Coccobacilli
• Vibrio
• Spirochetes / Spirilla

Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

Prokaryotic Cells: Are those that have no internal membranes or an organized nucleus (bacteria).

Eukaryotic Cells: They have internal membranes and an organized nucleus.

Difference Between Animal and Plant Cells

Plasma membrane: Structure that separates the intracellular from the extracellular... Continue reading "Cellular Biology: Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells" »

Microbiology: The Science of Microorganisms

Microbiology, derived from the Greek words mikros ("small"), bios ("life"), and logos ("study"), is the scientific discipline dedicated to the study of microorganisms. These are living things too small to be seen with the naked eye. Microorganisms, often called germs, were discovered over 300 years ago. Their only common characteristic is their small size.

Microscopy depends on factors such as contrast, resolution, and magnification.

Taxonomy involves the study of nomenclature, classification, and identification of microorganisms.

Factors Influencing Microbial Growth

The number and types of microorganisms in an environment depend on factors like humidity, heat, nutrient availability, aeration, and pH.

• Soil

Plant Anatomy: Roots, Stems, and Leaves

Root Structure

The root has a simple structure with no central bone. It contains vascular tissue in the phloem and wood beams, along with fundamental bark tissue. The endodermis clearly demarcates these areas. Two meristems are present: the cambium, which forms a ring of dividing cells between the phloem and wood, and the phellogen, which develops in the cortical parenchyma. The phellogen produces corky tissue layers for protection and cortical parenchyma internally.

Stem Structure

Stem structure differs between dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous plants. In dicots, vascular tissue forms a cylinder with the xylem inside and phloem outside. Fundamental tissue is located between the epidermis and vascular tissue... Continue reading "Plant Root, Stem, and Leaf Anatomy: Structure and Function" »

Reproduction of Human Beings

It is comprised of the following processes:

• The production of gametes: In specialized reproductive organs.
• Fertilization: Is the union of two gametes within the female reproductive system, forming a single cell, the zygote.
• Zygote development: Inside the female reproductive system.
• Birth: A fully formed baby is born.

Development to Sexual Maturity

Changes from infancy to sexual maturity:

• Primary sexual characters: Are present at birth. These are the sexual organs: the penis in boys, and the vulva and excretory system in girls.
• Secondary sexual characters (Puberty):
  • In children: Deep voice, beard, pubic and underarm hair, increased bone and muscle mass.
  • In girls: High voice, growth of breasts and hips, and pubic and underarm

Siphonaptera (Fleas)

Fleas have three pairs of legs, a segmented body, and are 0.5 to 4 mm in size. They can jump 33 times their size. Ctenidia are hairs on their body. The female spermatheca is where the eggs are stored. They have a complete or holometabolous life cycle. The adult lays eggs, and in three weeks, the larvae emerge. In 9-15 days, the pupa stage is reached, and then the adult. Males and females feed on blood. The larvae feed on the feces of the adult fleas. The pupa is covered with earth and is motionless until the temperature changes.

• Pulex irritans (Human flea)
• Ctenocephalides canis (Dog flea)
• Ctenocephalides felis (Cat flea)
• Xenopsylla cheopis (Rat flea)
• Tunga penetrans: The female introduces itself inside the skin, producing a wound

Electron Transport Chain

Cytochrome P-450 - NADH cytochrome reductase: This enzyme facilitates the hydroxylation of many substrates. Therefore, it is important in the synthesis of steroid hormones and detoxification processes. Cytochrome b5 - cytochrome b5 reductase NADF4: These endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane proteins exhibit asymmetry, with one face oriented towards the hyaloplasm and the other towards the lumen. Carbohydrates are attached to lipids and proteins facing the luminal side.

Synthesis of Exportable Proteins (Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum)

The cell synthesizes proteins that either remain within the cell or are exported to other locations. These locations can be extracellular, as products of secretion, or intracellular. Protein synthesis... Continue reading "Endoplasmic Reticulum: Protein and Lipid Synthesis" »

The Respiratory System: How Air Enters Your Body

Air entry is performed through the nostrils and reaches the nasal cavity, where it is warmed. The nasal wall is full of blood vessels. The nostrils open into the pharynx, an organ common to the respiratory and digestive tracts. The inferior pharynx communicates with the larynx, allowing air to enter the trachea.

In the larynx, a cartilaginous lamina, the epiglottis, closes to prevent food from entering the respiratory tract. The larynx, in addition to serving as an air passage, is also a vocal apparatus. Inside the larynx, the vocal cords vibrate as air passes over them, allowing us to produce sounds.

The trachea is lined with a mucous membrane rich in glands that trap dust particles. The walls... Continue reading "Respiratory System and Urine Formation: A Comprehensive Look" »