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

The nervous system is the body's communication network, a complex system of nerves and cells (neurons) that carry signals to and from the brain and spinal cord to different parts of the body. It is divided into two main parts: the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).

Neuron Structure and Types

Neurons are the fundamental building blocks of the nervous system. They are specialized cells that transmit electrical and chemical signals. While they can vary in size and shape, most neurons share a basic structure:

• Cell Body (Soma): The central part of the neuron, containing the nucleus and other organelles necessary for the cell's function.
• Dendrites: Branch-like extensions that receive incoming signals from other neurons.

1) Physical Barriers Against Infection

Physical barriers are crucial in preventing microbes from reaching susceptible tissues.

Cellular Contributions to Physical Barriers

At the cellular level, tightly joined cells form barriers, preventing invaders from penetrating deeper tissues.

Microbial Evasion of Physical Barriers

Pathogens may use enzymes like proteases to damage physical barriers and gain entry.

2) Layers of Human Skin

Human skin has three layers:

1. Epidermis: Outer layer containing keratin (prevents microbial entry).

2. Dermis: Middle layer with hair follicles, sweat glands, nerves, and blood vessels.

3. Hypodermis: Inner layer with fatty tissue, blood, and lymph vessels.

Significance of Keratin, Fatty Acids, and Skin Shedding

• Keratin: Tough,

Mammalian Gas Exchange: Lungs and Adaptations

Most mammals live on land, meaning they breathe in oxygen through the air. They are at risk of desiccation; therefore, their gas exchange system, the lungs, is found deep inside their bodies to avoid water loss. Air has a relatively high oxygen concentration of approximately 21% and is easy to ventilate.

Mammalian Respiratory Mechanism

Air enters the lungs through the trachea, which then splits into two bronchi, and further separates into smaller bronchioles. These tubes are held open by rings of cartilage. At the end of the bronchioles are the alveoli, the primary sites of gas exchange. Each alveolus is surrounded by capillaries, facilitating the diffusion of gases between the air and the blood. Mammals... Continue reading "Comparative Gas Exchange: Mammals, Fish, and Insects" »

Plant Adaptations for Terrestrial Life

Life on land presents unique challenges for plants, requiring specialized adaptations to thrive.

Water Availability Challenges

• Adaptation: Plants have developed root systems to anchor them in the soil and absorb water.
• Example: Cacti have deep roots and can store water in their stems, enabling survival in arid environments.

Overcoming Gravity

• Adaptation: Plants need to support their own weight. They have evolved lignin in their cell walls to provide structural support.
• Example: Trees have thick, woody trunks to support their height and extensive canopy.

Temperature Fluctuations

• Adaptation: Plants have adapted to different climates and varying temperatures.
• Example: Deciduous trees shed their leaves in winter to

Insect Success: Evolutionary Adaptations and Traits

Reasons for Insect Success

• Exoskeleton: Provides essential protection and prevents water loss (desiccation).
• Small Size: Allows insects to exploit numerous ecological niches efficiently.
• Reproductive Strategies: Characterized by high fecundity and varied methods of reproduction.
• Flight: Enables rapid escape from predators and efficient dispersal to new habitats.
• Diverse Diets: Ability to feed on a wide variety of food sources.

Examples of Successful Insect Traits

• Beetles (Coleoptera): Possess a hard exoskeleton, thriving in diverse environments.
• Butterflies (Lepidoptera): Utilize complete metamorphosis, allowing exploitation of diverse habitats across life stages.
• Ants (Formicidae): Exhibit complex

Understanding Cancer: Types and Origins

This section introduces various types of cancers and their primary sites of origin within the body, providing foundational knowledge on disease classification.

Common Cancer Types and Their Primary Sites

• Melanoma: Originates in the skin, often from pigment-producing cells.
• Leukemia: Affects white blood cells, typically originating in the bone marrow.
• Carcinoma: Arises from epithelial cells, which line internal organs or cover the skin.
• Sarcoma: Develops in connective tissues, such as bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, or blood vessels.
• Lymphoma: Affects cells and tissues of the immune system, particularly lymphocytes.

Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells: Key Differences

Explore the fundamental distinctions between prokaryotic... Continue reading "Core Biology Concepts: Cells, Genetics, and Disease Foundations" »

The cell is the basic unit of which they are made all living things. It is the smallest unit capable of performing all the functions that characterize a living being.

Depending on whether a body is formed by one or more cells can be:

Unicellular organisms. They consist of a single cell that performs all the functions necessary for survival. Sometimes, several single-celled organisms living together colonies. (like amoeba)

Multicellular organisms. Consist of multiple cells that lose the ability to survive alone. Each cell performs a specific task, and all work together to survive the body (such as plants and animals). Our body is composed of a large number of cells. People are multicellular beings.

The cells in our body can have different shape... Continue reading "The cell, the respiratory system, the organelles, gases, diffusion, active transport ..." »

Nervous System Anatomy

• Functions:

  • Controls perception (sight, touch, hearing, taste).
  • Maintains homeostasis (e.g., blood pressure, body temperature).

• Divisions:

  • Central Nervous System (CNS): Brain & spinal cord (processes information and sends responses).
  • Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Motor & sensory neurons connecting the CNS to the rest of the body.

• PNS Subdivisions:

  • Somatic Nervous System: Controls voluntary movement (e.g., moving hands).
  • Autonomic Nervous System: Controls involuntary functions (e.g., heart rate).
    • Sympathetic Division (Fight or Flight): Increases alertness, heart rate, etc.
    • Parasympathetic Division (Rest & Digest): Slows heart rate, promotes digestion, etc.

• Structural Differences (Autonomic):

  • Parasympathetic: Long preganglionic

Number and Quantity Prefixes

• Mono-, Uni- (one):
  • Monodiplopia: Double vision that occurs only in one eye.
  • Unilateral: Confined to one side only.
• Bi-, Di- (two, twice, double):
  • Diplopia: Double vision.
  • Bilateral: Affecting two sides.
• Tri- (three):
  • Trigeminal nerve: The fifth cranial nerve, providing sensory innervation to the face, divided into three main branches.
• Quad-, Quadra-, Tetra- (four):
  • Quadrant: Areas divided for descriptive purposes into quadrants.
  • Tetradactyl: Having four fingers or toes on a hand or foot.
• Multi- (many):
  • Multicellular: Composed of many cells.
• Poly- (too much, many):
  • Polyuria: Excessive excretion of urine.
• Hemi-, Semi- (half or partly):
  • Hemiplegia: Paralysis of one side of the body.
  • Semicomatose: State of drowsiness and inaction, requiring