Fundamental Concepts in Geology and Cell Biology

Fundamental Concepts in Earth and Life Science

Geology: Seafloor Features and Rock Formation

Seafloor Topography

• Mid-Ocean Ridges: Large submarine elevations located in the central part of oceans, averaging 2000m in height, featuring a central groove called a rift valley where magma rises.
• Ocean Trenches (Fosas): Deep, sunken areas representing the largest marine forms in subduction zones, typically located near the coasts of volcanic islands.
• Continental Shelves (Plataformas): The submerged part of the continents extending into the sea.
• Abyssal Plains (Llanuras): Flat areas covering the deep seabed.
• Continental Slopes (Taludes): Steep slopes descending to the ocean floor.

Tectonic Structures

• Folds (Pliegos): Undulations that occur when compressive forces act on plastic materials.
• Faults (Fallas): Fractures in rocks involving displacement between blocks.

Rock Types

• Plutonic Rocks: Formed from magmas that solidify deep inside the Earth, composed of a set of strongly united crystallized minerals.
• Volcanic Rocks: Originate due to the rapid cooling of magma (lava) when it erupts onto the surface during a volcanic eruption.

The Rock Cycle

The Rock Cycle is the set of processes taking place in the lithosphere that cause the transformation of one rock type into others.

• Erosion: All rocks are subject to the erosive process. This generates sediments, which then form sedimentary rocks.
• Fusion (Melting): Rocks subjected to high temperatures can melt, generating magma. If the magma cools, it results in igneous rocks.
• Metamorphism: All rocks, under high temperatures and pressures, can transform into metamorphic rocks.

Cellular Biology and Organization

The History and Principles of Cell Theory

The cell is considered the fundamental unit of organization and function in living beings.

Key Discoveries in Cell Theory History:

• 1665: Robert Hooke identified cells in cork.
• 1831: Robert Brown observed the cell nucleus.
• 1838: Matthias Schleiden confirmed that plants are formed by cells.
• 1838: Theodor Schwann confirmed that all animals are formed by cells.
• 1855: Rudolf Virchow affirmed that new cells can only arise from pre-existing cells (Omnis cellula e cellula).
• 1906: Santiago Ramón y Cajal demonstrated that nerve tissue is not an exception to cell theory.

Types of Cells

• Prokaryotic Cells: These are more primitive cells where the genetic material is dispersed throughout the cytoplasm.
• Eukaryotic Cells: Found in all other, more complex and evolved living things; characterized by genetic material enclosed within a distinct nucleus.

Organism Nutrition and Metabolism

Autotrophic Organisms

These are organisms that manufacture their own organic matter.

Associated Metabolic Processes:

1. Incorporation of nutrients into the environment.
2. Organic matter production.
3. Utilization of organic matter.
4. Removal of waste substances.

Heterotrophic Organisms

These are organisms that obtain organic matter from the environment.

Associated Metabolic Processes:

1. Addition of organic matter to the environment.
2. Gas exchange.
3. Transport.
4. Utilization of organic matter.
5. Elimination of waste substances into the environment.