INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY
Biology is the study of living things. It encompasses the cellular basis of living things, the
energy metabolism that underlies the activities of life, and the genetic basis for inheritance in
organisms. Biology also includes the study of evolutionary relationships among organisms
and the diversity of life on Earth. It considers the biology of microorganisms, plants, and
animals, for example, and it brings together the structural and functional relationships that
underlie their day-to-day activities. Biology draws on the sciences of chemistry and physics
for its foundations and applies the laws of these disciplines to living things.
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1.THE CHEMICAL BASIS OF LIFE
Acids and Bases
Acids are chemical compounds that release hydrogen ions (H+) when placed in
water. For example, when hydrogen chloride is placed in water, it releases its
hydrogen ions and the solution becomes hydrochloric acid.
Bases are chemical compounds that attract hydrogen atoms when they are placed
in water. An example of a base is sodium hydroxide (NaOH). When this substance is
placed in water, it attracts hydrogen ions, and a basic (or alkaline) solution results as
hydroxyl (–OH) ions accumulate.
Biology is the study of living things. It encompasses the cellular basis of living things, the
energy metabolism that underlies the activities of life, and the genetic basis for inheritance in
organisms. Biology also includes the study of evolutionary relationships among organisms
and the diversity of life on Earth. It considers the biology of microorganisms, plants, and
animals, for example, and it brings together the structural and functional relationships that
underlie their day-to-day activities. Biology draws on the sciences of chemistry and physics
for its foundations and applies the laws of these disciplines to living things.
o
1.THE CHEMICAL BASIS OF LIFE
Acids and Bases
Acids are chemical compounds that release hydrogen ions (H+) when placed in
water. For example, when hydrogen chloride is placed in water, it releases its
hydrogen ions and the solution becomes hydrochloric acid.
Bases are chemical compounds that attract hydrogen atoms when they are placed
in water. An example of a base is sodium hydroxide (NaOH). When this substance is
placed in water, it attracts hydrogen ions, and a basic (or alkaline) solution results as
hydroxyl (–OH) ions accumulate.
