1
Foundations of Biology
Table of Contents
1. Cell Theory ..................................................... 3
○ Introduction to Cells
○ Historical Development of Cell Theory
○ The Cell Theory
○ Types of Cells
○ Cell Organelles and Their Functions
○ Cell Transport
○ Cell Division
○ Importance of Cells
2. Photosynthesis ............................................. 7
○ Introduction
○ General Equation of Photosynthesis
○ Importance of Photosynthesis
○ Chloroplast Structure
○ Pigments Involved
○ Stages of Photosynthesis
○ Factors Affecting Photosynthesis
○ Photosynthesis vs Cellular Respiration
○ Applications and Importance
3. DNA and Genetics ........................................ 11
○ Introduction to Genetics
○ DNA Structure
○ DNA Replication
○ RNA and Protein Synthesis
○ Mendelian Genetics
○ Dominant and Recessive Traits
○ Punnett Squares
○ Human Genetics
○ Biotechnology and Genetics
○ Ethical Issues in Genetics
4. Human Body Systems ................................. 16
○ Introduction
○ Skeletal System
○ Muscular System
, 2
○ Circulatory System
○ Respiratory System
○ Digestive System
○ Nervous System
○ Endocrine System
○ Immune System
○ Homeostasis
5. Ecology .......................................................... 27
○ Introduction
○ Levels of Ecological Organization
○ Ecosystem Components
○ Energy Flow in Ecosystems
○ Food Chains and Food Webs
○ Ecological Pyramids
○ Population Ecology
○ Symbiotic Relationships
○ Biogeochemical Cycles
○ Biodiversity
○ Environmental Issues
6. Glossary of Important Terms ....................... 28
, 3
1. Cell Theory
Introduction to Cells
Cells are the basic structural and functional units of life. Every living organism is composed of
one or more cells. Cells carry out all processes necessary for survival, growth, and reproduction.
Branches of Cell Study
● Cytology – study of cells
● Histology – study of tissues
● Molecular Biology – study of biological molecules within cells
Historical Development of Cell Theory
Important Scientists
Scientist Contribution
Robert Hooke (1665) Observed cork under a microscope and coined the term “cell.”
Anton van Leeuwenhoek First to observe living microorganisms.
Matthias Schleiden Proposed that all plants are made of cells.
Theodor Schwann Proposed that all animals are made of cells.
Rudolf Virchow Stated that all cells come from pre-existing cells.
Foundations of Biology
Table of Contents
1. Cell Theory ..................................................... 3
○ Introduction to Cells
○ Historical Development of Cell Theory
○ The Cell Theory
○ Types of Cells
○ Cell Organelles and Their Functions
○ Cell Transport
○ Cell Division
○ Importance of Cells
2. Photosynthesis ............................................. 7
○ Introduction
○ General Equation of Photosynthesis
○ Importance of Photosynthesis
○ Chloroplast Structure
○ Pigments Involved
○ Stages of Photosynthesis
○ Factors Affecting Photosynthesis
○ Photosynthesis vs Cellular Respiration
○ Applications and Importance
3. DNA and Genetics ........................................ 11
○ Introduction to Genetics
○ DNA Structure
○ DNA Replication
○ RNA and Protein Synthesis
○ Mendelian Genetics
○ Dominant and Recessive Traits
○ Punnett Squares
○ Human Genetics
○ Biotechnology and Genetics
○ Ethical Issues in Genetics
4. Human Body Systems ................................. 16
○ Introduction
○ Skeletal System
○ Muscular System
, 2
○ Circulatory System
○ Respiratory System
○ Digestive System
○ Nervous System
○ Endocrine System
○ Immune System
○ Homeostasis
5. Ecology .......................................................... 27
○ Introduction
○ Levels of Ecological Organization
○ Ecosystem Components
○ Energy Flow in Ecosystems
○ Food Chains and Food Webs
○ Ecological Pyramids
○ Population Ecology
○ Symbiotic Relationships
○ Biogeochemical Cycles
○ Biodiversity
○ Environmental Issues
6. Glossary of Important Terms ....................... 28
, 3
1. Cell Theory
Introduction to Cells
Cells are the basic structural and functional units of life. Every living organism is composed of
one or more cells. Cells carry out all processes necessary for survival, growth, and reproduction.
Branches of Cell Study
● Cytology – study of cells
● Histology – study of tissues
● Molecular Biology – study of biological molecules within cells
Historical Development of Cell Theory
Important Scientists
Scientist Contribution
Robert Hooke (1665) Observed cork under a microscope and coined the term “cell.”
Anton van Leeuwenhoek First to observe living microorganisms.
Matthias Schleiden Proposed that all plants are made of cells.
Theodor Schwann Proposed that all animals are made of cells.
Rudolf Virchow Stated that all cells come from pre-existing cells.
