Scribd
Upload
14 views

Module 1 (Introduction)

The document provides an overview of biology, detailing the classification of living organisms into five kingdoms: Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia, based on characteristics like cell structure and nutrition. It also contrasts science and engineering using examples like the eye and camera, as well as bird flight and aircraft, emphasizing their different goals and approaches. Additionally, it highlights the significance of studying biology for understanding life, improving agriculture, protecting the environment, and advancing medicine, while referencing key historical observations that led to major scientific discoveries.

Uploaded by

nilidhara1982
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
14 views

Module 1 (Introduction)

The document provides an overview of biology, detailing the classification of living organisms into five kingdoms: Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia, based on characteristics like cell structure and nutrition. It also contrasts science and engineering using examples like the eye and camera, as well as bird flight and aircraft, emphasizing their different goals and approaches. Additionally, it highlights the significance of studying biology for understanding life, improving agriculture, protecting the environment, and advancing medicine, while referencing key historical observations that led to major scientific discoveries.

Uploaded by

nilidhara1982
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 5

Introduction

Biology is the branch of science that studies life and living organisms. The term comes from
the Greek words "bios" (life) and "logos" (study or discourse), making biology the study of
life. It encompasses the structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution and
interrelationships of living beings, ranging from microscopic organisms like bacteria to
complex multicellular organisms like plants, animals and humans. The whole living organism
was classified into 5 kingdoms on characteristics such as cell structure, mode of nutrition, body
organization and phylogenetic relationships.
1. Kingdom Monera (Prokaryotes - Bacteria & Archaea)
• Cell Type: Prokaryotic (no true nucleus or membrane-bound organelles).
• Cellularity: Unicellular.
• Mode of Nutrition: Autotrophic (photosynthetic/chemosynthetic) or Heterotrophic
(saprophytic/parasitic).
• Examples: Escherichia coli, Streptococcus, Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae).
2. Kingdom Protista (Single-Celled Eukaryotes)
• Cell Type: Eukaryotic (nucleus and organelles present).
• Cellularity: Mostly unicellular, some colonial or simple multicellular.
• Mode of Nutrition: Autotrophic (algae) or Heterotrophic (protozoa).
• Examples: Amoeba, Paramecium, Plasmodium (malaria parasite), Euglena.
3. Kingdom Fungi (Yeasts, Molds, Mushrooms)
• Cell Type: Eukaryotic.
• Cellularity: Mostly multicellular (except unicellular yeasts).
• Mode of Nutrition: Heterotrophic (saprophytic or parasitic), absorptive nutrition.
• Cell Wall Composition: Made of chitin.
• Examples: Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast), Penicillium (mold), Agaricus
(mushroom).
4. Kingdom Plantae (Multicellular Plants)
• Cell Type: Eukaryotic.
• Cellularity: Multicellular.
• Mode of Nutrition: Autotrophic (photosynthetic, chlorophyll present).
• Cell Wall Composition: Made of cellulose.
• Examples: Arabidopsis thaliana, Mango tree, Fern, Algae (some are in Protista).
5. Kingdom Animalia (Multicellular Animals)
• Cell Type: Eukaryotic.
• Cellularity: Multicellular.
• Mode of Nutrition: Heterotrophic (ingestive).
• Cell Wall: Absent.
• Examples: Homo sapiens (humans), Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly), Mus musculus
(mouse), C. elegans (worm).

Bring out the fundamental differences between science and


engineering by drawing a comparison between eye and camera,
Bird flying and aircraft.
Science focuses on understanding natural phenomena and uncovering principles of how things
work in nature. Engineering applies this understanding to create tools, systems, or processes to
solve problems and meet human needs.

Feature Science Engineering


Goal Discover knowledge & explain Solve real-world problems &
phenomena create solutions
Focus Understanding "why" things happen Applying "how" to make things
work
Approach Experimentation, observation and Design, prototyping, testing and
theory development implementation

Example Physics, Chemistry, Biology Mechanical, Electrical, Civil


Field Engineering
Output Theories, models, discoveries Products, machines, infrastructure

Eye vs. Camera


Aspect Science (Eye) Engineering (Camera)
Objective Understand how the eye works and its Build a device inspired by
biological processes. the eye to capture images.
Nature of Studies the anatomy of the eye, how Designs a camera using
Study/Action light is focused on the retina, and how lenses, sensors, and circuits
the brain interprets signals. to mimic vision.
Result It gives an idea about the functioning of Creation of an artificial
living systems and knowledge of vision. vision device for practical
use.
Approach Observational and theoretical Practical application of
understanding of vision. optical and digital principles.

Bird Flying vs. Aircraft


Aspect Science (Bird Flight) Engineering (Aircraft)

Objective Study the principles of Design machines that mimic flight


aerodynamics in bird flight. for human transport.
Nature of Explores how birds generate lift, Uses aerodynamic principles to
Study/Action thrust, and control using their design airplanes for efficient and
wings. safe travel.
Result Deeper understanding of how Practical machines like airplanes
nature solves the problem of for transportation.
flight.
Approach Research-based, focusing on Problem-solving and design-driven,
nature’s mechanisms. using physics and materials.

Mention the most exciting aspect of biology as an independent scientific


discipline.

1. One of the most exciting things about biology is that it helps us understand life in all
its forms, from tiny molecules and cells to large ecosystems and how species evolve.
2. It explains important processes like genetics, how our bodies use energy, and how living
things adapt to their environment.
3. A fascinating part of biology is the study of evolution and genetic engineering.
Scientists can learn how species have changed over time and even modify DNA to cure
diseases, improve crops or create artificial life. New discoveries, like CRISPR gene
editing, show how biology can transform medicine, industry, and environmental
protection.
4. Biology also connects with other subjects like chemistry, physics, and computer
science, leading to major advancements in artificial intelligence, bioinformatics and
synthetic biology.
Since it is always evolving, biology continues to unlock the secrets of life, making it one of the
most important and exciting sciences.
Why We Need to Study Biology
Biology is the study of life and living organisms, helping us understand how life functions at
different levels, from tiny cells to entire ecosystems. Studying biology is essential because it
allows us to:
1. Understand the Human Body: Biology explains how our organs, cells, and genetics work,
leading to advancements in medicine and healthcare.
2. Improve Agriculture: It helps develop better crops, improve food security, and fight plant
diseases.
3. Protect the Environment: Biology teaches us about how to reduce environmental damage.
4. Protect Biodiversity: It is essential for maintaining the balance of nature and providing
resources for human survival.
5. Discover New Medicines: Biological research leads to life-saving drugs, vaccines and
treatments.
6. Enhance Biotechnology: It helps in developing new technologies like genetic engineering
and biofuels.

Biological Observations of the 18th Century Leading to Major Discoveries


Observations have always been the foundation of scientific discoveries. Two major
observations from the 18th and early 19th centuries—Brownian motion and the origin of
thermodynamics—led to groundbreaking scientific principles.
1. Brownian Motion – Robert Brown (1827)
Robert Brown, a Scottish botanist, observed tiny pollen grains moving randomly in water under
a microscope. This movement, later known as Brownian motion, was unexplained at the time.
It was later understood that this motion was caused by the constant, random movement of water
molecules colliding with the pollen grains.
Significance of Brownian Motion:
It provided evidence for the existence of atoms and molecules, which were still debated at the
time. Albert Einstein later explained it mathematically in 1905, helping confirm the atomic
theory of matter. It led to advancements in statistical physics and molecular biology.
2. Origin of Thermodynamics – Julius Robert Mayer (1842)
Julius Robert Mayer, a German doctor and scientist, made an important discovery while
treating patients. He noticed that blood color changed based on oxygen levels. This led him to
realize that energy is conserved in living things. He suggested that heat and movement
(mechanical work) are different forms of the same energy, which became the basis of the First
Law of Thermodynamics (the law of energy conservation).
Significance of Mayer’s Observation:
It helped establish thermodynamics, which is crucial in physics, chemistry and biology. It led
to the understanding that living organisms convert food into energy, essential for metabolism.
It contributed to the development of energy-efficient technologies and the understanding of
heat engines.

You might also like