Introduction to Biology:
Origin and Properties of Life
Major Branches of Biology:
Zoology – Study of Animals
Botany – Study of Plants
Microbiology – Study of
Microorganisms
Genetics – Study of Genes
Anatomy – Structure
Morphology - Measurement
or Forms of an organism.
Physiology – Study of how
certain structures and forms
happen.
Taxonomy – From the word
‘Taxon’ that means scientific
naming an organism.
Systematics – Classifying an
organism based on anatomy,
morphology, genetics,
ecology, etc.
Ecology – Study of
interactions between living
and non-living organisms.
___________________________
THE ORIGIN OF LIFE:
Known Theories
1. Divine Creation Theory –
There is a single supreme
being, God, who created all
organisms.
2. Theory of Panspermia – A
particular asteroid that hit
Earth has components vital for
making it habitable.
3. Theory of Catastrophism –
Catastrophes such as
earthquakes & eruptions is the
reason why the earth is
formed/molded as it is today.
4. Spontaneous Generation
Theory – Suggests that life is
generated spontaneously from
inanimate objects. There are
three people that tried to
prove this theory:
a. Aristotle’s Meat
Experiment
– a piece of meat was left in
the open air, only to be seen
with maggots after several
days.
b. Helmont’s Rat Experiment
– wheat and grains were put
in a container and it attracted
rats.
c Needham’s Broth
Experiment
– broth was boiled, cooled,
and later seen with organisms
in the broth. All of this was
done while the container is
open
5. The Biogenesis Theory –
Suggests that life came from
life. An organisms cannot be
created without a parent
organism. There are three
people that recreated the
experiments:
a. Francesco Redi [Recreated
Meat Experiment]
– utilized three set-ups.
Uncovered, partially covered,
and fully covered.
b. Lazzaro Spallanzani
[Recreated Broth Experiment]
– utilized two set-ups.
Covered and uncovered till
cooling.
c. Louis Pasteur [Reinacted
experiment of Spallanzani]
– utilized two set-ups but with
swan-neck flasks. Ended the
debate of Abiogenesis and
Biogenesis.
– says that there is only a
certain temperature where the
quality of the product remains
the same while the
microorganisms die.
6. Chemical Evolution Theory
– Says that earth was a
primordial base that has
primordial soup in one spot,
that: collision of atoms made
different biomolecules. Then
the collision of biomolecules
made different nucleic acids
and that formed DNA.
___________________________
PROPERTIES OF LIFE
1. Movement – Movement of
certain species from one place
to another.
2. Growth and Development
– Growth is the physical
process, like an infant to a
toddler, while Development
involves a lot of physiological
processes such as milk teeth to
temporary teeth, or zygote to
embryo.
3. Irritability – Of an
organism being able to
respond to stimuli. Examples
are makahiya plant and venus
fly traps.
4. Reproduction – May it be
sexual or asexual.
5. Evolution – Adaptation of
organisms overtime in their
habitat as certain traits
becomes common in the
population.
6. Metabolism – How
organisms acquire nutrients
7. Homeostasis – Maintains
equilibrium
___________________________
Parts of the Microscope
a. Mechanical Parts – Coarse
and fine adjustment knob,
arm, inclination joint,
revolving nosepiece, base,
stage, etc. Adjustment and
support.
b. Illumination Parts
Mirror. Light sources.
c. Magnifying parts – Ocular
piece, objectives.
___________________________
TIMELINE of Cell Theory
1665 – Discovery & first
observation of cells
1670 – Discovery of living cells
(protozoa)
1683 – First observation of
zooplanktons
1833 – Discovery & Types of Cells
observation of the nucleus
1839 – Formulation of cell
theory
1845 – Reworking of cell
theory
1855 – Completion of cell
theory
Important People
a. Matthias Schleiden – states
that plants are composed of
cells
b. Theodore Schwann – states
that animals are composed of
cells though the shape of the
cell is different.
c. Rudolf Virchow – states that
cells came from pre-existing
cells.
The Cell Theory
– All organisms are made up
of
1 or more cells.
– Cell is the basic unit of life of
all living things.
– All cells are produced by the
division of pre-existing cells.
–
The MODERN Cell Theory
– All living things are made
up
of cells.
– The cell is the structural &
functional unit of life.
– All cells arise from pre
existing cells.
– Cells contain hereditary
info.
– Cells are same in chemical
composition.
– All energy flow of life occurs
within the cells
^ Still a theory cus it’s not
established/proven like laws.
1. PROKARYOTIC CELL
– Found in 2 kingdoms:
Archaea & Bacteria.
– Divides primarily via binary
fission.
– Lacks membrane-bound
organelles.
– DNA is not enclosed within
a membrane & is a singular
circular chromosome.
– DNA not associated with
histone proteins.
PARTS OF PROKARYOTIC
CELLS
1. Cell Wall – gives the cell its
shape, acts as a protective
cover and is used for
identifying the identity of the
cell.
2. Capsule – composed of
lipid components, allows cell
to adhere to surface and
protects bacteria from
phagocytes.
3. The Nucleoid – The large
circular strand of DNA of the
organism.
– Located throughout the cell
membrane of the cell.
– May contain bacterial
plasmids
4. The Flagella -- A whip-like
protrusion located on the
surface of the cell
– Enables the cell to move
– Not present on all organisms
– has adhesives that stick to
surfaces.
 – Contains membrane
bounded organelles
– DNA are associated with
histone proteins
– DNA is enclosed by the
nucleus

4 FLAGELLA TYPES

Monotrichous – only one side

of the cell has a flagella.

Amphitrichous – there is one

flagella on both sides of the
cell.

Lophotrichous – numerous
flagella are present on one
end.

Peritrichous – flagella is
found throughout the body
and is randomly placed.

5. The Pilus – A hair-like

protrusion located throughout
the surface of the cell
– May function for adhesion to
surface
– Composed of oligo proteins
– Related to the colonization
and infection of the cell
-Needed for bacterial
conjugation.

Bacterial Conjugation – A
process in which one
bacterium transfers genetic
material to another bacterium
through direct physical
contact. It's a way for bacteria
to share and exchange genetic
information, usually in the
form of plasmids.

2. EUKARYOTIC CELL
– Are found in four kingdoms:
Animalia, Plantae, Fungi and
Protista
– DNA is found in multiple
chromosomes
PARTS OF EUKARYOTIC – Produces the vesicles which – The number is dependent on
CELLS are transported throughout the type of cell
the cell – Contains its own DNA and
1. Nucleus ribosomes
– Known as the control center 5. Vesicles
of the cell. – Short-lived membrane
10. Chloroplast
– It is responsible for storing enclosed sac.
– Present only for
the genetic information of the – May be formed by the
photosynthetic eukaryotic
cell. smooth endoplasmic
cells (often in plants and some
– It is also the main site for the reticulum and the Golgi
bacteria).
transcription of DNA (Central apparatus.
Dogma) and can exhibit – Responsible for carrying out
– Needed in membrane
various shapes photosynthesis.
transport systems
– Composed of: Nucleolus, – Contains pigments known as
Nuclear Pores, Chromatin, chlorophyll.
6. Vacuole
and Nuclear Envelope – Has its own DNA and
– Long lived membrane
– It has 3 shapes. Rounded, ribosomes.
enclosed sac
enlarged, and lobed
– Responsible for the storage
THE ENDOSYMBIOTIC
of different cellular
2. Ribosome THEORY
components
– Complexes composed of – “isang bidabidang cell
– Needed in the regulation of
ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and nagproduce ng sarili niyang
water balance
proteins energy tapos sabi ng isa pang
– Can be modified as a food or
– Responsible for the cell pano kaya kapag kinain
contractile vacuole
translation of protein kita, so ayon minukbang niya
– Larger in plant cells as
– Amount is dependent on yung cell.”
compared to animal cells
cellular activity
– Classified as free and bound
ribosomes 7. Lysosome
– A special type of vesicle
which functions for cell
3. Endoplasmic Reticulum
protection
- Classified as the Rough and – contains acidic enzymes
Smooth Endoplasmic – Responsible for digesting
Reticulum bacteria and worn out
- Classification is based on the organelles
presence of ribosomes – Needed in the autophagy or
- Rough Endoplasmic apoptosis of the cell
Reticulum
8. Peroxisome
– Responsible for producing – houses enzymes which are
the proteins for export needed for oxidation reactions
-Smooth Endoplasmic – Needed for cell
Reticulum detoxification process
– Responsible for producing – Breaks down fatty acids and
lipids amino acids

4. Golgi Apparatus 9.The Mitochondria

– Has a distinct receiving (cis) – The powerhouse of the cell
and exporting (trans) ends – responsible for the
– Responsible for accepting production of energy in the
the proteins from the ER and form of adenosine
repackaging them triphosphate (ATP)
– Aids in the regulation of the
cell surface tension
The Flagella and Cilia
– Hair-like structures present
in some cells.
– Composed of 9 pairs of
microtubules arranged in a
circle of 2 more in center.
– Has a basal body which is
also composed of
microtubules.
– Responsible for movement.

The Centrosome
-Contains the centrioles at the
center.
-Composed of 9 triplets of
microtubules arranged in a
ring.
-Usually duplicated before cell
division.
-Releases microtubules needed
for cell division.
-Not present in all cells.

The Plant Cell Wall

– Responsible for giving
mechanical strength to the
plant body.
– Glues the plant cells
together.
– Controls the actual shape of
the plant cell.
– Acts as a major protective
covering for pathogens.
– Primarily composed of
cellulose.

The Cell Wall structure

– middle lamella
– primary walls
– plasma membrane
TISSUES
– A group of cells with similar structure and function
– Can be classified into 4 types (animals) and 3 types (plants)

ANIMAL TISSUES __________________________

Type 1 - EPITHELIAL Tissue

– Lines the body surface (internal and external)
– Covers the internal and external surface of the body
– Can be classified according to the number of cellular layers present
– Can be classified according to its cellular shape
– Has two distinct surfaces: the basal and free surface
– Forms the glands of the body

CLASSIFICATION OF EPITHELIAL TISSUES

According to LAYERS:

a. Simple
– Only one layer of cells

b. Stratified
– Two or more cell layers

c. Pseudostratified
– Composed of a single layer of cells with varying height
– The nucleus of individual cells are found in different levels
– May contain mucus secreting cells and cilia
– Specialized for the secretion of mucus
– Usually found in the lining of the upper respiratory tract
d. Transitional
– Composed of multiple layers of cells
– The cellular shape will be dependent on the presence of fluids in the system
– Specialized for the protection of the underlying cells
– Usually found in the lining of the urinary bladder, ureter, and superior urethra

According to CELL SHAPE:

a. Squamous
– Composed of flat shaped cells
– Connected closely via gap junctions
– Specialized for diffusion, secretions, and protection
– Usually found on blood vessels, alveoli, and capillaries

b. Cuboidal
– Composed of cube shaped cells with a large, spherical nuclei
– Usually arranged in a circular manner
– Specialized for secretions and absorption
– Usually found in kidney tubules, ducts, and the secretory layer of glands

c. Columnar
– Composed of tall shaped cells with oval nuclei
– May contain mucus-secreting cells and cilia
– Specialized for absorption and secretions of mucus and enzyme
– Usually found in the lining of the digestive system

Type 2 - CONNECTIVE Tissue

– Found throughout the body and is responsible for connecting the tissues
– Found throughout the body
– Composed of large amounts of extracellular materials (matrix)
– Usually formed by different protein fibers (collagen, reticular, and elastic)
– Can be classified into three: connective tissue proper, supporting connective tissue, and fluid connective
tissue

CLASSIFICATION OF CONNECTIVE TISSUES

a. CONNECTIVE TISSUE PROPER

> Lose Connective Tissue

Areolar

Adipose

Reticular
> Dense Connective Tissue
Dense Regular

Dense Irregular

b. SUPPORTING CONNECTIVE TISSUE

> Cartilage
Hyaline
Fibrocartilage

Elastic Cartilage

> Bone
Spongy and Compact bone
– Composed of a hard and bony matrix
– Cellular components are termed as osteo connected to a suffix which is related to its
– function (-cyte, -blast, or –clast)
– The matrix is usually mineralized
– The mineralization of the matrix is the basis for its strength and rigidity
– Located in all of the bones of the body
BLOOD TISSUE

-Composed of a liquid matrix

-Can be classified into three cellular components: erythrocytes, leukocytes, and thrombocytes
-Responsible for transportation and protection
-Located inside the blood vessels

ERYTHOCYTES
-Usually appears as a biconcave disc under the microscope
-The cells are anucleated and lacks cell organelles
-Contains the protein hemoglobin
-Needed for the transportation of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other nutrients needed by the cells

LEUKOCYTES
-May be classified as the granulocytes and the agranulocytes
-Can be classified into five different cells
-Unlike the erythrocytes, it contains a nucleus which is very evident under the microscope
-Responsible for protecting the body from invasions and infections
SKELETALS MUSCLE
THROMBOCYTES -Exhibits a voluntary heart to the other parts of the
-The smallest blood cell present movement body
in the body -Cells present are usually long
-Similar to the erythrocytes, they and cylindrical with multiple SMOOTH MUSCLE
are also anucleated nuclei located at the edges of -typically found in hour
-Usually last about 7-10 days the cell stomach, intestines etc.
inside the body of the organism -Has the presence of striations
-Required in the response and due to the arrangement of the NERVOUS TISSUE
repair to injured tissues and is different muscle proteins -basically the neurons
mainly responsible for the -Usually found attached to the
clotting of the blood bones of the body which PARENCHYMA
enables body movement. -The fundamental cell found
in both the dermal and ground
MUSCLE TISSUES CARDIAC MUSCLE tissue
-Has the ability to contract or -Exhibits an involuntary -These are living cells which
shorten.Enables the movement movement and exhibits has a thin primary cell wall
of the body. striations. Each individual -May contain chlorophyll to
-The length of the cells present is cells mononucleated, carry out photosynthesis
usually greater than its diameter branching, and connected to -Mainly concerned in the
-Also called as fibers as it one another via the vegetative activities of the
resembles tiny threads intercalated discs plant body
-Can be classified according to its -Usually found in the stem,
movement: voluntary or -It is primarily needed for leaves, and roots
involuntary pumping of blood from the COLLENCHYMA
-Living cells which have a
much thicker cell wall than the
parenchyma
-Cells are usually elongated
-Primarily concerned in
providing mechanical support
for the growing plant
-Can be found directly below
the dermal tissue of leaves and
stems