Biology: Expert Guides and Resources

Plant cells communicate with each other via messengers called hormones, chemical signals produced by cells that act on target cells to control their growth or development. Plant hormones control many of the plant behaviors you’re used to seeing, such as the ripening of fruit, the growth of shoots upward and roots downward, the growth of plants toward the light, the dropping of leaves in the fall, and the growth and flowering of plants at particular times of the year.

Recombinant DNA technology can be controversial. People, including scientists, worry about the ethical, legal, and environmental consequences of altering the DNA code of organisms: Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that contain genes from a different organism are currently used in agriculture, but some people are concerned about the following potential impacts on wild organisms and on small farms: Genetically modified plants may interbreed with wild species, transferring genes for pesticide resistance to weeds.

Biology is the study of the living world. All living things share certain common properties: They are made of cells that contain DNA. They maintain order inside their cells and bodies. They regulate their systems. They respond to signals in the environment. They transfer energy between themselves and their environment.

The way that DNA encodes the instructions for proteins is through a set of four molecules called bases, each of which represents a letter of the genetic code (A = adenine, C = cytosine, G = guanine, and T = thymine). The bases are made of carbon and nitrogen rings and are bound to a sugar and a phosphate to form a nucleotideThe nucleotides are connected together to form a long chain with the bases pointing out.

The eukaryotic cells of animals, plants, fungi, and microscopic creatures called protists have many similarities in structure and function. They have the structures common to all cells: a plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and ribosomes. All eukaryotic organisms contain cells that have a nucleus, organelles, and many internal membranes.

All eukaryotic cells have organelles, a nucleus, and many internal membranes. These components divide the eukaryotic cell into sections, with each specializing in different functions. Each function is vital to the cell's life. The plasma membrane is made of phospholipids and protein and serves as the selective boundary of the cell.

Biology is the study of life, from tiny bacteria to giant redwood trees to human beings. Understanding biology begins with knowing some of the basics, such as eukaryotic cell structure and common Latin and Greek roots that will help you decipher the sometimes-tough vocabulary.Biology basics: Important components of eukaryotic cellsFor biology students, knowing the components of eukaryotic cells and how they work is fundamental to understanding how organisms function.

Studying molecular and cell biology can be challenging, but it’s necessary if you want to pursue microbiology, biotechnology, or genetics. Understanding molecular and cell biology entails knowing the four groups of macromolecules; the processes of central dogma and cellular respiration; and essential components of eukaryotic cells.