CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY.
KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS.
Biology- This is a scientific study of living things
Cell- this is a basic unit of life
Magnification- this is a technique by a small organism is made to appear large
Sensitivity- this is a process by which a living organism sense changes in environment
Stimuli- this is a change in the environment
Respiration- this is the process by which living organisms breakdown food in their bodies to release energy.
Reproduction- this is the process by which living organisms give rise to new offspring.
Cytology- this is the study of cells
Anatomy- this is the study of physical structures of organism
Ecology- this is the study of relationship between organisms and the environment
Entomology- This is is the scientific study of insects
Taxonomy- this is the study of classification
Parasitology- this is the study of parasites
Mycology- this is the study of fungi
Genetics- this is the study of inheritance and variation.
Botany- this is the study of plants
Zoology- this is the study of animals
Afforestation- this is the practice of planting of trees
Reafforestation- this is replacing of trees where they have been cut.
The word Biology comes from two Greek words: bios and logos. Bios means life and logos means `study. Therefore, Biology is the study of life. The people who study Biology are called biologists.
To study life, biologists focus on the features that are common to all living things. Living things are also called organisms. They include plants, animals and microorganisms which are very small living things such as bacteria and viruses.
Life is the state of living which plants, animals and other living organisms have before they die, and which objects (non-living things) do not have. The basic unit of life is a cell. All living things are made up of cells. Cells are so small that they cannot be seen with a naked eye but with the help of a microscope.
A microscope is used to view cells. A microscope is an instrument that is used in scientific study to make very small things look bigger so that they can be examined easily. This is called magnification. There are two types of microscopes, light microscope and electron microscope.
The simplest living things consist of one cell. These are called unicellular organisms. They include
bacteria such as vibrio cholerae,
viruses such as HIV
protozoa such as amoeba.
yeast
Larger, more complex organisms, for example human beings, fish and trees are made up of millions or even billions of cells. They are referred to as multicellular organisms.
Characteristics of living things
Living things have seven characteristics that make them different from non-living things. These characteristics include:
reproduction
nutrition
movement and locomotion
response and irritability
gaseous exchange and respiration
growth and development
Excretion.
Nutrition
This is the process by which living organisms feed on materials from the environment. Green plants, blue-green bacteria and some protoctists make their own food. They use raw materials such as carbon dioxide water and sunlight. There are two forms of nutrition; autotrophic and heterotrophic nutrition.
Respiration
The food taken in by organisms contains energy. However, this energy is not in a directly usable form. The food has to be broken down into small. Particles in order for it to release energy.
Respiration is the process by which food substances are broken down to produce useful energy in a cell. There are two types of respiration, aerobic respiration and anaerobic respiration.
Excretion
Processes such as nutrition and respiration produce useful substances and by-products. Some of the byproducts can be harmful if left to accumulate in the organism. Excretion is the process by which these by-products are removed from the organism. The by-products are also called excretory products. Examples of excretory products are urea, excess water, carbon dioxide and water vapor.
Urea and excess water are removed in the form of urine and small amounts are removed as sweat through the skin.
Water vapor and carbon dioxide are removed during exhalation or breathing out.
Growth and development
Growth is permanent increase in size and mass of an organism. All living organisms can grow.
During growth, the size of an organism increases permanently. Growth is caused by an increase in the number of cells that make up an organism.
Development occurs when cells become specialized to perform specific functions. This causes an organism to change in shape and form, and also to become more complex. Cell division through mitosis, cell elongation cell specialization and cell differentiations all contributes to growth and development.
Sensitivity or irritability
The ability of an organism to detect and respond to a change in its environment is called sensitivity or irritability Living things detect and respond to changes in their environment. The changes that organisms detect and respond to are called stimuli (singular: stimulus). For example, human beings can feel and react to heat, cold or pain. A snail hides its body inside its shell when touched. Heat, touch and pain are examples of stimuli.
Plants also respond to stimuli. However, the responses may not be very fast or visible. The Mimosa is an example of a plant that clearly shows sensitivity. When this plant is touched, it curls its leaves.
Movement
This is the act of changing position. Movement occurs in cellular level and in organism level.
All organisms can move on their own accord in response to their environment. Non-living things only move when pushed or pulled by someone or something.
Some living things move from place to place in search of food, water, shelter, mates or suitable temperatures. Movement involving the whole body of an organism is called locomotion. For example, animals can walk, run or crawl.
Plants show movement in terms of growth of their body parts, for instance movement of plant roots towards water and shoots towards light.
The following are the importance of movement;
enables organisms to search for mates
movement enables organisms to escape from danger
Organisms are able to move to suitable stimuli.
Enables organisms to search for food
Reproduction
This is one of the most important characteristics of living things. Living things produce new individuals of their own kind. For example, human beings give birth to human beings, chicks hatch from eggs and maize seeds grow into maize plants, cows delivers calves. Reproduction ensures the continuity of organisms. There are two types of reproduction; these are sexual reproduction and asexual reproduction.
Sexual reproduction occurs when there is fusion of male and female gametes and involves two parents. Asexual reproduction does not involve fusion of male and female gametes, and involves one parent.
Branches of Biology
There are two main branches of Biology, namely botany and zoology. Botany is the study of plants
and zoology is the study of animals. However, there are many minor branches of Biology that deal with different aspects of living things.
The following are some of other branches of biology.
Anatomy- this is the scientific study of internal structures of organism
Physiology-this is the study of body functions
Cytology- this is the study of structure and functions of cells
Ecology- the relationship between organisms and their environment
Entomology-this is the study of insects
Genetics- this is the study of hereditary and variations
Immunology- the study of body defence mechanisms against micro-organisms
Microbiology- this is the study of small organisms
Mycology- this is the study of fungi
Parasitology- this is the scientific study of parasites
Taxonomy- scientific study of classification
Bacteriology- this is the scientific study of bacteria
Viroloy- study of viruses
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The importance of studying Biology.
The knowledge we get from studying Biology is valuable for many reasons. These reasons include the following:
Biological studies identify and group living things. It therefore becomes easier to learn more about organisms.
Biology helps us to understand our environment better and how to take care of it. We learn about the plants, animals and microorganisms that surround us and how they affect us. That way, we can take care of our surroundings properly.
Biology helps us to appreciate nature. We learn many fascinating things about different organisms and how they function.
While studying Biology we acquire research skills that are useful when carrying out scientific investigations. Such skills include measuring, observing, step-by-step analysis and making correct conclusions. Thus one can become a researcher.
Scientists continue to develop higher-yielding and disease-resistant varieties of plants and animals. These new breeds of plants and animals are called hybrids. They help us to improve food production.
The knowledge acquired in Biology has enabled scientists to come up with ways to prevent, treat and cure diseases. This has greatly improved peoples lives.
Biology is important because it helps us enter in careers such as teaching, nursing, medicine, horticulture and environmental science.
Biological research encourages international cooperation. For instance, biologists from all over the world work together to find cures for killer diseases such as swine flu, AIDS and bird flu.
The relationship between biology and other scientific fields.
Biology is related to many other fields of study such as agriculture, medicine, pharmacy, veterinary medicine and nutrition. These areas involve research on living things. Biological findings have a direct impact on the development of these fields as explained below.
Agriculture
Agriculture is the practice of growing crops and rearing animals for food and for sale.
Biological research findings on crops and livestock have led to improved agricultural production.
For example, scientists have developed breeds of crops and animals that mature quickly and produce high yields.
For instance, traditional breeds of chicken start to lay eggs when they are about eight months old compared to the modern breeds known as layers which start to lay eggs from as early as five months.
Researchers have also developed breeds of crops and animals that do well under specific climatic conditions.
For example, researchers have come up with varieties of maize seeds that grow well even in harsh conditions and are more resistant to diseases.
Medicine and pharmacy
Medicine is the study of the prevention, treatment and cure of diseases.
Pharmacy deals with the preparation and administration of medicines.
Anatomy and immunology form an important part of the study of medicine.
The study of anatomy helps doctors to learn the structure of the body and how it functions. This makes it possible for a doctor to know when something is wrong in the body and how it can be treated.
In immunology, scientists study the bodys response to disease-causing organisms.
This knowledge is important in the formulation of vaccines and drugs that are able to fight and cure diseases, respectively.
Some of these drugs and vaccines are made from animal or plant materials or from microorganisms. For example, insulin which is used to treat diabetes can be obtained from cows or pigs.
Scientists are also developing insulin from bacteria to replace one from animals
Veterinary medicine involves the treatment of animals that are ill or injured.
Biologists study the structure of animals and the effects of microorganisms on animals. This helps them to understand animal diseases and injuries and therefore come up with suitable treatment methods.
Nutrition
Nutrition means the study of composition, functions and sources of various types of food.
The study of Biology is important in understanding the composition and value of different types of foods.
This knowledge is used by dieticians to determine the kind of diets suitable for people with different health problems.
Biologists have also developed breeds of livestock and crops that give products of higher nutritional value.
Examples include Jersey cattle which produce milk with very high butter content, and sweet potatoes that contain vitamin A. Such breeds are known as hybrids.
A person who studies nutrition is called a nutritionist. These people help prescribe the right type of food to individuals with certain conditions.
Forestry
Forests are sources of fuel, building materials and medicinal plants. They are also water catchment areas.
Biologists have developed varieties of trees that grow well in dry areas. Such trees are used to reclaim dry land for human settlement.
This is called afforestation. Biological research has come up with varieties of trees that mature fast. The fast growing trees are planted to replace those that have been cut down. This is called reafforestation.
Reforestation helps to preserve water catchment areas so that we have a continuous supply of water.
Forests also prevent desertification. The knowledge of biology helps people to understand growth requirement of various trees and well to take care of them.
The relationship between biology and other subjects
Geography
Geography is concerned with the study of the Earth and its elements to explain its origin, structure and evolution.
Data such as these allow us to know the conditions under which different biological processes occur and whether or not they influence the development of such processes.
Geography can also be useful for a biologist to determine the distribution of species of living organisms in different latitudes of the world, and how that location can affect their characteristics and functions.
Physics
Through physics, we are able to know the biological systems at molecular or atomic level.
Physics has also led to the invention of microscope which is a very important tool studying biology.
Biology applies natural physical laws, since everything is composed of atoms.
For example, physics allows explaining how bats use sound waves to move in the dark, or how the movement of the limbs of different animals works.
Chemistry
Chemistry is important as it is very useful to identify and understand the reactions that occur between the different substances that make up and intervene in the different processes that the organism experiences.
Its relevance is more clearly recognized in the description of metabolic processes such as respiration, photosynthesis and digestion.
Mathematics
Biology requires this science to process, analyze and report experimental research data and to represent relationships between some biological phenomena.
For example, to determine the prevalence of one species over another in a given space, mathematical rules are useful.
Engineering
For an engineer, knowledge about brain functioning is useful for designing algorithms, for example; While for a biologist, advances in medical engineering, for example, are very useful.
TOPIC SUMMARY.
Biology comes from two words, bios and logos
Bios means life while logos means study
Biology is the study of life and living things
A person who studies biology is called a biologist
There are two main branches of biology, botany and zoology
Botany is the study of plants while zoology is the study of animals
A living thing is characterized by certain features called characteristics of living things.
The basic unit of life is the cell
The seven characteristics of living things are reproduction, growth and development, excretion, response and irritability, respiration, movement and locomotion, and nutrition.
The study of biology is very important for individual and for the society
Biology is related to other fields such as medicine, forestry, vertinary medicine, nutrition among other.
There are several other branches of biology such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology etc.
END OF TOPIC QUESTIONS.
Choose the correct answer among the given alternatives
The following are branches of biology. Which one is not
Microbiology
Ecology
Science
Taxonomy
Biology is a branch of science which is derived from .. language
Latin
English
Greek
Swahili
A person who study plants is known as a
A biologist
Botanist
Scientist
Microbiologist
The following are characteristics of living things except
Movement
Growth
Vomiting
Respiration
Biology help man to know diseases, their causes, transmission symptoms, and cure/treatment
Medicine
Prevention
Immunization
Isolation
is a condition at which different cells organize and perform a specific function;
Cell specialization B. Prokaryotic cell C. Guard cell D. Palisade cell
are organisms which have characteristic of living things and non living things;
Fungi B. Viruses C. Bacteria D. Euglena
Bacteria is an example of an organism whose nucleus is;
Eukaryotic cell B. Prokaryotic cell C. Multi-cellular organism D. Specialized cell
Which of the following provides an organism with energy?
Regulation B. Reproduction C. Respiration D. Synthesis
A biologist discovered new cell in the culture, a new cell had a distinct cell wall but didnt have a definite nucleus. The cell is mostly like to be;
Protozoa B. Plant C. Bacterium D. Virus
PART II.
Define the following terms;
Biology
Zoology
Botany
Virology
I) what is the functional unit of life?
ii) Mention two branches of biology
iii) Mention the branch of biology that deals with the following?
Cells
Fungi
Organs
Small organisms
Viruses
A) Mention the seven characteristics of living things
b) Give five reasons why it is important to study biology
c) Mention what is studied in the following;
- Genetics
-Immunology
Forestry
Explain how the following fields are related to biology;
Medicine
Forestry
Nutritrion
Agriculture
TOPICAL EXAMINATION
INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY
INSTRUCTIONS:
Answer all questions
PART A:
Choose the correct answer in the following questions and write it beside each question { 20marks }
What does science deals with?
Study of environment
Study of medicine and car manufacturing
Study of microscope
Study of nature by experiment and observation
The following is the list of subjects that are studied under science
Geography, physics and history
Mathematics, economy and book keeping
Physics, chemistry and biology
History, civics and English
Commerce, agriculture and language
Biology is the subject that deals with ..
Study of cells
Study of life
Study of anatomy
Study of animals
The organ that is used for hearing is called ..
The ear
The eye
The nose
The skin
Walking process is done by
Head
Fingers
Arms
Legs
The fish like tilapia breathe through
Lungs
Spiracles
Gills
Skin
Deficiency of iodine in the body can lead to disease called
Rickets
Goiter
Night blindness
Diabetes
One of the following is not the laboratory rules
Observing good table manner during eating
Do not enter in the laboratory without permission
Report any accident to the teacher or lab. Technician
Do not eat, drink or taste anything in the laboratory
Waste can be defined as
Wanted materials
Pleased materials
Overused materials
Unwanted materials
One of the following is not the living things characteristics
Movement
Growth
Digestion
Respiration
MATCHING ITEMS QUESTIONS.
LIST A | LIST B |
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Fill the spaces provided;
Skills in studying biology include , .,
A scientist can be able to reject or accept hypothesis by doing .
To preserve animals like snakes, and fish in the laboratory of biology we use .
The study of mushroom, toad stool, and mucor ..
The person who studies botany
The study of insects is called .
The study of how the body of humans functions .
Another name for veterinary is ..
Gaseous exchange take place between organisms and ..
The giving rise to new individual of the same kind is .
Fill in the blanks:
Who is a biologist?
Movement done by most animals is known as
Plants also have their movement where by plants roots and shoots move towards water, gravity and light this movement is known as ..
Give the meaning of biology
Movement is important since it help organism to obtain food, , and
State six scientific methods you know.
Write down five fields related to biology
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..
Define the word biology
Write down 3 importance of studying biology
i
ii
iii .......
List down 4 branches of biology
i .
ii
iii ..
iv ..
Give five branches of biology
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Mention characteristics of living things (7)
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NECTA QUESTIONS INTRODUCTION OF BIOLOGY
Mr mabala picked up a telephone after hearing it ringing which characteristic of living things was mr mabala showing by these action
Growth and respiration
Irritability and movement
Irritability and respiration
Locomotion and movement (2012)
In biology experiment are used to test
Facts
Hypothesis
Laws
Problems (2013)
Zoology is defined as the study of
Animals
Fungi
Plant
Cell (2016)
QUESTION AND ANSWER SECTION
Q. a) What does the terms below mean?
i) Autecology ii) Biogeography iii) Cryobiology iv) Cytology v) Endocrinology
Epidemiology vii) Ethology viii) Etiology ix) Glycobiology x) Ichthyology xi) Microbiology Ornithology xiii) Pedology xiv) Pharmacology xv) synecology xvi) Taxonomy.
Enumerate importance of studying biology.
Briefly explain relationship between biology and
i) Agriculture ii) Medicine iii) Nutrition iv) Forestry v) Pharmacy
vi) Veterinary science.
Give the importance of following characteristic of living things.
Nutrition ii) Reproduction iii) Movement iv) Excretion v) Respiration vi) Gaseous exchange vii) Response and irritability.
Meaning of biology terms.
Autecology- this is the study of specific species
Biography- deals with the study of geographical distribution of flora and fauna.
Cryobiology-the study of the effects of very low temperature to an organism
Cytology- this is the study of cells
Endocrinology-the study of structure and function of endocrine glands
Epidemiology-the study of spread and control of infectious diseases
Ethnology- this is the study of animal behavior
Etiology- this is the study of the causes of diseases
Glycobiology- this is the study of carbohydrate and carbohydrate complexes
Ichthyology- this is scientific study of fish
Microbiology- this is the study of micro-organism
Orthithology- is the study of birds
Pedology- this is the science of soil, origin characteristics and structure.
Pharmacology- this is the study of drugs and their effects on organism
Synecology- this is the study of ecology at community level
Taxonomy- this is the study of classification.
b) Importance of biology.
Help us understand our self better.
Knowledge helps us solve environmental problems.
Enable us enter in careers.
Gives knowledge on control, prevention and treatment of diseases.
Biology answers fundamental questions like where life began.
Through genetic engineering new organism with better characteristics can be obtained.
c) Relationship between biology and
i) Agriculture.
Biology knowledge is applied in Treatment and control of diseases and pests in animals.
Planting crops which are resistant to diseases.
Biology knowledge has led to development of hybrid crops and animals
ii) Medicine.
Needed in diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
Prescription of right medicine.
iii) Nutrition
Through biology knowledge, nutritionists can be able to prescribe balance diet to their clients.
iv) Forestry.
One understands the needs for growth of trees and how to take care them.
v) Pharmacy.
Biology knowledge is required when preparing medicines and drugs.
Vi) Veterinary science.
Veterinarian can be able to understand when animal are sick and what drugs to give them.
d) Importance of;
Nutrition- enables plants and animals to obtain nutrients which build their body and supplies energy.
Movement- Enable organism to
Search for food
Move away from negative stimulus
Search for mate.
Move towards positive stimulus.
Reproduction- Leads to continuation of life on earth.
Excretion- Remove water products which can poison cells.
Respiration Provide energy required for various activities like muscle contraction, nerve impulse conduction, enzymes secretion, repair of body, functioning of body organs e.g. Kidney, heart, and brain.
Gaseous exchange- Supplies gases; carbon dioxide and oxygen required for various metabolism.
Response and irritability Enables organism to respond to stimulus, thus escape from danger or obtain food requirements.
ESSAY QUESTIONS.
Discuss the importance of biology in our daily life.
Discuss characteristic of living things.
Explain the relationship that exists between biology and other disciples.