Biology Definition and 602 Threads

Biology is the scientific study of life. It is a natural science with a broad scope but has several unifying themes that tie it together as a single, coherent field. For instance, all living organisms are made up of cells that process hereditary information encoded in genes, which can be transmitted to future generations. Another major theme is evolution, which explains the unity and diversity of life. Finally, all living organisms require energy to move, grow, and reproduce, as well as to regulate their own internal environment.Biologists are able to study life at multiple levels of organization. From the molecular biology of a cell to the anatomy and physiology of plants and animals, and evolution of populations. Hence, there are multiple subdisciplines within biology, each defined by the nature of their research questions and the tools that they use. Like other scientists, biologists use the scientific method to make observations, pose questions, generate hypotheses, and perform experiments to learn about the world around them.Life on Earth, which emerged more than 3.7 billion years ago, is immensely diverse. Biologists have sought to study and classify the various forms of life, from prokaryotic organisms such as archaea and bacteria to eukaryotic organisms such as protists, fungi, plants, and animals. These various living organisms contribute to the biodiversity of an ecosystem, where they play specialized roles in the cycling of nutrients and energy.

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  1. M

    Programs What to study if I like both physics and biology?

    To be more precise I like marine sciences but I also like to learn physics. However I just don't want to go all in in either one of them because physics is mostly about programming which I do not like due to hard it is and marine sciences seem to have way too little physics/mathematics unless I...
  2. Sonira

    What languages would you suggest for Biology (beyond English)?

    Hi! I'm a new member to this site. :smile: I hope this is the right place to ask for opinions on which language to learn for science purposes. I want to become a research molecular biologist working in the field of genetics. I am comfortable in English currently. I've also started learning...
  3. Ygggdrasil

    New Findings about the Evolution of Complex Cellular Life

    Humans, other animals, plants, fungi and almost all other forms of complex, multi-cellular life are known as eukaryotes. How eukaryotes evolved from simpler prokaryotic organisms is a major question in evolutionary biology. The current view is that eukaryotes evolved from the fusion between a...
  4. Magna Curiositate

    Biology Can I Become a Botanist While Working Full Time?

    Hi there, I was hoping I could get some advice to get on a path to become a Botanist, specifically one the deals in the Genetics Engineering of new Plants (not Pharming but something along the lines of creating new breeds of plant for consumption). I feel this is what I want to do with my life...
  5. J

    Programs Can I major in Electrical Engineering and Biology?

    Can I major in Electrical Engineering and Biology and become a Biomedical engineer? I want to be a Biomedical engineer but the school I am going to only has environmental, electrical, and mechanical.
  6. I

    Need help creating flowchart for ID-ing microogranism

    Homework Statement I need help creating flowchart for ID-ing an "unknown" organism. Unknown in quotes because I already know ID of organism. Homework Equations gram + (purple) tetrads and cocci forms yellow colonies on NA plate catalase + coagulase - Nitrate + oxidase (weakly) + Bacitracin...
  7. C

    Other What Are the Research Topics in Statistical Physics Applied to Biology?

    I'm undergrad physics student and I have read some statistical physics like equilibrium statistical physics, Langevin model and Fokker-Planck equation. I have developed interest in application of statistical physics in biology like protein folding. So what are the other research topics that lie...
  8. A

    Intervention of Math in Biology

    We all know those kinematic equations...! It is pretty much amazing that how knowing about a particle's velocity and acceleration at a given point of time governs its velocity at any other point of time... It is much cooler when you think deeper... How just mathematics is the language of...
  9. P

    Programs 26 yo pharma journalist looking for hard science masters.

    Hi everyone, My details: Age: 26 Education: Bachelor's in Mass Media; Post-graduate Diploma in Journalism Work ex: 5 years for an international news agency covering pharmaceuticals and healthcare. I loved science in high school and was great at it, but couldn't continue due to some unavoidable...
  10. P

    Can a Journalism Background Lead to a Successful Career in Earth Sciences?

    Hi everyone, My details: Age: 26 Education: Bachelor's in Mass Media; Post-graduate Diploma in Journalism Work ex: 5 years for an international news agency covering pharmaceuticals and healthcare. I loved science in high school and was great at it, but couldn't continue due to some unavoidable...
  11. DatsRadBro

    Physics Health Physicist - Need just a B.Sc in Health Phys?

    Hi everyone, I am looking to work in a powerplant as a health physicist. I have been looking at requirements and they seem to be typically just a B.Sc in Health Phys + experience. Does anyone know if this is often what is needed? I am doing a dual hons in biology and physics and I want to...
  12. N

    Courses Do I have to take Human Biology in O levels?

    I will be giving O levels in two sitting for may'17 and jan'18 . I aim to be a heart surgeon. I plan on taking Biology but I am confused if I should take Human biology or not. If I take , I will only be left with 6months of private coaching , I am also scared if I'll be able to bring good marks...
  13. A

    Molecular Biologist with interest in Quantun Biology

    Hello everyone! I am really glad to be part of this group. I hold a Bachelor of Science with Honors in Molecular Biology from the University of Sydney. During the past 10 years, I built a strong career in the business side of research, working as a technical sales consultant, and despite the...
  14. Flare12

    Courses Which Science Should I Choose for IB Courses?

    Hi everyone! In just about a month, I will be starting my IB courses in junior year high school. I have chosen Math SL, along with Economics Hl, Biology HL and Chemistry HL. However in the past few days I suddenly realized how I also really like physics (especially quantum mechanics and natural...
  15. fedaa ali

    Programs Can you help with questions about a Masters degree? (Quantum Biology)

    firstly I am a fresh graduate ... I studied biomedical physics and I am intending to get a master degree but I am hesitating about the field that i will study it ..! I am thinking about the Quantum Biology i need to know your opinion about this and to guide me how to choose the point of...
  16. Ygggdrasil

    What Are Effective Methods to Investigate Gene Downregulation in Cancer?

    I am studying a particular gene whose expression decreases in certain types of cancer. I'm interested in finding out the mechanisms for this downregulation, specifically, which transcription factors and signalling pathways are involved. I have a hypothesis for the pathway involved, but in case...
  17. G

    Robotics Engineers -- How could a bot navigate by temperature?

    I've seen a bit of research that relies on imaging methods like FLIR for input. My question adds a couple wrinkles: How could a robot Navigate without imaging? I.e., using only local sensors like a thermocouple or array of thermocouples. Extract navigation info from turbulent thermally...
  18. Termite World

    Termite World

    Sir David Attenborough wonders into the wonderful world of the termites in South Africa to better understand the ways in which these amazing animals ventilate their homes, breed, and fight for survival. Brilliant video from BBC insect and wildlife show 'Life in the Undergrowth'.
  19. Life of Insects

    Life of Insects

    In this remarkable BBC footage, Sir David Attenborough reveals the world of insects such as ants, stick insects, beetles and digger bees.
  20. Ygggdrasil

    On the Importance of Positive Controls

    Found this abstract while browsing through some papers, and thought it was quite humorous: Endy, Galanie & Smolke. 2015 Complete absence of thebaine biosynthesis under home-brew fermentation conditions. bioRxiv doi:10.1101/024299 Full text freely available at...
  21. Q

    AS Biology - glycosis homework help

    Hi, I'm really stuck on this part of my AS biology homework. With reference to theenzymes catalysing the stages of glycolysis, explain how their activity can beaffected. Consider in your discussion if this is a form of intrinsic regulationor extrinsic regulation. 1) Hexokinase: 2)...
  22. E

    Reason for one chiriality in biology

    We know that DNA and other biological molecules have only one chiriality of two possible. Is here any explanation of this or any speculations about this?
  23. N

    Brain Consciousness: Exploring States of Awareness

    How many states of awareness can the brain be in? For example awake and conscious, asleep and unconscious, sub conscious. Are there any other states? Is there a point where the brain is in a state of all of them? And finally when a person is day dreaming is he both conscious and unconscious...
  24. Dr. Who

    I Mass to Energy Transformation for ordinary Chemical reaction

    Hi, My Modern Physics lecturer is of the opinion that the energy dissipated during exothermic reactions is due to infinitesimally small change in mass of the reactants. Similarly, he said that an infinitesimally small part of the food we eat gets converted into the energy using which we perform...
  25. W

    Studying Self-Study Biology: Textbooks & Courses for Beginners

    Hello, I want to learn biology from stratch for a hobby, I never studied it in school good enough so I want to do it now, should I go through entire Campbell Biology to grasp basic stuff? I want to note that I want to focus on bioinformatics as I progress One more thing to note is that I want...
  26. T

    Other What Are the Best Textbooks for Self-Studying HSC Biology and Chemistry?

    So I am in the area in between years 10-11. I am currently on exchange and I have a lot of time so I thought I would study for year 11's topics so that the next few years would be easier. The main subjects I wan't to focus on are Biology and Chemistry. I had bought a book without doing any real...
  27. A

    Biology Physics and Maths v/s Biology content in Biophysics

    I have a Master's degree in Physics and am planning to switch over to Biophysics and wish to know a but about the field in general in terms of the following aspects. I've had a few internships on Biophysics in the past and have loved working in this field. However, I have absolutely no...
  28. Ygggdrasil

    Bacterium with a Minimal Genome

    How many genes does it take to make a living organism? Scientists at the J Craig Venter Institute published a paper today in the journal Science describing the design and synthesis of a bacteria containing the minimal set of genes required for that organism to live. Their work leverages their...
  29. CMATT

    Which of the following is/are true regarding glucose transport

    Homework Statement Which of the following is/are true regarding glucose transport to the brain? There could be multiple answers. a) Glucose uptake by the nerve cells of the brain is dependent on insulin b) Greater concentrations of glucose in the blood should increase the rate at which glucose...
  30. CMATT

    Choose each of the following statements that would be true regarding the brain

    Homework Statement Choose each of the following statements that would be true regarding the brain or special senses. There could be multiple answers. a) Properly using the captive bolt should result in pupils that constrict in response to a bright light b) The part of the brain that releases...
  31. M

    Which Path Should I Choose for a Career in Marine Biology or Earth Science?

    I'm in search for a career that is 'earth' related. I also have interests in the ocean. So, my choices come down to; Earth Sciences & Marine Biology / Oceanography. Was looking for a career in the space industry, or renewable energy, but found most of it to be engineering based. And I don't...
  32. Domenico94

    Exploring the Role of PDEs in Cancer Modeling: A Comprehensive Overview

    Which are the most frequently used PDEs in cancer modelling? Are navier-stokes' equations and fluidodynamics equations used there?
  33. G

    Engineering Biomedical engineering prospects?

    Hey everyone. A friend of mine has recently finished high school and is unsure of whether she wants to pursue medicine or biomed engineering. She tells me that she's equally interested in both. However, she's currently inclined towards medicine, mainly because she has been told by certain people...
  34. Domenico94

    Understanding Genetic Inheritance: A Two or Three Point Test Example

    Hi everyone. Can someone please explain me how a two or three points test can be made, in the field of genetics? I've read of it in many books, but I'm looking for an explanation as clear as possible. Thanks in advance :)
  35. G

    Exploring Biology: Finding the Right Career Path

    Hello,My name is guy I am currently in high school learning biology as my "major"(not sure how to call it ) subject as well as ecology, I've been always interested in biology but recently I got stuck thinking what do I want to do in biology.Biology is like a tree that has many branches and I am...
  36. BillTre

    What are the physical aspects of information processing in biological systems?

    I'm a biologist interested in physics. Biology is undergoing several revolutionary changes, but physics is interesting too! I am interested in the physical aspects of information processing in biological entities, things like: genetic control systems, information transmission through...
  37. Ygggdrasil

    Insights What Causes Cancer: Bad Luck or Bad Lifestyles? - Comments

    Ygggdrasil submitted a new PF Insights post What Causes Cancer: Bad Luck or Bad Lifestyles? Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  38. Tabasko633

    How Can a Physics Graduate Transition to Evolutionary Biology?

    Hey guys, so I am finishing my bachelor in physics and start to thing about my next steps. I am burning for very fundamental research topics but have a feeling that I lack the mathematical skill (or interest) to go deeper into theoretical physics. I started to read some literature on evolution...
  39. RaulTheUCSCSlug

    What Inspired You to Choose Your Major? Share Here!

    What inspired you to choose the major you are currently doing/did. Was there a certain topic that excited you as a child that lead you to do what you did in school? Perhaps you read about particle-wave duality, and that was enough to spark your interest, or quantum mechanics, or cell division or...
  40. F

    Returning to Physics after Computational Biology

    Ahoy, I was hoping to illicit advice on returning to physics after a stint in computational biology. I have a PhD in theoretical physics with a good number of physics publications in good journals, but unfortunately lacking in significant citations. At the end of the PhD, for various reasons...
  41. S

    Check my answers (questions on heart)

    Hi, I am having trouble filling these correctly! 1. After exercise the [a] pressure remains relatively unchanged while the (B) pressure increases. This is due to the increased cardiac [c] required during exercise. In some circumstances the [d] pressure may actually reduce slightly during...
  42. G

    What are some recommended resources for learning about astrophysics and physics?

    I'm not, nor do I claim to be the best at physics, but I've come to share my interest, and learn as much as I can about one of my biggest interests in life, astrophysics. I'm doing A-Level physics at the moment; alongside maths, further maths, biology and philosophy, and a few online...
  43. J

    I love biology and physics but I'm not sure what to study

    Hi, I love biology and want to go into research but I also love physics and want to become a physicist. In the UK you can only study one at degree level and there are no joint or double majors. So, I need some advice. Thanks
  44. cliffordlim

    Mendelian's - epitasis 9:3:4 , biology

    After I have done counting the corn and the result 267 yellow , 97 white , 144 purple ratio 9:3:4 respectively . Recessive - Epitasis ? I have no idea create a inheritance cross and the biochemical influence by genes interaction from this phenomena
  45. Marie Cailey

    Could I use this as a factor that affects muscle fatigue

    Could I use "The intensity of muscle contractions" as a factory that may affect how quickly muscles become fatigued? I'm doing an experiment, but is this a legitimate idea? Would my hypothesis be "The intensity of muscle contractions in the body affects how quickly muscles become fatigued"?
  46. Ygggdrasil

    Exploring the Ring of Life: Horizontal and Vertical Gene Transfer

    Since the time of Darwin, biologists have looked at the history of life as a tree showing how the common ancestor of all life gave rise to all extant species. However, as we have learned more about biology, we've found that organisms do not inherit genetic information from only their direct...
  47. Ty K

    Teach Biology or teach Biology and Mathematics

    I can either graduate in 2 years to teach just biology or stay 3 years and be certified to teach biology and mathematics. I just want to graduate but my parents think staying the extra year will make me more marketable. Thoughts?
  48. G

    Is There a Point to Theoretical Science in Biology?

    Hi folks, I'm a new graduate student in biology. I'm interested in doing theory (either simulations of biomolecules, physical models of the brain/consciousness, or models of cellular dynamics). I have had very intriguing discussions with fellow students along the following lines: 1. There are...
  49. J

    Best background for computational and quantitative biology

    After two years of Biology i switched to Computer Science and i wish to gain the necessary skills to become a "computational biologist/neuroscientist" (Here we don't have the "major/minor" system, we can choose one subject and, at least, 2 "external" exams) The problems are: 1) math level...
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