Science and Biology

 SCIENCE

Science is an organized study of Knowledge which is based on experimentation. (OR)

 A branch of knowledge or study dealing with a body of facts or truths systematically arranged and showing the operation of general laws. (OR)

Science is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe.

 The word Science comes from the Latin word “Scientia” meaning Knowledge.

The term science was first coined by “William Whewell” in the year  1833.

Father of “Ancient Science” – Thales.

Father of “Modern Science” – Galileo Galilei.

 

What is Science ?

Science is an organized study of knowledge based on experimentation.

Science is process of thinking.

Science is a tool for searching the truths of nature.

Science is the way of exploring the world.

 

BIOLOGY

Biology is the branch of science which deals about living organisms. (OR)

Biology is the natural science that studies life and living organisms, including their physical structure, chemical processes, molecular interactions, physiological mechanisms, development and evolution.

 The word biology is derived from the Greek words  ( Bios  meaning life  and logos  meaning study )

The Term Biology was first coined by Lamarck and Treviranus in the year 1801.

Father of Biology – Aristotle

 

What is Biology ?

Biology  is defined as the science of life and living organisms.  An organism is a living entity consisting of one cell e.g. bacteria, or several cells e.g. animals, plants and fungi.

BIOLOGY HAS TWO MAIN BRANCHES:

1. Botany : Study of different aspects of Plants.

Theophrastus is known as Father of Botany.

2.Zoology : Study of different aspects of Animals.

Aristotle is known as Father of Zoology.

( Note :  Aristotle is called Father of  Biology as well as Zoology )

 

IMPORTANT TERMS OF BIOLOGY:

Anatomy,  Arthrology, Apiculture, Biotechnology, Bacteriology, Cytology, Cardiology, Dermatology, Ecology, Embryology, Ethology, Entomology, Food technology, Forensic science, Fermentation, Genetics, Histology, Haematology,  Hepatology, Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Neurology, Osteology, Ornithology, Ophthalmology,  Paleontology, Physiology, Pathology, Radiology, Rhinology, Sonography, Veterinary science, Taxonomy, Horticulture, Viticulture, Agriculture, …………etc.

 

Mitochondria

 INTRODUCTION :

-  Mitochondria (“Power house of the cell”), were first discovered in 1857 by Physiologist Albert Von Kolliker, and later coined “ Bioblasts ” (life germs) by Richard Altman in 1886.

- The organelles were then again  renamed “Mitochondria” by Carl Benda  in 1897.

 STRUCTURE :

- Mitochondria are membrane-bound cell organelles that generate most of the chemical energy.

- The mitochondria ( derived from Greek word  in which  ‘Mitos’  means thread and ‘chodros’ mean granule ) are the centres for the cellular respiration and energy metabolism.

- Mitochondria are present in all Eukaryotic cells and are absent in Prokaryotes, also in bacterial cell.

- Mitochondria do not have a fixed shape. It can be  Cylindrical  or Rod or  Spherical or  Filamentous body or thread or spherical or club or sac etc like structures present in cytoplasm of cells.

- Mitochondria is surrounded by Double-layered Membrane. And they are Inner membrane  and Outer Membrane.

- The Inner membrane has many finger like fold structures called Cristae. And the fluid presents inside mitochondria is called  Matrix or mitosol which contains many enzymes and co-enzyme.

- On the inner membrane projecting into the matrix – a large number of particles called Elementary particles which have sphrerical head and a stalk.

- The outer membrane is smooth, Protective and it is more permeable to small molecules. And the outer membrane contains proteins known as Porins, which allow movement of ions into and out of the mitochondrion.

- Each Mitochondrion (singular) consists of a fluid filled space surrounded by double membrane envelope. The space present between the two membranes of the envelope is called Perimitochondrial space  or inter-membrane space.

 FUNCTION :  Mitochondria is the respiratory site of cellular respiration. Mitochondria synthesize energy rich compound ATP ( Adenosine Tri Phosphate ) Energy. Hence it is known as ‘Power House of the Cell’.

 

 { NOTE : Mitochondria is considered as “Prokaryotic cell inside Eukaryotic cell” OR “Cell within the Cell”.They possess their own DNA and Self-duplicating. Hence are also called Semi-autonomous organelles like chloroplast.}

Question :  Why mitochondria is known as ‘Power house of the cell’ ?

Answer :  Mitochondria is known as ‘Power house of the cell’,  because it generates Adenosine triphosphate  (ATP) energy by oxidizing the Carbohydrates and Fatty acids.