INTRODUCTION

Objectives of this lecture

What is life? What are the unique features of life? On what basis we differentiate a living being and an inanimate object?

What is biology?

Why it is important to study biology?

What is the relevance of biology to mankind Applications of Biology and Biotechnology

DIVERSE ENVIRONMENTS

Boiling river- Hot springs

DIVERSE ORGANISMS

100 X Magnification

WHAT IS BIOLOGY?

Biology literally means "the study of life". Biology is the science of life forms and living processes. Biology is such a broad field

Covers the minute workings of chemical machines inside our cells. Broad scale concepts of ecosystems and global climate change. Biologists study intimate details of the human brain

The composition of our genes

The functioning of our reproductive system and so on .........

SOME PROPERTIES OF LIFE

Evolutionary adaptation Order Response to the environment-sensing and consciousness- self awareness Growth and development Reproduction Regulation Energy processing

THEMES CONNECTING BIOLOGY CONCEPTS

Evolution

Life on earth evolved billions of years ago

The scientific explanation of unity in diversity and suitability of organisms to their environment.

The unifying features between organisms &

The differences between organisms explainable by evolution.

EVOLUTION AS CORE THEME OF BIOLOGY

Theodosius Dobzhansky, one of the founder of modern evolutionary biology says Nothing in Biology makes sense except in the light of evolution It helps in organizing diversity of life Helps grouping organisms-classifying organisms Charles Darwin-origin of species and the theory of natural selection.

THEME: EMERGENT
PROPERTIES

SYSTEM BIOLOGY TO EXPLAIN EMERGENT

PROPERTIES

THEME: ORGANISMS INTERACT WITH THEIR

ENVIRONMENT EXCHANGING MATTER AND ENERGY

THEME: STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION CORRELATED AT

ALL LEVELS OF BIOLOGICAL ORGANIZATION
Aerodynamically efficient shaped bird wings Wing bones have honeycombed internal structure that is strong but light weight

Flight muscles controlled by neurons wings

Energy for flying muscles come form mitochondria present in cells

CELL IS A FUNDAMENTAL UNIT OF LIFE

CONTINUITY OF LIFE IS ENSURED BY HERITABLE GENETIC INFORMATION IN FORM OF DNA

FEEDBACK MECHANISMS REGULATE

BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS

RELEVANCE OF BIOLOGY TO MANKIND

Complete deciphering of the human genome, that may determine much of our innate capabilities and predispositions to certain forms of behavior and illnesses.

DNA sequences have played major roles in criminal cases, as well as

the reversal of death penalties for many wrongfully convicted individuals Biology answers possible health risks from favorite foods (Chinese, Mexican, hamburgers, etc.). The potential benefits of eating other foods. Infomercials tout the benefits of metabolism-adjusting drugs for

weight loss.

RELEVANCE OF BIOLOGY TO MANKIND

Genetically engineered crops- Green revolution Wastewater treatment and bioremediation Fight against diseases. Fuel for the future-biodiesel Products for the future-bioplastics

BIOLOGY, ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING. AND

COMPUTER SCIENCE

Biology generates inspiring new concepts in computer science:

Genetic algorithms Computer viruses Artificial neural networks Synthetic immune systems DNA computing Artificial life Hybrid DNA gene chips Intelligent Systems Evolutionary computation

THE IMMENSE BIOLOGICAL DATA ALSO WARRANTS THE NEED FOR:

New algorithms, databases, artificial intelligence, signal processing, image processing Representing, manipulating and integrating biological data also require the systems level thinking. Reasons underlying the phenomenon that gives rise to such biological data requires the knowledge of:

Control theory, Information theory and Statistical machine learning.

BIOLOGY AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Biomechanics Bio inspired materials for applications in:

healthcare, manufacturing, robotics, energy, and sustainable architecture

REFERENCES
Biology by Campbell, Reece, Urry, Cain, Wasserman, Minorsky and Jackson (8th edition), Pearson International publishers. Research articles and reports specified as per the lecture.

GRADING SYSTEM
Component First Mid semester Second Mid semester End semester Attendance Assignments Quiz Weightage (%) 20 20 40 5 10 5

Total

100%

Important note: 80% attendance will be compulsory to sit in the exams

Class
1 2-4 5-12 13-20

LECTURE SCHEDULE Topic

Introduction Chemistry of life, Water + Bio-molecules (3 lectures)

Reading
Campbell Biology, chapter will be announced in class

Cell, its features, respiration and photosynthesis, cell division, cell Campbell Biology, chapter cycle (8 lectures) will be announced in class Genetics ( 9 lectures) Mendel and gene Chromosomal basis of inheritance Molecular basis of inheritance Gene to protein Regulation of gene expression Animal Systems: Nervous, Immune, Endocrine, Respiratory, Cardiovascular, Digestive, Renal, Integration and lectures on diseases (12+ 2 lectures) Campbell Biology, chapter will be announced in class

21-34

Campbell Biology, chapter will be announced in class -Other reference book chapters will be announced in class Campbell Biology, chapter will be announced in class Campbell Biology, chapter will be announced in class

35 36-39

Viruses (1) Biotech (4 lectures)

40

Non coding RNA