Is your impression of biology limited to the dissection of frogs?

It seemed like every Hollywood movie depicts biology lessons as one which involves dissection of frogs and mice. Well, it is not entirely wrong, but it does not show the whole picture. Biology encompasses more than that and it focuses on the natural science with regards to the study of life and living organism. So, for new SPM biology students in Form 4, Berry Berry Easy would like to share with you some teasers on the subject of biology. SPM Biology Form 4 Notes Terminology and Concepts: Introduction to Biology

Light Microscope Biology and Its Importance Biology - earlier study as Botany (study of plant) and Zoology (study of animals) but now Modern Biology has many fields such as Genetic Engineering, Biotechnology and Bacteriology. Biology - the scientific study of life. Its Importance: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Education. Knowledge Control Research Economy Quality of life Diseases Problem solving Careers

Scientific Investigation The following are steps involved in a scientific investigation: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Define the problem Form a hypothesis Plan the investigation Control the variables Collect the data Analyse the data Interpret the data

8. Make a conclusion 9. Write a report Berry Berry Teacher would like to recommend young berries to follow these rules in writing their report: 1. Aim / Objective 2. Statement of problem (must be in the form of question) 3. Hypothesis 4. Variables (Manipulated, Responding and Fixed) 5. Materials 6. Apparatus 7. Technique 8. Procedure / Method of the experiment 9. Results / Record of data 10.Discussion / Presentation of data 11.Conclusion (accept of not accept the hypothesis) So there you go, a teaser on biology. Now, does that make you wanting for more? Biology is really a genuinely fun and interesting subject, once you appreciate the beauty of life. Check back for more notes on the subsequent topics of SPM biology.

SPM Biology Form 4 Notes Terminology and Concepts: Cell Structure and Cell Organisation (Part I)
by BerryBerryTeacher on 09/02/2010 in Berry Reference (Notes) Still not put off by the introduction to biology? Well, then continue on to appreciate the beauty of life starting with the basic structural and functional unit of all living organism, cells. This post by the Berry Berry Teacher will be very useful for the understanding of cells, inclusive of structure and organisation. This is also part 1 of the series involving cells. Be sure to compare and contrast the animal and plant cells if you want to understand cells. SPM Form 4 Terminology and Concepts: Cell Structure and Cell Organisation

Neuron cell Cell Structure and Function Comparison between Animal Cell (AC) and Plant Cell (PC) 1. Mitochondrion (pl: Mitochondria): AC and PC spherical / rod-shaped organelles two membranes: Inner membrane form cristae & Outer membrane regular and smooth an energy source site of cellular aerobic respiration produces ATP (adenosine triphosphate)

2. Nucleus (pl: Nuclei): AC and PC contains the genetic material regulates and controls the activities of the cell an organelle bounded by double (2) layers of nuclear membrane with pores and selectively permeable responsible for all cellular structure, chemical functions, growth and reproduction separates the genetic materials (chromatin) from cytoplasm 3. Nucleolus: AC and PC spherical structure within the nucleus consists of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid) and proteins visible when the cell is not dividing synthesis RNA which is needed to make ribosomes

4. Nucleoplasm: AC and PC fluid contained within the nucleus highly viscous solid made up of the chromatin and the nucleolus 5. Chromosomes thread-like structures (consists of genetic material) appears as chromatin spread throughout the nucleus in the form of tiny granules

 chromatin condenses into chromosomes (during cell division) carry genetic information in its DNA 6. Ribosomes: Ac and PC small dot-like organelles protein synthesis consist of RNA (ribonucleic acids) smallest cellular organelles attached on the surface of ER and occur freely in cytoplasm

7. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER): AC and PC connected to the nuclear membrane synthesises proteins, steroids and lipids collects, stores and distributes protein, steroids and lipids exists as rough ER and smooth ER Rough ER: covered with ribosomes, flat sealed sac which continued from the nuclear membrane, transports protein, and have a large surface area for chemical reactions. Smooth ER: does not have ribosomes, transports lipids and presents in large amounts of cells. 8. Plasma membrane: AC and PC cell membrane thin membrane surround the cytoplasm of a cell selectively permeable / semi permeable a protective and selective outer barrier consists of phospholipids and protein molecules

To be continued.. Upcoming post involves Golgi apparatus/body, Cytoplasm, Lysosome, Centriole, Vacuole, Cell wall, Chloroplast. Keys: AC and PC = similarities AC or PC = differences (Carbohydrates storage: AC = Glycogen / PC = Starch)

SPM Biology Form 4 Notes Terminology and Concepts: Cell Structure and Cell Organisation (Part II)
by BerryBerryTeacher on 12/02/2010 in Berry Reference (Notes) Continuing from Part 1 of Cell Structure and Organisation, Berry Berry Easy will like to present you with part 2 of the same topic. The previous part involved Mitochondrion, Nucleus, Neucleolus, Neucleoplasm, Chromosomes, Ribosomes, Endoplasmic reticulum and Plasma membrane. So be sure to check out the previous post. SPM Form 4 Terminology and Concepts: Cell Structure and Cell Organisation

Neuron cell Cell Structure and Function Comparison between Animal Cell (AC) and Plant Cell (PC) 9. Golgi apparatus / Golgi body: AC and PC bound sacs processes, packages and transport molecules synthesised in the cell forms lysosomes transports and stores lipids synthesis of carbohydrate from hormone changes protein into glycoprotein excretes waste products out of the cell aqueous solution (except nucleus) stores water, enzymes, nutrient, salts and dissolved gases provided support, shape and protects the cell organelles medium for metabolic reactions provides substances sac-like organelle with one membrane digest proteins, lipids and carbohydrates removes undigested materials releases enzymes to digest external materials are paired cylindrical organelles nine tubes with three tubules each produces spindle during cell division (mitosis and meiosis) migrate to the opposite poles of the cell (during cell division will be discussed in Chapter 5 Cell Division)

10. Cytoplasm: AC and PC

11. Lysosome: AC

12. Centriole: AC

13. Vacuole: AC (temporary / lower class species) and PC

 Keys:

small cavity in the cytoplasm bound by a single membrane filled with cell sap storage of food (protein, oil and water) some vacuoles remove metabolic waste functions as cell expansion Amoeba: food vacuoles (phagocytosis) Paramecium: contractile vacuoles (expel water) rigid and tough cellulose layer surrounding the plasma membrane (cell membrane) protects and supports the cell maintains the shape prevents the cell from busting (excessive intake of water) allows substances to move freely through the cell wall disc / lens-shaped organelle have two membranes: inner and outer membrane contains chlorophyll in the grana to trap sunlight energy carry out photosynthesis in the chlorophyll storage of food and pigments

14. Cell Wall: PC

15. Chloroplast: PC

AC and PC = similarities AC or PC = differences (Carbohydrates storage: AC = Glycogen / PC = Starch) The notes for this topic is not yet complete, so check out for Part III. Log on frequently to Berry Berry Easy for more notes.

SPM Biology Form 4 Notes Terminology and Concepts: Cell Structure and Cell Organisation (Part III)
by BerryBerryTeacher on 04/03/2010 in Berry Reference (Notes) This is the penultimate post from Berry Berry Easy (3rd of 4) in the series of notes in Cell Structure and Cell Organisation. Before you all forget what is from the previous two posts, let us do a recap on part 2 which involvedorganelles, mitochondria for animals, chloroplast for plants and the uniqueness of cells. Do check out also the first post that contained Mitochondrion, Nucleus, Neucleolus, Neucleoplasm, Chromosomes, Ribosomes, Endoplasmic reticulum and Plasma membrane. So, do distinguish the difference between animal and plant cells. SPM Form 4 Terminology and Concepts: Cell Structure and Cell Organisation (Part III)

Neuron cell Organelles (little organ) tiny structures inside a cell that perform specific functions for a cell. Example: mitochondria, lysosome and chloroplast. Mitochondria Animal: High density at sperm cells (at middle piece to provide sufficient energy for motive power), flight muscle cells (bird / avian), liver cells, meristematic / meristemic cells (involve with cell division), kidney cells, heart muscle cells, brain cells. Chloroplasts Plant: High density at palisade mesophyll (leaf: below upper epidermis). It functions to trap sunlight to synthesise sugar during photosynthesis. The Uniqueness of The Cell A cell is unique: 1. Specialisation 2. Division of labour 3. Coordination and integration Example of specialisation of cells : Animal smooth muscle cell, neuron (nerve cell), white blood cell, red blood cell (erythrocyte), cheek cell (lining epithelial cell), sperm, ovum cell (the biggest cell in human) Plant palisade mesophyll cell, xylem, phloem, guard cell. Do check out the final post in the series for SPM Form 4 Biology notes on Cell Structure and Cell Organisation.

SPM Biology Form 4 Notes Terminology and Concepts: Cell Structure and Cell Organisation (Part IV)
by BerryBerryTeacher on 06/03/2010

in Berry Reference (Notes) Finally, the 4th or concluding post in the series for SPM Biology Form 4 notes on Cell Structure and Cell Organisation.(Do check out the previous three post on the same topic, easiest to find by clicking on related posts) To close this chapter, Berry Berry Easy would like to focus on cell organisation and their differences in various organisms. Be sure to read all four posts as a whole to understand the whole picture. SPM Form 4 Terminology and Concepts: Cell Structure and Cell Organisation (Part IV)

Neuron cell Cell Organisation Unicellular A single cell performs all the basic life process. Example: Amoeba sp., Paramecium sp., Chlamydomonas, Bacteria and Euglena. Multicellular An organism consists of more than one cell. Each group of cell specialized to carry our life processes. Example: Homo sapien (human), animals and plants. It has five levels of organisation 1. Cells: basic units of structure and function. Example: Red blood cells and xylem vessel cells. 2. Tissues: made up of cells with similar in structure and function. Example: Epithelial tissues and vascular tissues. 3. Organs: made up of tissues that perform a specific function. Example: Heart and flower. 4. System: two of more organs that perform a specific function. Example: Digestive system and root system. 5. Organisms: whole living thing that carry out all the basic life processes. Example: Human and durian tree. Cell Organisation (Unicellular) in Amoeba sp. (lives in freshwater ponds) and Paramecium sp. (lives in soil and moist area) 1. Cell structure Amoeba sp.: plasma membrane, food vacuole, contractile vacuole, pseudopodium, nucleus, ectoplasma, endoplasm. Paramecium sp.: food vacuole, posterior contractile vacuole, cytostome, gullet, oral groove, cilia, macronucleus, micronucleus, anterior contractile vacuole.

2. Locomotion Amoeba sp.: Pseudopodium (false foot) helps it to move forward slowly and it is known as amoeboid movement. Paramecium sp.: Hair-like cilia to beat against water. It beats its cilia backwards diagonally (swim forward) and it rotates on its axis. It beats its cilia forward (swim backwards). 3. Feeding Amoeba sp.: Omnivore. Eat bacteria, plant cells, algae and other microscopic organisms. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Entrapment extend pseudopodium. Engulfment engulf tiny food (phagocytosis) with its pseudopodia. Digestion food enclosed in food vacuole Absorption enzyme digests the bacteria Egesting expel indigestible material.

Paramecium sp.: Eat bacteria, organic material and other microscopic organisms. 1. Sweeping movement of cilia. Food moves along the oral groove into the gullet and cytostome. 2. Digestion food vacuole circulates round the cell. 3. Elimination undigested food is eliminated at the anal pore. 4. Reproduction Amoeba sp.: two types of reproduction. 1. Binary Fission nucleus divides (favourable condition) and then follows by division of cytoplasm. Two daughter cells are formed (mitotic division). 2. Spore Formation spores form (bad condition) and germinate into new amoeba under favourable condition. Paramecium sp.: two types of reproduction. 1. Binary Fission micronucleus undergoes mitosis (favourable condition). Macronucleus begins to elongation and form two. Cell content divide and two daughter cells are formed. 2. Conjugation (Sexual reproduction) two same species parent paramecia exchange genetic material of their micronuclei. Each parent divides and forms four daughter cells. 5. Osmoregulation Amoeba sp.: water moves into the cell by osmosis and prevention of bursting, it has a contractile vacuole. Paramecium sp.: water moves into the cell by osmosis and prevention of bursting, it has two contractile vacuoles. 6. Respiration Amoeba sp. and Paramecium sp. (both): exchange gases throughout the whole cell membrane 7. Excretion Amoeba sp. and Paramecium sp. (both): waste products are ammonia and carbon dioxide by diffusion. Solid waste in paramecium is expelled through its anal pore. Cell Organisation (Multicellular) in Human 1. Cells: Epithelial cells, muscle cells, white blood cells, red blood cells, sperm, nerve cells. 2. Tissues: Epithelial tissue, smooth muscle tissue, connective tissue, skeletal tissue, nerve tissue. 3. Organs: Stomach, heart, kidney, lung, liver.

4. Systems: Circulatory system, respiratory system, digestive system, excretory system, muscular system, lymphatic system, integumentary system, skeletal system, nervous system, endocrine system, reproductive system. 5. Organisms: Human. Cell Organisation in Plant 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Cells: Parenchyma cells, collenchyma cells, sclerenchyma cells, epidermal cells. Tissues: Epidermal tissue, meristem tissue, vascular tissue. Organs: Leaf organ, flower organ, stem organ, root organ. Systems: Shoot system, root system. Organisms: Plant.

So do revise on all four posts in the series if you want to understand the gist of Cell Structure and Cell Organisation. Especially useful for Form 4 students who are new to SPM Biology. VN:F [1.9.10_1130]

SPM Biology Form 4 Notes Terminology and Concepts: Movement of Substances Across the Plasma Membrane (Part I)
by BerryBerryTeacher on 15/06/2010 in Berry Reference (Notes) Berry Berry Easy is back with SPM Form 4 Biology notes for Movement of substances across the plasma membrane. The plasma membrane is a membrane of biological nature which forms the barrier between the interior of a cell against external environment. However, do not just think of it as a layer which do not have any function. Typically, movement of substances to and from cells to outer environment is controlled (due to its permeability) by the plasma membrane. The key concept here for this topic is to understand the selective-permeability nature of a plasma membrane. The rest of the topic are rather easy and intuitive. Do note that plasma membrane is also known as cell membrane and plasmalemma. SPM Biology Form 4 Terminology and Concepts: Movement of Substances Across the Plasma Membrane (Part 1)

Permeability of the fruit skin 1. Uniqueness of Plasma Membrane (also known as cell membrane): it is a semi-permeable cell membrane it allows water and certain substances to move in and out of the cell. 2. Importance of Plasma Membrane: - cells obtain nutrients and gases cells excrete metabolic wastes cells can maintain pH for enzyme activity cells can maintain ionic concentration of the cells for enzyme activity control the types and the amount of substances allow useful substance (hormones/enzymes) to secrete from cells protect cells a boundary between the inside and outside of cell.

3. Structure of the basic unit of plasma membrane Phospholipid molecule: Head hydrophilic: a polar phosphate molecule (philic~loves water / attracted to water) Tail hydrophobic: two non-polar fatty acids (phobic~hates water / repelled to water) Formation: Hydrophilic heads pointing outwards Hydrophobic tails pointing inwards (Bilayer phospolipid) Fluid Mosaic Model (Protein embedded in the bilayer) Carrier protein carrier for some molecules (glucose, amino acids, proteins and nucleic acids) controls the movement of ions and particles (Na+, Ca2+ and K+) Glycoprotein Glycolipid combination of lipids and polysaccharides 4. Permeability

Permeable (allow to pass through) small non-polar molecules (vitamins A, D, E, K, fatty acids, glycerol and steroids) Impermeable (not allow to pass through but with help of carrier protein and cellular energy, it is allow to pass through) large polar molecules (glucose, amino acids, mucleic acids and polysaccharides) charged ions (H+, Na+, K+, Cl- and Ca2+) Substances that are allowed to move in the cell: CO2 O2 excess H2O waste: nitrogenous Substances that are allowed to move out of the cell: CO2 O2 amino acids ionic salts glucose This is the end of Part 1 of this topic. Do check out Part 2 which covers passive and active transport. VN:F [1.9.10_1130]

SPM Biology Form 4 Notes Terminology and Concepts: Movement of Substances Across the Plasma Membrane (Part II)
by BerryBerryTeacher on 20/06/2010 in Berry Reference (Notes) Berry Berry Easy presents Part 2 of the SPM Form 4 Biology notes for Movement of substances across the plasma membrane. In Part 1, the uniqueness, importance, structure and permeability of plasma membrane were discussed. This part focuses on the gist of the topic, which is on transport. Both the passive and active transport process is examined in this post. One thing for sure that Berry Readers will remember long after you leave school (yup, 100% sure) is how Osmosis works. Its a topic which for some unknown reasons will give students headache in the beginning but after you leave school, it all make sense to you. You may ask your elder siblings if they still remember osmosis. Anyway, let the notes begin. SPM Biology Form 4 Terminology and Concepts: Movement of Substances Across the Plasma Membrane (Part 2)

Permeability of the fruit skin Materials must be able to move through the plasma membrane in order for the cell cytoplasma to interact with the external environment. Therefore, the movement of soluble substances can occur in several mechanisms: A. Process of Passive Transport B. Process of Active Transport A. Passive Transport i) Simple Diffusion not selective: lipid-soluble molecules, gases and water. not control by cell. movement of the molecules from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration. Factors affecting the rate of diffusion are temperature, size of molecules/ions, diffusion gradient, surface area and diffusion medium. example: diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide at the alveolus. ii) Osmosis: only water molecules. not control by cell. movement of water from a region of higher concentration to one of lower concentration and often occurs across a semipermeable membrane. strong sucrose solution = less water molecule = low water potential. weak sucrose solution = more water molecule = high water potential. example: absorption of water by root hairs. iii) Facilitated Diffusion: very specific: glucose, nucleic aicds, amino acids, protein and mineral ions. control by cell. transport of molecules (only certain molecules) across the outer membrane of living cell by a process of carrier protein (hydrophilic group) / channel protein (Ions: Na+, Ca2+, K+) within the cell membrane. normally take place from a region with higher concentration of molecules to a region of lower

concentration. example: absorption of digested food in the villus. B. Process of Active Transport very specific: minerals ions and amino acids. control by cell. This process needs carrier proteins and energy (due to against concentration gradient) from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration). Cell must expend energy that derived from ATP (adenosine triphosphate) example: human nerve cells (sodium ions are constantly transport out of the cell) / ions intake by root hairs of a plant. Finally, the end of this part. Stay tune for the final part (Part 3) of SPM Biology Form 4 notes on Movement of substances across the plasma membrane.

SPM Biology Form 4 Notes Terminology and Concepts: Movement of Substances Across the Plasma Membrane (Part III Final)
by BerryBerryTeacher on 02/07/2010 in Berry Reference (Notes) Ever wondered why you need to drink isotonic drinks (100 Plus as an example) after doing sports? Okay, mainly because it tastes good as any sweetish cold drink after much exercise is appreciated. However, isotonic drinks does more than that as it replenish fluids after you lose some fluid through sports. Well, Berry Berry Teacher thinks that most of our knowledgeable Berry Readers knows about the isotonic part, but how about hypotonic and hypertonic? Hypertonic do not make you any more hyper, while hypotonic do not have anything to do with hippopotamus. So let us ride through the journey of substances across plasma membrane with Part 3 (final part) of this series. SPM Form 4 Terminology and Concepts: Movement of Substances Across the Plasma Membrane (Part 3 Final)

Permeability of the fruit skin

Type of Solution 1. Hypotonic 2. Isotonic 3. Hypertonic 1) Hypotonic Solute concentration in the external solution is lesser than solute concentration inside the cell. Water concentration outside the cell is higher than the water concentration inside the cell. 2) Isotonic Solute concentration in the external solution is equal to the solute concentration inside the cell. Water concentration inside and outside of the cell is the same. 3) Hypertonic Solute concentration in the external solution is greater than solute concentration inside the cell. Water concentration outside the cell is lower than the water concentration inside the cell. Types of solutions: Type of Solution Animal Cell Hypotonic The cell inflates due to the water molecules enter the cell. Eventually it bursts (thin plama membrane). Example: red blood cell in distilled water. Isotonic Hypertonic The cell shrinks and becomes soft and dehydrated due to the water molecule leave the cell. Example: red blood cell in 5% sodium chloride solution. The cell becomes flaccid (plasmolysis occurs), vacuole and cytoplasma shrink due to the water molecules leave the cell. Example: strip of potato in 30% sucrose solution.

No change in the size of cell. Net movement of water is zero. Example: red blood cell in 0.85% sucrose solution. Plant Cell The cell expands and No change in the becomes firm / turgid due size of cell. Net to the water molecules movement of enter the cell. The rigid water is cellulose cell wall zero. Example: expands slightly and strip of potato in prevents cell from 5% sucrose bursting. Example: strip solution. of potato in distilled water. Application

1. Food is soaked in a concentrated salt solution to prevent bacteria and fungus to survive. 2. Chemical fertiliser (dissolved ions) increases solute concentration (decrease water molecules) in soil. Therefore, water leaves from the cell sap of the plant which result the plant wither. Finally, the end of the interesting substance movement over plasma membrane. Do keep note that this might be a popular essay question. Easy to answer but hard to score, so take note of the terminologies and concepts shown above.