Theme A: Unity and Diversity
The chapter explores fundamental biological concepts, starting with the unique properties of water and nucleic acids that form the foundation of life. It examines cell origins, structure, and the behavior of viruses, emphasizing cellular organization and the classification of organisms. The discussion extends to evolutionary processes, significance of biodiversity, and conservation strategies essential for maintaining ecological balance.
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Sections
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What we have learnt
- Water's unique properties are crucial for biochemical reactions and life.
- Nucleic acids are vital for storing and transmitting genetic information.
- Cells serve as the basic units of life, with diverse structures and functions.
Key Concepts
- -- Water Polarity
- Water molecules have a partial negative charge near oxygen and partial positive charges near hydrogen, allowing hydrogen bonding.
- -- Nucleic Acids
- Polymers made of nucleotides that store and transmit genetic information, including DNA and RNA.
- -- Abiogenesis
- The theory that life arose from non-living matter under prebiotic conditions.
- -- Natural Selection
- A mechanism of evolution where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce.
- -- Biodiversity
- The variety of life forms on Earth, which is critical for ecosystem stability and human welfare.
Additional Learning Materials
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