IB Biology Higher Level
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Content Overview
74 topics in 15 modules
βοΈ Cell biology 6 topics
- Introduction to cells
- Ultrastructure of cells
- Membrane structure
- Membrane transport
- The origin of cells
- Cell division
βοΈ Molecular biology 9 topics
- Molecules to metabolism
- Water
- Carbohydrates and lipids
- Proteins
- Enzymes
- Structure of DNA and RNA
- DNA replication, transcription and translation
- Cell respiration
- Photosynthesis
βοΈ Genetics 5 topics
- Genes
- Chromosomes
- Meiosis
- Inheritance
- Genetic modification and biotechnology
βοΈ Ecology 4 topics
- Species, communities and ecosystems
- Energy flow
- Carbon cycling
- Climate change
βοΈ Evolution and biodiversity 4 topics
- Evidence for evolution
- Natural selection
- Classification of biodiversity
- Cladistics
βοΈ Human physiology 6 topics
- Digestion and absorption
- The blood system
- Defence against infectious disease
- Gas exchange
- Neurons and synapses
- Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction
βοΈ Nucleic acids 3 topics
- DNA structure and replication
- Transcription and gene expression
- Translation
βοΈ Metabolism, cell respiration and photosynthesis 3 topics
- Cell respiration
- Metabolism
- Photosynthesis
βοΈ Plant biology 4 topics
- Growth in plants
- Reproduction in plants
- Transport in the phloem of plants
- Transport in the xylem of plants
βοΈ Genetics and evolution 3 topics
- Gene pools and speciation
- Inheritance
- Meiosis
βοΈ Animal physiology 4 topics
- Antibody production and vaccination
- Movement
- Sexual reproduction
- The kidney and osmoregulation
βοΈ Option A: Neurobiology and behaviour 6 topics
- Neural development
- The human brain
- Perception of stimuli
- Innate and learned behaviour
- Neuropharmacology
- Ethology
βοΈ Option B: Biotechnology and bioinformatics 5 topics
- Microbiology organisms in industry
- Biotechnology in agriculture
- Environmental protection
- Medicine
- Bioinformatics
βοΈ Option C: Ecology and conservation 6 topics
- Species and communities
- Communities and ecosystems
- Impacts of humans on ecosystems
- Conservation of biodiversity
- Population ecology
- Nitrogen and phosphorus cycles
βοΈ Option D: Human physiology 6 topics
- Human nutrition
- Digestion
- Functions of the liver
- The heart
- Hormones and metabolism
- Transport of respiratory gases
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IB Biology Higher Level Revision Content
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IB Biology Higher Level - Cell biology - Introduction to cells Content Preview
Cell biology
Introduction to cells
Definitions and Basics
- Cell is the basic structural and functional unit of life.
- All organisms are made up of one or more cells. The unicellular organisms, such as bacteria and yeast, are made up of a single cell, while multicellular organisms, such as human and plants, are composed of many cells.
- All cells originate from pre-existing cells through the process of cell division.
Cellular Structures
- The cell membrane also referred to as the plasma membrane, controls what enters and leaves the cell.
- The cytoplasm is the gel-like substance found within the cell membrane which contains all the cell's organelles.
- The nucleus controls cell activities and contains the cell's DNA.
- The mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of the cell and produce the cell's energy through a process called respiration.
- The ribosomes are involved in protein synthesis.
- The endoplasmic reticulum serves as a pathway for the transport of materials throughout the cell, and is involved in the synthesis of proteins and lipids.
- The golgi apparatus plays a key role in the modification, sorting, and packaging of proteins for delivery to targeted destinations.
Types of Cells
- Prokaryotic cells: These cells lack a defined nucleus and do not contain membrane-bound organelles. Examples include bacteria and archaea.
- Eukaryotic cells: These cells have a defined nucleus enclosed by a nuclear membrane and contain other membrane-bound organelles. Examples include cells of fungi, plants, and animals.
Specialisation of Cells
- In multicellular organisms, cells tend to be specialised to perform particular functions.
- There can be many types of specialised cells in an organism, including nerve cells, muscle cells, and red blood cells.
- Each type of cell has structural adaptions that allow it to perform its function efficiently.
Cell Division
- There are two main types of cell division, namely, mitosis and meiosis.
- Mitosis is used for growth and repair and results in two genetically identical cells.
- Meiosis is used for sexual reproduction and results in four genetically different cells.
Question: What is the main function of the ribosomes in a cell and where are they usually located?
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