Mendel:

• Gregor Mendel is the father of modern genetics.

• Laws of Inheritance: Law of Segregation and Law of Independent Assortment.

• Traits are determined by discrete units called genes.

• Genes are inherited in a predictable manner.

Photosynthesis:

• Converts sunlight into chemical energy (glucose and oxygen).

• Occurs in chloroplasts with chlorophyll pigments.

• Essential for plant energy and oxygen production.

• Basis of food chains and oxygen levels on Earth.

Evolution - Origin of Universe:

• Big Bang theory: Universe started as a singularity.

• Rapid expansion created space, time, matter.

• Led to galaxy, star, and planet formation.

• Explains universe’s origin, structure, and expansion.

Origin of Earth:

• Earth formed 4.5 billion years ago.

• Developed layers: crust, mantle, core.

• Shaped by geological processes: tectonics, volcanism, erosion.

• Crucial for understanding life’s development.

Theory of Biogenesis:

• Living organisms arise from pre-existing life.

• Rejects spontaneous generation (life from non-life).

• Supported by experiments by Louis Pasteur.

Origin of Cellular Forms:

• Simple, single-celled organisms likely preceded complex life.

• RNA world hypothesis explores early life’s origin.

• Hydrothermal vent theories also considered.

Theories of Evolution:

• Darwin’s Theory of Natural Selection and Wallace’s theory.

• Organisms with advantageous traits survive and reproduce.

• Gradual change and adaptation over generations.

• Explains diversity and interconnectedness of life.

Criticism of Lamarck’s Theory:

• Lamarck proposed acquired traits inheritance.

• Replaced by Darwin’s natural selection.

• Lamarck’s ideas contributed but lacked empirical support.

Theory of Natural Selection:

• Darwin’s influential theory in biology.

• Advantageous traits lead to survival and reproduction.

• Drives species adaptation and evolution.

• Explains diversity of life on Earth.