Biology
Definition: Biology introduces fundamental biological principles, classification, genetics, and biomolecules, highlighting their relevance to engineering and scientific inquiry.
Available PYQs:
2023 (S1)
2023 (S2)
2023 (S3)
2024 (S1)
2024 (S2)
Praxian Analysis 2025
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Detailed Syllabus
Module 1: Introduction Purpose
- Purpose of studying biology as a scientific discipline.
- Comparison between science and engineering (eye vs camera, bird flying vs aircraft).
- Importance of observations in biology.
- Historical examples: Brownian motion, origin of thermodynamics (Robert Brown, Julius Mayor).
Module 2: Classification Purpose
- Classification criteria: morphological, biochemical, ecological.
- Hierarchy of life forms.
- Classification based on cellularity (unicellular/multicellular), ultrastructure (prokaryotes/eukaryotes).
- Energy and carbon utilization (autotrophs, heterotrophs, lithotrophs).
- Ammonia excretion (aminotelic, uricotelic, ureotelic).
- Habitat (aquatic/terrestrial).
- Molecular taxonomy: three major kingdoms of life.
- Model organisms: E.coli, S.cerevisiae, D. Melanogaster, C. elegans, A. Thaliana, M. musculus.
Module 3: Genetics Purpose
- Mendel’s laws, segregation, independent assortment.
- Concept of allele, gene mapping, gene interaction, epistasis.
- Meiosis and mitosis (focus on genetic material transfer).
- Recessiveness, dominance.
- Mapping phenotype to genes.
- Single gene disorders in humans.
- Complementation using human genetics.
Module 4: Biomolecules Purpose
- Building blocks of life.
- Monomeric units and polymeric structures.
- Sugars, starch, cellulose.
- Amino acids and proteins.
- Nucleotides and DNA/RNA.
- Two carbon units and lipids.
Module 5: Enzymes
- Enzyme classification, kinetics.
- Mechanism of action, regulation.
- Central dogma: DNA to RNA to protein.
- Biotechnology basics and applications.