essay on studying biology

Essays About Biology: Top 5 Best Examples and 6 Prompts

Writing essays about biology can be difficult because it’s composed of many subtopics. Check out this article for our top essay examples and writing prompts.

Biology came from the Greek words “bios” (life) and “logos” (study). It’s why biology is the study of life or living organisms. Aside from being a natural science, it also has consolidated themes, such as cells making all organisms. Because it’s a broad topic, biology is divided into specialized fields such as botany, genetics, zoology, microbiology, medicine, and ecology. 

Biologists consider living beings’ origin, evolution, growth, function, structure, and distribution. It’s a comprehensive subject, so there are many things you can write about in your essay. However, at the same time, you might find it challenging to focus on just one area. 

Below are examples to give you an idea of how to write your essays about biology:

1. Essay About Biology by Kelli Wilkins

2. my interests in biology by anonymous on essaywriting.expert, 3. essay on the importance of study of biology by akhila mol, 4. what biology means to me by anonymous on studymode.com, 5. how my biology teacher changed my perspective of learning the subject by sankalan bhattacharya, 1. biology in my everyday life, 2. something i realized because of biology, 3. my memorable biology class experience, 4. genetics’ role in people’s diseases, 5. my experience during the pandemic, 6. biology and health.

“Studying Biology is important for a number of reasons, but in particular because it is used in every field. If we did not have a good understanding of Biology then nobody would be able to understand how bodies work, and how life on earth functions.”

Wilkins shares her desire to study anatomy, a branch of biology, and expounds on what makes biology an essential field. Because biology lets people know more about the world, she digs into why she’s interested in anatomy, specifically to find ways to cure illnesses and develop technologies to discover new treatments. She ends her essay by relating biology to the existence of doctors and hospitals. 

“It is known that education plays an important role in the life of any individual. It gives an opportunity to develop personality and gain specific skills, to get profound knowledge and experience in order to apply them practically in the future. As for me, my major goal is to study Biology in order to get appropriate knowledge and skills required for my future profession.”

The author shares why they want to study biology, referring to the human body as the “perfect machine” and curious about how it performs each of its systems’ functions. The writer also mentions how biology is critical to their future profession. They aim to help people with their health problems and relay their desire to research the brain to find more data on it. 

“The study of biology owes great significance in human life, because man for its day-to-day requirements is dependent on plants and animals either directly or indirectly.”

Mol lists seven reasons why humans need biology in their daily lives. Her list includes health, diseases, agriculture, horticulture, food, animal breeding, and entertainment. She expounds on each point and how they affect a man during his time on Earth. She explains each relationship in a simple manner that’s easy to understand for the readers.

“Without biology, we would have no idea about an organism’s makeup, or the most basic unit of life, a cell… Biology influences me in many ways. Biology influences me by teaching me why to take care of the environment, why I am to take care of my body, and by giving me a better overall view of all scientific areas of study.”

In this short essay, the writer lists down reasons why biology is essential. These reasons include taking care of the environment, one’s body, and others. The author also expounds on their reasons by presenting facts supporting biology’s importance to the world and human lives.

“He told that the syllabus may be a good way to prepare for an exam but our knowledge should not be limited to any syllabus and the questions that were asked in the examination were related to the topic only. He told that if we try to know things in detail and understand them properly then the interest in the subject will develop, otherwise, students will not treat the subject as a subject of their choice. 

Bhattacharya shares his experience with a teacher with a unique teaching style. His Biology teacher from Class 7, before the era of the internet, don’t just carry one book to get all his lessons from. Instead, he has a notebook with the collated information from many books to teach his class. 

Bhattacharya’s teacher taught them things that were not in the curriculum, even if following the curriculum would give him higher points in his evaluation. He only wanted his students to learn more and share with them why learning differs from just knowing. 

Do you want to be sure you have an excellent essay? See our round-up of the best essay writing apps to help you check your output.

6 Prompts for Essays About Biology

You don’t have to be a biology student to write an essay about the subject. If you’re looking for easy prompts to write about, here are some to get you started:

If mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, who is the powerhouse of your classroom? Your home? Relate a biology topic to a similar structure in your life, then explain why you think they are the same. 

For instance, you can compare your mother to mitochondria which generate the energy needed to power a cell. The cell being you. You can say that she gives you energy every day by being there and supporting you in whatever way she can. This prompt bodes for a creative and intriguing essay.

Relay a lesson you learned from biology and how it perfectly explained something you were once hesitant about. Such as being insecure about your big ears – only to know from a biology trivia that ears never stop growing. You can then share how this help lessen your insecurity because you now know large ears are normal. 

Do you have a memory you won’t forget that happened during biology class? Narrate this story and explain why it’s something that left an impression on you. To give you an idea, you can talk about the first time you dissected an animal, where you first realized how complex organisms are and that they are made of many systems to function, no matter how small.

Gene action and heredity are evolving. If you have a genetic illness or know someone who has it, you can share your experience. Then explain what your genes have to do with the disease. Is it something you got from your parents? Did they inherit it from your grandparents? Finally, you can add what your parents’ and grandparents’ lives were like because of the disease.

Virology, another branch of biology, studies viruses and viral diseases. A recent example is the coronavirus pandemic, where more people realized the importance of knowing a virus’ origin, structure, and how they work. Write an essay where you explain how the pandemic operates, such as why people should wear masks, social distance, etc.

For this essay, you can write about how biology helps you care for your health. For example, you can include how biology helped doctors give you the appropriate diagnosis, how you had the opportunity to have the proper treatment, etc. 

If you want to write on a related topic, here are essay topics about nature you can consider for your next essay. 

Maria Caballero is a freelance writer who has been writing since high school. She believes that to be a writer doesn't only refer to excellent syntax and semantics but also knowing how to weave words together to communicate to any reader effectively.

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Free Biology Essay Examples & Writing Tips

Don’t know what to write about in your essay on biology? Looking for good biology essay examples for inspiration? This article has all you need!

A biology essay is a type of academic paper that focuses on a particular topic of biology. It can discuss animal life, cycles in biology, or a botanic subject. You will need to demonstrate your critical thinking skills and provide relevant evidence to support your perspective.

On this page, you will find examples of biology essays. You will also find here tips and topics prepared by our experts . They can assist you in nailing your short or extended essay.

Areas of Research for Biology Essays

If you’ve been assigned to write a biology essay, you probably know which area of research you have to choose. However, it might be beneficial to explore other available scopes. It’s useful for both interdisciplinary study and the cases when you are free to pick your area of research. In this section, let’s figure out what you can study in biology.

Here are biological areas of research you should be familiar with:

• Cancer Biology studies this type of disease to prevent, detect, diagnose and cure it. The ultimate goal of such biologists is to eliminate cancer.
• Cell Biology is a branch that studies the structure, function, and behavior of cells. Here, biologists study healthy and sick cells to produce vaccines, medication, etc.
• Biochemistry is an application of chemistry to the study of biological processes on cell and molecular levels. It is a cross-discipline between chemistry and biology. The focus is on the chemical processes of living organisms.
• Computation Biology is a study of biological data that develops algorithms and models to understand biological systems. Here, scientists either work for institutions or research for private enterprises.
• Genetics is an area that focuses on the study of genes and genetic variations for health benefits. It looks at the way DNA affects certain diseases.
• Human Disease is an area within which scientists study different diseases. The field covers cancer, developmental disorders, disease genes, etc.
• Immunology is a branch of biology that focuses on immunity. Immunologists look at the way the body responds to viruses as a way to protect the organism.
• Microbiology studies all living organisms that are too small for our eye to see. It includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms.
• Neurobiology is the study of the nervous system. Biologists examine the way the brain works and look into brain illnesses.
• Stem Cell and Developmental Biology seeks to examine how the processes behind stem cell’s ability transform cells. The biologists in this area use the power of stem cells to model human illnesses.

Essay on Biology: Writing Tips

Want to know how to start a biology essay? Wondering about the best way to write your essay on biology? Then check out the following tips.

When you’re writing about biology, pay attention to the following features:

• Introduction . Just as in any other form of academic writing, the first section of your paper introduces the subject. Here, explain why your ideas are relevant to biology as a science.
• Thesis Statement. The final one or two sentences of the first paragraph should include your original hypothesis and experiment. You will be proving them in the main body. You do not have to include the results as the reader will encounter them later. If you’re struggling with this part, try our thesis generator .
• Main Body. In this part, write about all the experiments in detail. Often, teachers require to include visual aid to prove your point. For Zoology, Anatomy, Botany, it is pretty easy to find some photos and illustrations.
• Conclusion. Here, restate your thesis. Reemphasize the most critical aspects described in the main body. You can do it by using our summarizing tool . The goal of this last paragraph is to leave an everlasting impression on the reader.

Thank you for reading our article. We hope you found it helpful. Share it with your class peers who also study biology. Additionally, have a look at the biological essay examples below.

812 Best Essay Examples on Biology

Grass and its importance, the benefits of animals to humans essay.

• Words: 1166

Biology of Grasses: Description and Importance

The effect of temperature on amylase activity.

• Words: 1293

Effects of Vinegar on the Germination Rate of Mung Beans Seeds

• Words: 1750

Anaerobic Respiration and Its Applications

• Words: 1274

Ubiquity of Microorganisms

• Words: 2210

Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological System Theory

• Words: 1827

Seed Germination Experiment: Results and Discussion

Strawberries history.

• Words: 1484

Browning Reactions Explained

Botany and taxonomy of the onion.

• Words: 2414

Mitosis and Meiosis in Onion Root Tip

• Words: 1691

Dark or Light Skin: Advantages and Disadvantages

Mung seed germination patterns under varying ph values, substrate concentration and rate of enzyme reactions.

• Words: 1730

Pets and people

Nanobiotechnology, its advantages and disadvantages, aspects, importance and issues of biodiversity, similarities and differences of photosynthesis and cellular respiration, the c-fern plant laboratory experiment.

• Words: 1101

Transpiration Process in Plants

Lemon, its origin and production.

• Words: 1115

Osmosis Through a Potato Slice Dipped in Solutions of Varying Concentrations

• Words: 1075

Description of Mitosis and Meiosis

Vitamin a: description and usage, characteristics of adult development.

• Words: 1311

Dugesia, a Planarian With Its Peculiar Characteristics

• Words: 3207

Seed Germination and Osmosis

• Words: 1127

Microbiology: Zygomycota, Ascomycota and Basidiomycota

The insect effect on human life, rabbit muscular system dissection report, responsible house plant keeping.

• Words: 2262

Importance of the Brain in Human Body

Pollutants effects on cellular respiration rate.

• Words: 1434

A Study of the Brine Shrimps and Their Natural Environment

• Words: 1937

Olfactics and Its Importance for Living Beings

• Words: 1446

Ethnobotanical Uses of Plants

• Words: 1938

Mitosis in Onion Root and Whitefish Blastula

Cell organelles, their functions, and disease.

• Words: 1195

Wildlife Management and Extinction Prevention in Australia

• Words: 2902

Climate Change and Threat to Animals

Common biochemical cycles, biochemistry dogmas and their impacts on biotechnology, the thermoregulation is and its importance, anaerobic capacity: power endurance and fatigue index, life in the bottom of the ocean and its protection.

• Words: 1529

Biology Lab Report: Biodiversity Study of Lichens

Homeostasis and regulation in the human body, consequences of orange juice on the germination of mung bean seeds, photosynthesis as a biological process, photosynthesis and cellular respiration, different ecosystems and living things, the human family tree development, digestion, absorption and assembly of proteins.

• Words: 1456

The Characteristics and Importance of Nervous System

• Words: 1705

Cells, Tissues, and Major Organs Systems

• Words: 2269

The Digestive System in the Human Body

Understanding the effects of quantity of light on plants growth.

• Words: 1089

The Process of a Prenatal Child’s Development

Archaea and bacteria prokaryotes dichotomous keys, molecular biology. production of pet28b and egfp clones.

• Words: 4609

Non-trophic Interaction in Marine Species

Microbial growth and effect of ph on it.

• Words: 1330

The Integumentary and the Skeleton System

• Words: 1100

Co-Evolution: Angiosperms and Pollinating Animals

Forensic procedures: hairs and fibres.

• Words: 2067

Environmental Microbiology Overview

• Words: 3298

Natural Sciences. The Phenol Red Broth Test Experiment

• Words: 1156

The Brain: Structure and Functions

Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells: key differences, telescope and microscope discovery combo.

• Words: 1932

Earth Atmospheric Evolution

• Words: 1719

Vaquita – Endangered Species

• Words: 1367

The Function and Structures of the Human Heart

Invertase enzyme: description and role.

• Words: 1151

Falling in Love as Part of Natural Selection

• Words: 1085

Operant and Respondent Conditioning

Epithelial tissue: structure and functions, digestive journey of cheeseburger, dna barcoding sequence analysis of unknown plant.

• Words: 1315

Plant Resource Allocation: Materials and Methods

• Words: 1182

A Peptic Ulcer: Medical Analysis

• Words: 1185

Corn Plant’s Developmental Stages

Plant growth and development with music, reproductive isolation and its potential effects, soil impact on the growth of plants.

• Words: 1227

Marine Life in United Arab Emirates

• Words: 1474

Cane Toad: Introduction and Threat

• Words: 1018

History Of Biotechnology

• Words: 1908

Whether or Not Human Cloning Should Be Allowed

• Words: 1350

Yeast and the Fermentation Process

Lipids: fatty acids and glycerols, the effect of different shampoos on the bacteria growth.

• Words: 1737

Psychophysics: Definition & Fundamentals

• Words: 1606

Evolution of Predator and Prey Pairings

Rosalind franklin: the discovery of the dna structure, basic and applied biology: key differences, food macromolecules – lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins, is earthworm beneficial or harmful to humans, history of potatoes, their vatiety, and popularity.

• Words: 1233

The Importance of Sleeping and Dreaming

Case study: human body water balance, membrane hands-on laboratory report.

• Words: 1176

Researching the Physiology of the Eye

• Words: 1122

The Kingdom Fungi: The Structure, Characteristics

The anatomy and physiology of the nervous system of a rat.

• Words: 1612

How SCOBY Changes Its Environment: Lab Experiment

• Words: 1214

Microbiology and Its Role in Healthcare

Cell counting and measurement under magnification.

• Words: 1641

Microbiological Studies, Applications, and Current Discoveries

Brine shrimp habitat, the genus rosa’s adaptation to the environment.

• Words: 1144

The DNA Extraction Procedure: Scientific Experiment

The euphorbia plant modification and adaptation, human circulatory system and evolution, a brief discussion of animal and plant cells, physiology of uromastyx aegyptia.

• Words: 1340

A Study of “Escherichia Coli”

Vertical stratification.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, how to write a 'why biology' major essay.

I'm a high school junior applying to college soon, and I'm working on my application essays. One question asks me to explain why I'm interested in majoring in Biology. Can you guys suggest some elements I should include in the essay? How can I make my passion for biology stand out?

When writing a 'Why Biology' major essay, it's essential to focus on your personal experiences, passion, and future goals related to the subject. Here are some elements you can include in the essay to make it stand out:

1. Personal exposure: Highlight any experiences that sparked your interest in biology. Did you have a inspiring biology teacher or an exciting lab experiment? Maybe you joined a biology club or participated in a science fair project? Connect these experiences to your passion for the subject.

2. Academic achievements: Reflect on any notable academic accomplishments you have had in biology, such as high grades, taking AP or advanced level courses, or receiving awards/recognitions for your work in the subject. This shows your dedication and success within the field.

3. Extracurricular activities: Discuss any relevant extracurricular activities showcasing your involvement and commitment to biology, such as internships, volunteering, research projects, or summer programs related to the subject. Elaborate on how these experiences deepened your passion and understanding of biology.

4. Specific topics of interest: Describe the areas within biology that you find particularly fascinating or captivating, such as genetics, molecular biology, neuroscience, or ecology. By narrowing the focus, you demonstrate a clear understanding of the discipline and its subfields.

5. How your passion has evolved: Explain how your interest in biology started and the ways it has grown over time. This shows your commitment to understanding the subject on a deeper level, and it will allow the admissions committee to see how you've continued to explore and expand your passion for biology.

6. Future plans and goals: Talk about your long-term career aspirations or academic goals in biology and how majoring in the subject will help you achieve them. For example, you could mention your desire to pursue research, medicine, biotechnology, or conservation. Connecting your major to future plans showcases your motivation and seriousness about studying biology.

7. College-specific resources: Mention specific programs, faculty, research opportunities, or facilities that the college you're applying to offers within the biology department. Explain how these resources will help you reach your academic goals and deepen your passion for the subject.

For more details on writing a "Why This Major?" essay, check out this CollegeVine article: https://blog.collegevine.com/why-this-major-college-essay

In conclusion, make sure to focus on your personal experiences, achievements, and aspirations regarding biology, and convey your genuine enthusiasm and dedication to the subject. By incorporating these various elements into your essay, you'll demonstrate a well-rounded understanding of and passion for biology, which will make your essay stand out.

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

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Biology and Signaling Alterations in AD

The Rho-associated coiled-coil containing kinases (ROCKs) are ubiquitously expressed serine/threonine kinases that are downstream effectors of the RhoA GTPase (Ishizaki et al., 1996b; Leung et al., 1996a; Leung et al., 1995a; Matsui et al., 1996a; Nakagawa et al., 1996a; Schackmann et al., 2011). ROCKs are key regulators of the actomyosin cytoskeleton dynamics, as well as neuronal morphology and synaptic plasticity (Schubert and Dotti, 2007). The two ROCK homologs (ROCK1 and ROCK2) share high homology in their kinase domains (92%) and […]

Effect of Exercise on the Rate of Respiration and the Heart Rate

How does increase the number of jumping jacks affect the rate of respiration and the heart rate per minute in teenagers aged 17-18? Background Information: Different types of activity will have a different effect on the rate of respiration as well as the heart rate because of certain factors. These include the level of intensity and difficulty of the exercise, as well as determining whether it is an aerobic or anaerobic activity. Aerobic respiration requires the presence of oxygen. (Haldane, […]

Photosynthesis Vs. Cellular Respiration the Major Processess in a Global Balance

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Photosynthesis is the process in which plants use the energy from the sunlight to make glucose (a type of sugar), which they then use as food. The equation for photosynthesis is: 6CO2 (carbon dioxide) +6H2O (water) -->(Sunlight) C6H12O6 (glucose) +6O2 (oxygen). Plants, algae, and cyanobacteria are photosynthetic organisms. In plants and algae, light is absorbed by chlorophyll—a molecule present in the cytoplasmic organelle called the chloroplast. Chlorophyll has a porphyrin ring with a magnesium cofactor at its center. Plants have […]

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Writing an Essay About Biology

Biology, a core STEM subject in college, is widely recognized by students for its difficulty, stemming from its vast scope and the intricate details of living organisms and ecosystems. This complexity often leads to struggles, as students grapple with understanding concepts ranging from molecular biology to large-scale ecological interactions. However, there is a solution to these academic challenges: Papersowl, an educational platform, provides essential support for students facing difficulties in biology. Papersowl helps students navigate through the complexities, offering tailored biology homework help that enables them to understand, engage with, and excel in this demanding yet fascinating field of study.

Biology essays require a deep understanding of the natural world and an ability to convey complex biological processes and theories effectively. Here’s a guide to help you craft a comprehensive and insightful essay on a biology topic:

Understanding the Essay Topic

Begin by thoroughly understanding the specific biology topic you're dealing with. Biology encompasses a vast array of subjects, from molecular biology and genetics to ecology and evolution. Identify whether your essay should explore a specific biological process, discuss a theoretical aspect, analyze a biological problem, or evaluate the impact of a biological study.

Conducting In-Depth Research

Research is a critical component of a biology essay. Utilize reputable sources such as academic journals, biology textbooks, and scientific publications. Look for current research findings, experiments, and case studies that align with your topic. Taking detailed notes on relevant biological processes, findings, and theories is essential.

Developing a Clear Thesis Statement

Your thesis statement should succinctly convey the main argument or purpose of your essay. This might be an assertion about a biological principle, the significance of a research finding, or an argument concerning environmental policies. Make sure your thesis is specific, focused, and directly related to the biology topic you are discussing.

Planning the Essay Structure

Organize your essay logically and coherently. Start with an introduction that introduces the topic and presents your thesis statement. In the body, structure your main points into separate paragraphs, each focusing on a specific aspect or argument. Support your points with examples, scientific data, and explanations. Conclude by summarizing your main arguments and restating your thesis in the context of the information presented.

Writing the Essay

Use clear and precise language. Biology can involve complex terminology and concepts, so it's important to explain them clearly. Avoid unnecessary jargon, but when specific terms are required, define them to ensure clarity. Present your arguments logically, backing them with evidence from your research. Be analytical and critical, especially when discussing biological models, theories, or controversies.

Incorporating Scientific Data and Examples

Biology essays often include scientific data, diagrams, and graphs. Ensure that these elements are accurately presented and relevant to your argument. Use real-world examples and case studies to illustrate your points and demonstrate how they apply to your thesis.

Citing Your Sources

Proper citation is crucial in a biology essay, especially when referring to data, theories, or experiments from other researchers. Use an appropriate citation style (such as APA, MLA, or Chicago) and consistently cite all your sources, including figures and diagrams.

Editing and Proofreading

Review your essay for clarity, coherence, and logical flow. Check for accuracy in your biological descriptions and ensure that your analysis is comprehensive. Proofread for grammar, spelling, and formatting errors. Having someone else read your essay can be helpful, as they might catch mistakes or unclear sections you overlooked.

Writing an essay about biology involves understanding complex life sciences concepts and effectively communicating them in a structured and insightful manner. By methodically researching your topic, organizing your essay logically, and presenting your arguments with clarity and precision, you can create a compelling biology essay that showcases your understanding and insights into this diverse and fascinating field.

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Tips on How to Write a Biology Essay: Learn from the Example of Jellyfish Essay

How to Write a Biology Essay

In this article, we will guide you on how to write a perfect biology essay from scratch. You’ll find various tips to help you excel in writing your essay and creating a paper worth the highest grades. We also prepared a jellyfish essay example for you, so it can be easier to enhance all the specifics and structure of this kind of paper.

What is Biology Essay

A biology essay is a student-written work where you present arguments and ideas about a particular biological topic. The essay on biology can take different forms like argumentative, cause-and-effect, descriptive, detailed analysis, or ‘how-to’ instruction, depending on the professor’s guidelines and writer’s preferences. 

A descriptive paper can explain a biological subject, while an argumentative one provides evidence to support a point of view. It’s up to you to choose which type is more suitable for the topic you’re writing about. The most common type is a cause-and-effect essay explaining an event’s reasons and consequences. 

How to Craft a Perfect Essay About Biology

Writing is an art form that requires time and effort. But if you prefer someone else to write the paper for you, you can just text the experts, ‘ do my homework for me ,’ and consider it done. 

Here is the step by step instruction to organize the process for desired results. 

Choose Your Biology Essay Topic

To get a good grade:

• make your paper informative and enjoyable by choosing a topic you wish to explore. 
• Use a brainstorming technique to generate 30-50 options for biology essay topics and research to create a shortlist. 
• Keep a notebook to jot down your ideas.

Choose a Question for Research

When writing a biology essay, use a scientific approach by selecting a research question related to your topic. Always avoid overly complex or apparent questions. You can also text our profs ‘ write my research paper ,’ and it can be done in a blink.

Create an Outline

Always have a clear plan when writing biology essays while starting a paper. Use a 5-paragraph structure with an outline to keep your main idea and arguments organized. Use any format that works best for you and adjust as needed. Discard any ideas that don’t fit your research question.

Use a Strong Thesis Statement

The introduction should end with a strong thesis statement synthesizing the overall essay, conveying the research question and your point of view. The paper is ineffective without a clear thesis, as readers may not understand your position.

Use Citation and References

Include a list of references in your academic papers, such as biology essays, to avoid plagiarism and provide data sources. Use the appropriate citation style, like APA or CSE, and consult a guide for requirements.

How to Structure a Biology Essay

Ensure your essay has an attention-grabbing introduction, a detailed body, and a solid conclusion with distinct sections. Use around seven paragraphs for the main body, adjusting as needed for the required word count.

Biology Essay Introduction

In the introduction of your essay about biology, showcase your expertise by providing a brief background of the topic and stating the essay’s objective. For a research paper, explain why the study is relevant. Make sure the reader understands the essence of your subject.

The body section of your essay on biology should focus on supporting and defending your thesis statement. To achieve this, make a list of essential points to cover and address each one step by step. Starting a new paragraph for each point ensures neatness and a continuous flow. 

In conclusion, restate your thesis statement and summarize supporting points to solidify your arguments. Avoid introducing new concepts, and leave a lasting impression on your instructor.

Jellyfish Essay - Example of a Biology Essay About a Fascinating Creature of the Ocean

Jellyfish, also known as jellies, are incredible creatures of the ocean. They’re members of the phylum Cnidaria, including corals and sea anemones. You can find jellyfish in every ocean around the globe, from the surface to the depths of the sea. 

Do you know what shape the jellyfish body has?! It’s one of their most unique features. Their bell-shaped body comprises a soft, jelly-like substance called mesoglea, found between two cellular layers. The outer layer of cells, the epidermis, is thin and flexible, while the inner layer, the gastrodermis, contains the jellyfish’s digestive system. At the bottom of the bell is the mouth, surrounded by tentacles armed with stinging cells called nematocysts. 

The jellyfish tentacles consist of venom-filled sacs, which can be potentially dangerous and life-threatening. Considering the severity of its sting, researchers have gathered information on how to treat it effectively. Use thick clothing, tweezers, sticks, or gloves to alleviate the sting. It’s crucial to avoid touching the sting with bare skin since the venom can cause severe harm. Always dispose of the tool used for removing the sting to prevent re-stinging. 

Jellyfish are creatures that feed on small fish and other tiny marine organisms. They capture their prey using the tentacles and bring it to their mouth. Once the food is inside the jellyfish, it’s broken down by digestive enzymes and absorbed into the gastrovascular cavity. 

An exciting thing about jelly is its life cycle. They go through several stages of development, starting as a tiny, free-swimming larva and then growing into a polyp. The polyp stage is stationary, and the jellyfish attaches itself to a surface using a sticky pad. During this stage, the jellyfish reproduces asexually, creating clones of itself. These clones then break off from the polyp and develop into the familiar bell-shaped body of the adult jellyfish. 

Jellyfish play an essential role in the ocean’s ecosystem too. They’re a food source for many marine creatures, including sea turtles and some fish species. They also help to control the population of tiny marine animals by feeding on them, and their waste products contribute to the nutrient cycle in the ocean.

However, jellyfish populations can sometimes explode and become a nuisance. This phenomenon mostly occurs when their natural predators are eliminated from the ecosystem or when water conditions, like temperature and salinity, are conducive for jellyfish growth. In cases where jellyfish populations reach excessive levels, they can clog fishing nets and interfere with other human activities in the ocean.

Jellyfish really are stunning creatures of the ocean. They’re diverse, with many different species, and are essential to the marine ecosystem. While they can sometimes become a nuisance, they’re vital to the ocean’s food web and nutrient cycle. Studying jellyfish can give us a greater understanding of the complex and interconnected systems that make up our oceans.

Practical Tips for Creating Perfect Academic Papers

Developing writing skills is crucial for your academic success regardless of your major. Check out these tips we provided for improving your writing. But if you aren't fond of writing, you can easily hand it to professionals by saying, ‘ do homework for me .’

Search for Samples or Examples

To improve your writing, analyze examples of well-written biology essays or research papers. Although not all online samples are perfect, they can still provide insights into what works and what doesn’t. However, avoid plagiarism and ensure your paper is original by presenting fresh ideas and a unique perspective. 

Read Whenever You Can

Develop your writing skills by reading widely and extensively. Look for biology papers in scientific journals, websites, or books. Don’t forget to take notes on interesting points that you can use in your papers later.

Practice Makes Perfect

Don’t expect to write a perfect paper on your first try, so take every opportunity to practice your writing. Find a mentor if needed and use online resources to learn from your mistakes and improve your skills.

Always Organize Your Writing Process

Organize your work process instead of waiting for inspiration by defining stages, scheduling time for each task, and eliminating distractions. Don’t wait for mood to write an essay about biology; use different strategies to overcome writer’s block.

Proofread and Get Other Feedback

It’s hard to assess your own work accurately. Seek feedback from peers or instructors to identify strengths and weaknesses to improve upon. Don’t wait for your professor’s feedback to know if your biology essay is good. 

Interesting Biology Essay Topics from Our Experts to Practice Your Writing

In this paragraph, we listed different biology essay topics from which you can choose your preferred one and practice writing to excel in your academic papers.

• A jellyfish - my favorite creature
• Facts about animal behavior
• Biodiversity conservation
• Chemical Ecology
• Impacts of air pollution
• Acid Rain’s impact on wildlife
• The greenhouse effect
• Causes of global warming
• Effects of climate change on nature
• Ways to avoid water pollution

These are interesting topics and also some of the most significant environmental problems. Choose the one you like and practice.

Final Thoughts

This article provides tips that will definitely make your writing process easier and more effective. Adjust these tips while writing your biology paper and structure it as we did in the jellyfish essay example. But if you still prefer a professional to do it for you, contact us by writing ‘ do my research paper ,’ and our experts will handle it.

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Home Essay Samples Science

Essay Samples on Biology

Evolutionary biology through the lens of medicine.

When thinking of the word evolutionary I often think of species developing or changing yet I rarely think of practical ideas like medicine or healthcare progressing. Although having species evolve is important in its own unique ways, having medicine evolve is something that I think...

• Human Evolution

Biology and Bioethics: Balancing Science and Morality

Introduction Biology, the study of life and living organisms, has witnessed remarkable advancements over the years. As our understanding of the intricate workings of biological systems deepens, ethical questions arise concerning the responsible use of this knowledge. The field of bioethics explores the ethical implications...

The Importance of Cell Biology in the 21st Century

Cell biology is the study of cell structure and how it fundamentally gives organisms their function, there are approximately 25,000 protein-coding genes in the human genome, within this only about 60% of the human genes have an identifiable sequence homology within the protein database. Human...

• Genetic Modification

Application Of Forensic Anthropology In Human Identification From The Skeleton

Forensic Anthropology The study of Biological anthropology includes a wide rage of sub categories such as medical anthropology, evolution, and forensic anthropology. Forensic anthropology uses the methods of osteology, a physical anthropology to analyse physical remains for legal issues such as criminal trials. Forensic anthropologists...

• Human Anatomy

Best topics on Biology

1. Evolutionary Biology Through the Lens of Medicine

2. Biology and Bioethics: Balancing Science and Morality

3. The Importance of Cell Biology in the 21st Century

4. Application Of Forensic Anthropology In Human Identification From The Skeleton

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Biology library

Welcome to the biology library, unit 1: intro to biology, unit 2: chemistry of life, unit 3: water, acids, and bases, unit 4: properties of carbon, unit 5: macromolecules, unit 6: elements of life, unit 7: energy and enzymes, unit 8: structure of a cell, unit 9: more about cells, unit 10: membranes and transport, unit 11: more about membranes, unit 12: cellular respiration, unit 13: photosynthesis, unit 14: cell signaling, unit 15: cell division, unit 16: classical and molecular genetics, unit 17: dna as the genetic material, unit 18: central dogma (dna to rna to protein), unit 19: gene regulation, unit 20: biotechnology, unit 21: more molecular biology, unit 22: developmental biology, unit 23: bacteria and archaea, unit 24: viruses, unit 25: evolution and the tree of life, unit 26: more about evolution and natural selection, unit 27: history of life on earth, unit 28: ecology, unit 29: more about ecology, unit 30: biodiversity and conservation, unit 31: behavioral biology, unit 32: principles of physiology, unit 33: human biology, unit 34: plant biology, unit 35: ap free response worked examples, unit 36: crash course: biology and ecology, unit 37: meet the biology professional.

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• Why should you love biology?

Did you know that rocks and minerals are the remains of living creatures? Or that your mouth produces one litre of saliva each day? That a pineapple is a kind of berry? 

Biology isn’t just a fascinating subject to study, it can also set you up for success in your future career and personal wellbeing. 

Biology is truly fascinating ! From what causes the tectonic shifting of the Earth’s plates, the intricacies of the way food is digested in the body to the products of cross pollination, the world of Biology never fails to intrigue. 

Want to get excited about Biology but don’t know where to start? Keep on reading to discover 6 reasons why you should love Biology. 

Biology opens up the mysteries of the natural world that surrounds us. So understanding it makes life more meaningful and purposeful. Moreover, GoStudent discovered that loving Biology can also set you up for success! 💪 

How can Biology help you with your future? 🤔 

Having a love for Biology and pursuing it through higher education means opening up a host of successful career options . From being a zoologist, plant pathologist, biochemist, and science teacher, to even a cheese production supervisor, the work possibilities are endless. 

Certain branches of Biology, such as evolutionary Biology, can also give you important insights into people management. This is a great basis for success when it comes to professions like Human Resources, holding key leadership positions or even becoming an entrepreneur. ✊ 

Like other sciences, Biology is investigative in nature. Studying science equips you with a range of skills like curiosity and critical thinking so that you’re able to investigate the mysteries of the natural world. 

All these qualities are highly valued by universities and employers alike!

Why should you love Biology? 🤔

#1 life is fascinating.

From studying the beating of the human heart, learning how caterpillars transform into butterflies, to seed germination, Biology traces life in a way that excites curiosity. 🤓

Biology mixes the magic of nature’s creations with scientific explanations that appeal to inquisitive minds.

#2 Diverse Learning

Whether you’re interested in the big cats of the wild, rare bird species of the amazon, cell activity in the human body or the way seahorses camouflage, Biology has something for everyone! It’s only a matter of exploration to see what kind of Biology piques your interest!   

#3 Hands-On Study

Nature resides outside the four walls of the traditional classroom. So Biology allows you to step-out and experience the benefits of outdoor learning.   

Whether that’s collecting leaves to study plants or visiting the aquarium to observe fish, there’s always a way of making a Biology textbook come to life! 🐟 🧠 🍁

This kind of hands-on study helps engage all five senses and makes learning an immersive experience.

#4 Healthy Living 

Biology can also motivate you to take care of your health and mental wellbeing. Through studying Biology, you’ll learn about the intricate ways in which the human body functions. This is likely to make you more conscious about your own exercise, diet and other activities which contribute to overall happiness . 

#5  Protection Of The Earth 

Biology gives an insight into the diversity of life on the planet and the legacy of human civilization. So it strengthens your relationship w ith nature. 

Only by being aware of and appreciating nature can you help protect the natural world - something we urgently need in the era of global warming and climate change.

#6 Understanding The World 

From the increase of genetically modified food to the outbreak of a pandemic, Biology is at the core of many world issues. Knowledge of Biology can help us make sustainable and ethical choices to secure our future on Earth.  🌍

At GoStudent , we want everyone to better understand the world around them. That’s why we offer one-to-one sessions with our expert Biology tutors who will help you grow your love for the subject. Ask a parent to book a free trial with one of them here! 🚀 

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1: Introduction to Biology

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• Laci M. Gerhart-Barley
• College of Biological Sciences - UC Davis

Biology is the study of living organisms, including their physical structure (from cells to whole individuals), chemical processes (such as metabolism), physiology, and development. This is a very broad definition because the scope of biology is vast. Biologists may study anything from the microscopic view of a cell to ecosystems and the whole living planet. Listening to the daily news, you will quickly realize how many aspects of biology are discussed every day. For example, recent news topics include Escherichia coli outbreaks in spinach and Salmonella contamination in peanut butter. Other subjects include efforts toward finding a cure for AIDS, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer. On a global scale, many researchers are committed to finding ways to protect the planet, solve environmental issues, and reduce the effects of climate change. All of these diverse endeavors are related to different facets of the discipline of biology.

What does the study of biology share with other scientific disciplines? Science (from the Latin scientia , meaning “knowledge”) can be defined as knowledge that covers general truths or the operation of general laws, especially when acquired and tested by the scientific method. It becomes clear from this definition that the application of the scientific method plays a major role in science. The scientific method is a method of research with defined steps that include experiments and careful observation.

• 1.1: The Scientific Method Biologists study the living world by posing questions about it and seeking science-based responses. This approach is common to other sciences as well and is often referred to as the scientific method. The scientific method was used even in ancient times, but it was first documented by England’s Sir Francis Bacon (1561–1626), who set up inductive methods for scientific inquiry. The scientific method is not exclusively used by biologists but can be applied to almost all fields of study as a logica
• 1.2: What is Ecology? Ecology is the study of how organisms interact with each other and with the physical environment in which they live. It is a large field of study and incorporates research at many spatial and temporal scales. Examples of ecological research include impacts of climatic change on species range distributions, patterns of infectious disease outbreaks, the effect of nutrient availability on ecosystem function, etc. In his 1911 book My First Summer in the Sierra, John Muir famously wrote ‘when we try
• 1.3: What is Evolution? At its simplest, evolution is any change in heritable traits in a population of organisms across generations. These changes may be the result of natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, etc – processes that we will consider in depth later in the course. All populations experience evolutionary change, as influenced by their environment, their interactions with other organisms, and random chance. Like ecology, we can consider evolution at different scales.
• 1.4: Linking Ecology and Evolution In 1973, evolutionary biologist Theodosius Dobzhansky wrote a now-famous essay titled Nothing in Biology Makes Sense Except in the Light of Evolution. In this essay, Dobzhansky argued that evolution is the underlying unifying theme for all of biological study and that understanding life on earth necessarily requires considering evolutionary processes and impacts. The title of this essay became a famous quote highlighting the foundational importance of evolution to all biological concepts and pro

160 Biology Essay Topics

For most science courses, assignments are generally lab-based and rarely require much writing. However, all of that changes in biology courses when detailed essays must be written to highlight a student’s understanding of the subject. These essays are highly technical, with specific comments required to meet the factual nature of the subject.

In addition to meeting the factual requirements needed to complete the assignment, biology essays must also be written in a writing style that is informative and authoritative rather than subjective and personal.

These detailed specifics of writing a biology essay can make completing the writing difficult from the very beginning. Fortunately, we’ve created this guide to help students learn how to write a biology essay. In addition, we’ve also included 160 biology essay topics to help inspire the creative writing process.

How to Write a Biology Essay?

Writing a biology essay starts with choosing a topic. If your teacher has not already assigned a specific topic, then students must choose one that is broad enough to find credible resources and specific enough that the research won’t overtake the writing process.

To select a suitable topic for a biology essay, consider the type of biology class you are taking, the current and previous chapters studied, and the overall context of the course. These factors will help you select a topic that is likely to be relevant to your teacher’s needs and to the passing of your course.

Once students have selected a suitable topic, it’s time to research credible resources that will support the subject. To do this successfully, students need to consider the following:

• What information is already known about this topic?
• What topics are related or similar to this topic?
• Who are credible authors that can explain this topic?
• What additional sources will provide me with the information needed to complete this assignment successfully?

For example, if you want to write a biology essay on protein synthesis and its regulation at the transcriptional level, research material would include books, articles, and other written works published by credible authors or publishers. While important, this material isn’t the only type of research that should be completed.

Students may also consider consulting medical and biology dictionaries, textbooks, online research databases such as PubMed or Medline, and professional organizations for biologists to find additional sources. Once the research has been completed, it’s time to create the first draft of the biology essay.

Biology Essay Introduction

Starting an essay is always the same. Students should open with a catchy hook statement that introduces an interesting fact, presents a unique perspective, or raises a thought-provoking question.

Once that sentence has been created, students can use the middle part of the introduction to introduce fundamental concepts and provide background details about the topic.

Once that information has been laid out, and the reader knows the necessary details to make the reading interesting and worthwhile, students should move into the final portion of the introduction that answers the question: WHY is this essay important? This question is answered in the form of a thesis statement that details the essay’s overall purpose.

Biology Essay Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs of your essay will contain the bulk of your research. Be sure that each body paragraph meets the following requirements:

• One clear idea represented per paragraph or section
• Examples that back up the point of the paragraph
• A clear and logical flow between paragraphs with transition words

Make sure that the body paragraphs only contain information pertinent to the subject or topic. Avoid fluff or filler words and phrases that don’t add any substance or value to the writing.

The number of paragraphs in the body may vary depending on the assignment parameters and the essay style. For example, an essay with a 1000 word limit won’t have as many body paragraphs as an essay with a high word count.

Additionally, a compare and contrast essay that examines the similarities and differences between two or more biology concepts may have more body paragraphs than an argumentative essay.

Biology Essay Conclusion

The final section of a biology essay is the conclusion. In this section, students need to summarize the major points of the essay and the overall purpose for writing it. The thesis should also be re-stated to recap what has been learned from the writing.

In addition to these sentences, students should include a final remark about their research and findings. This might be a thought that ties into the intro or another interesting angle that presents a new way of looking at your topic.

Once the conclusion is completed, students should edit and review their work. Make sure that the essay is free of grammar and spelling mistakes before submitting it for grading.

When it comes to choosing a biology essay topic, it is not always as easy as it seems. For students looking for help with writing a biology essay, we have compiled a list of 160 biology essay topics that will hopefully give you some great ideas.

Biology Essay Topics About Animals

• What is the importance of bats in our ecosystem?
• What is the difference between a domesticated cat and a wildcat?
• How do animals adapt to their environments?
• What are the various types of symbiotic relationships found in nature?
• Which animals have been known to show altruism towards other species?
• What impact does human activity have on animal behavior?
• What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of zoos?
• How do animal brains work?
• What is an animal’s anatomical structure like?
• What are some symbiotic relationships between humans and animals?
• What is the difference between herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, and insectivores?
• Why are having pets important to humans?
• What are the positive and negative impacts of commercial farming on animals?
• Do you think it is acceptable to keep pets in zoos? Why or why not?
• What are some common misconceptions about cats, dogs, rodents, cows, sheep, horses, reptiles/fish/insects?
• How do animal bones support their body structure?
• What are the effects of humans on the natural habitats of animals?
• What are some ways in which animal anatomy is similar to human biology?
• What are some symbiotic relationships found in the animal kingdom?
• Can humans and animals communicate with each other?
• How do different types of animal cells function differently than human cells?
• Why do some animals see better in the dark?
• Explain the circulatory system of cold-blooded animals and how it differs from that of warm-blooded animals.
• What are some examples of mimicry in nature?

Biology Essay Topics About Cellular Biology

• How does cell theory apply to cellular biology?
• What is mitosis, and where does it take place?
• What are the different parts of a cell?
• What is a nucleolus?
• What are the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
• How do viruses affect our cells?
• How does photosynthesis work?
• Why is it important to study cellular biology as a foundation for other disciplines of biology?
• What are the functions of organelles in cells?
• What is anabolism and catabolism?
• How do plants use photosynthesis to produce sugar while animals break down food for energy?
• Describe the process of homeostasis and explain how the human body maintains its internal environment.
• What are the important parts of a cell?
• How do cells reproduce?
• What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?
• What is the importance of cellular research to humans?
• Explain mitochondria, chloroplasts, and vacuoles in plant cells.
• What are some of the problems with using stem cells in medical research?
• What are the differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms?
• How do humans reproduce sexually?
• Why is it different to clone plants than animals?
• What are some important functions of membranes in cells?
• What is the significance of mass spectrometry to molecular biology and genetics?
• How do viruses reproduce?
• What are mitochondria responsible for in eukaryotic cells?
• What is the difference between a plasmid and a virus?
• Do you think cloning animals should be allowed? Why or why not?
• What is a cell cycle?
• How do diseases affect the structure and function of cells?
• What are some ethical issues with genetic engineering?
• What is cell division, and how does it work?
• Where does meiosis occur in the body, and what does it accomplish?
• Explain the structure and function of ribosomes in eukaryotic cells.
• What is a cell membrane made up of, and what are its important structural components?
• How do antibiotics affect bacterial cells?
• Do you think cloning humans should be allowed? Why or why not?
• What makes up the cytoskeleton?
• How are molecular structures related to the functions of cells?
• What are some examples of biomolecules necessary for cell function and survival?
• What types of molecules make up an organism’s genome?

Biology Essay Topics About the Ecosystem

• What does the term food web mean?
• Why is it important to study population dynamics in an ecosystem?
• How do humans affect other species and their environments?
• How can we prevent and control invasive species, and why are they so dangerous?
• What effects does pollution have on animals and their habitats?
• How do global warming and climate change affect the ecosystem?
• What are the different types of animals found in ecosystems?
• What happens to an ecosystem when one species becomes extinct?
• What is the difference between biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem?
• How do humans feed off other species to survive?
• Describe how the r-selected life strategy works.
• What are some examples of symbiosis found in nature?
• How does biodiversity affect the structure, function, and survival of ecosystems?
• How does the stability of an ecosystem depend on biodiversity?
• What are trophic levels, and how do they function to maintain the structure of ecosystems?
• Why are invasive species dangerous?
• How do global climate changes and human activities affect the biodiversity of ecosystems?
• What types of organisms thrive in wetlands?
• How do humans benefit from studying ecosystems?
• What ecosystems are best suited to rapid climate change?

Biology Essay Topics About Evolution

• Is evolution strictly a scientific theory, or is it also valid spiritually?
• Why is research about the evolution of life important to our understanding of the past?
• What are some examples of convergent evolution?
• How does natural selection contribute to evolution?
• Why is it important for people to understand evolution and its role in biology?
• What are some benefits that humans enjoy thanks to evolution?
• How do mass extinctions impact the evolution of different species?
• How does a mutation affect a population’s gene pool and diversity?
• Explain the core principles of Darwin’s theory of evolution.
• How does an organism’s ability to respond to environmental changes contribute to its rate of evolution?
• What is polyphyletic evolution?
• What are some examples of vestigial traits in humans and other species?
• How do eco-evolutionary dynamics play a role in evolution?
• Do you think that past mass extinction events had an impact on evolution? Why or why not?
• What are some benefits humans enjoy thanks to evolution by natural selection?
• How could modern-day diets affect the evolutionary growth of humans?
• What animals have had evolutionary changes based on threats to their diets?
• What evolutionary response makes for the best camouflage?
• What types of traits can be used to differentiate between closely related species?
• What are the main factors that prevent a population from evolving?
• How is artificial selection different from natural selection?
• Why do scientists still debate about evolutionary theory despite overwhelming evidence supporting it?
• What are some examples of convergent evolution in nature, and how do they function as an adaptation?
• Why is research about the evolution of life important to understanding the past?

Biology Essay Topics About Genetics

• What is genetic drift, and how can it lead to changes in a population over time?
• How do the different parts of DNA interact with each other?
• How are dominant and recessive traits identified?
• What are some examples of genetic disorders?
• What causes Down syndrome, and how is it diagnosed in children?
• How does natural selection act on mutations to create variation in a population?
• Can scientists use DNA testing to learn about our ancestors’ migratory patterns and where they lived?
• How can animal migration help us to better understand genetics?
• Define molecular genetics and explain how it relates to classical and Mendelian genetics.
• What is the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, and why is it important in population genetics?
• Do you believe that scientists should clone human beings? Why or why not?
• Why are dominant traits sometimes called masking genes?
• Why is genetic diversity important for long-term species survival?
• How are epigenetic changes related to evolution?
• What is the difference between gene expression and gene activity with regards to genetics?
• How do developmental genes affect the appearance of an organism throughout its life cycle?
• How have animal and plant breeders used genetic engineering to produce certain types of hybrids?
• What are the ethical implications of human cloning?
• What are the latest technologies in genetic engineering?
• What new technologies are needed to make human cloning a reality?
• How are living organisms adapting to the presence of plastics in our environment?
• Why are some individuals resistant to certain genetically programmed diseases?
• What are three common misconceptions about genetic engineering?
• What is transgenic technology, and how can it be used for disease prevention or treatment?
• How do microorganisms impact human health and the environment?
• What are some examples of a genetically modified organism?
• How does natural selection impact microorganisms?
• What is DNA profiling, and how can it help to solve crimes or return missing persons to their families?
• Why do scientists need more research surrounding epigenetics before drawing conclusions on its effects on evolution?

Biology Essay Topics About the Human Body

• What is the purpose of skeletal and respiratory systems?
• How do hormones affect our body on a daily basis?
• How does the endocrine system work as part of an overall regulatory system in the human body?
• What are some different types of cells found in the human body?
• What are the differences between exocrine and endocrine glands?
• What are stem cells, and why are they important to biological research?
• How do muscles work together to create movement in our bodies?
• How do bones help us to maintain balance while walking, standing up straight, and running?
• What are some ways that human behavior can impact our bodies?
• How do foods with high sugar content affect the digestive system?
• What organs are no longer necessary in the human body, and why?
• What blood types offer better protection from the elements?
• What are mosquitoes attracted to some humans and not to others?
• What pheromones do humans give off?
• What are the different types of blood cells?
• How does healthy eating help to maintain digestive health?
• Why do some people get migraines that others don’t seem to be bothered by?
• What is the pH level of human blood, and how can it be carefully regulated?
• How does altitude affect respiration in humans?
• What is the most complicated system in the human body?
• Explain the biological purposes of “Fight or Flight.”
• What role does the immune system play in human health?
• What is the difference between human anatomy and physiology?

Choosing any of these 160 biology essay topics will help students craft an informative and authoritative essay that is sure to earn them a passing grade.

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Student stories, our courses, policy and campaigns, lifelong learning, home schooling, guest blogs, results day, guest blogs , our courses, why i love biology tuesday, 18 october 2016.

For Biology Week, we thought we’d feature our Biology Tutor – Josie Briggs who writes about how fascinating Biology is and why she loves it so much.

Biology is inherently fascinating. From a very young age I have always loved reading and learning about science. Biology is unique because of the complexity of living things and how they interact with each other and the environment. It’s intriguing to think that many rocks and minerals on Earth originated from living things. It is well known that chalk and limestone are the remains of small aquatic creatures – especially shellfish, which died and fell onto the seabed and were buried and pressurised to turn them into rock. Also, marble is metamorphosed limestone or chalk which has been subjected to high temperatures and pressures. Less well known is that flints began as sponges. If it wasn’t for living things, the mineralogy and geology of Earth would be completely different.

When you look at a single cell under a microscope or in a micrograph, remember that this cell is awesomely complex. Nessa Carey’s book ‘ The Epigenetics Revolution ‘ describes how genes are activated and deactivated to cause cells to become specialised. Biologists have found that some of these epigenetic changes may be passed even to the fourth and fifth generations. This means that some behaviour or living conditions experienced by your great great grandparents may be affecting the way you are today.

I’ve now started on her second book, ‘ Junk DNA ‘, and biologists are finding that more and more of the non-protein coding bits of DNA have important functions, and a mutation in ‘junk’ DNA may cause a devastating inherited disease. Fascinating, and I’ll put a review on the forums when I’ve finished it.

A student once asked me if we knew everything about cells and I replied no, we know almost nothing. I think there is a lot more to discover about biology and I like to keep an eye on the scientific news to learn about the latest findings.

If, like Josie, you’re fascinated by Biology, why not find out about our A level and IGCSE science courses? You can even download a free sample to give you a taste of what it’s like to study in depth, or simply to learn more from at your leisure.

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Biology Personal Statement Examples

What is a biology personal statement?

Your biology personal statement should tell the university all about your strengths, skills, experience and career plans.

It should also convey your enthusiasm for the subject, and what aspects of it you enjoy and why.

How do I write a biology personal statement?

It’s a good idea to start your statement with why you want to study biology at university.

Try to talk about what drew you to biology initially - was it a childhood experience, or were you inspired by a family member or a television documentary? Pin this down if you can, as admissions tutors always want to know about your motivations for wanting to study their subject.

Make sure you back up everything with examples, as you need to convince the university that you they should offer you a place on their biology degree over anyone else.

A great biology personal statement should be written clearly and concisely, with a good introduction, middle, and a conclusion. After all, your statement has to stand out from the crowd if your UCAS application is going to be successful.

For inspiration on how to write your own unique statement, take a look at some of our engineering personal statement examples above, as well as our collection of top rated personal statement examples .

What should I include in my biology personal statement?

It’s important to include skills and experience from all areas of your life and try to relate them to hobbies or extracurricular activities if they helped you to build on certain strengths.

Think about how any work experience you have completed might be useful in your degree, e.g. what skills did you learn? were there any parts of it you particularly enjoyed? if so, why?

Make sure you include everything that is relevant to your course, which means you may want to leave off your Grade 6 in piano, or your swimming certificates.

University admissions tutors want to know what you can bring to their department and what value you can add, so every sentence of your personal statement needs to earn its place.

You need to sell yourself as a well-rounded individual in terms of academic knowledge, work experience and extracurricular activities in order to have a chance of being successful with your biology UCAS application (although this doesn't mean lying or embellishing the truth!).

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Biology College Essays Samples For Students

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Do you feel the need to examine some previously written College Essays on Biology before you start writing an own piece? In this open-access collection of Biology College Essay examples, you are provided with a thrilling opportunity to examine meaningful topics, content structuring techniques, text flow, formatting styles, and other academically acclaimed writing practices. Implementing them while crafting your own Biology College Essay will definitely allow you to finish the piece faster.

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Essay On Is Criminal Behavior Determined Biologically

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The idea that sleep was more than just an inactive state for the body changed in 1952 when rapid eye movement (REM) got diagnosed and in extension dreaming; which was another state of consciousness. Consciousness implies being aware of both external and internal stimuli. It flows much like a stream; it wanders depending on the individual’s state of mind; boredom, fatigue or stress. A link between consciousness and the brain exists. Therefore, it is a result of neural activity in the neural pathway network.

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In the us what have been the various bases used to assign minority various groups.

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Identify, compare, and contrasts the major principles of liberal structuralists and conservative behaviorists

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Why I Want To Major In Biology Essay

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Why I Chose Biology . Free Essay: Until I started high school, I had no idea what major I wanted to pursue in college. After all, there are so many options, and even though some…

Before high school, I had never looked forward to a science class. The only reason I even took biology freshman year was because it seemed to be the lesser of two evils, the other being earth science. As it turned out, that biology class became the most pivotal course I took during my four years of high school, and was a major factor in my decision to choose biology as my major. …show more content…Throughout the three years I have taken biology-related courses, I have gotten a taste of the huge world of genetic research, which is what I hope to explore in the future.

Video advice: Tackling the Why This Major Essay (+ reading my own essays)

We’re continuing on with approaching different kinds of supplemental essays. Last time, we took a look at the \”Why Us\” essay. Today, we’ll be looking at the \”Why This Major\” essay.

Why I Want to Become a Biologist

Whenever asked what my favourite subject is, Biology has been, and will always be, my only answer. It was bewildering to compare my body to a machine working…

Medicine: A Career In The Future Of Medicine – Each time I consider the area I wish to get into, the foremost and the most crucial factor which comes in my opinion is it ought to be something connected to biology. I’ve been a science person my existence, and therefore it’s inevitable which i will choose a profession which provides me an chance to understand and uncover science deeper. Additionally for this, it’s also fundamental to select a career, which could assure the supply of the reasonably having to pay job to aid me. For me personally like a person, I’ll consider my existence to become effective only when I possibly could make a move for that community and also the world.

Why I Want To Study Biology Essay

To Graduate Committee Admission of Biochemistry and Cell Biology Program of Rice University: My inclination to study biology comes to me since I was little…

My inclination to review biology involves me since i have was young boy. I usually found amazing the abilities of just living beings and mechanisms that permit existence, development and evolution of microorganisms. Particularly interesting were my first methods to microbiology at the begining of classes in senior high school. My fascination by biological sciences was so that it brought me to win the nation’s Biology Contest locked in Cuba, my native country in 2004. It was certainly one of my first academic achievements within my short career and permitted me to directly go into the best pre-college school within my country. Since that time, the way in which forward appeared pretty apparent and fascinating.

Essay On Why I Chose Biology

Free Essay: As long as I can remember I always talked about going off to college, I had the urge to leave my home and experience new things. I felt that I…

As lengthy when i remember I usually spoken about sounding to school, I’d the need to depart my house and experience something totally new. It seemed like I possibly could better myself through education and more importantly help others together with my loved ones. My way of using this method was by majoring in biology and achieving a pediatric neurosurgeon.

Biology according to the Merriam Webster dictionary is a science that deals with things that are alive; such as plants, animals and humans. While majoring in biology there are subjects that are necessary to understand throughout the undergraduate process. These subjects and highly required courses are chemistry, physics, and mathematics, and more rigors courses that are related. These courses either prepare you for major test such as the MCAT, which is for med- school or for fields that causes for a bachelor’s degree.

Video advice: “Why This Major” College Essay

This video’ll tell you how to write a \”Why This Major\” college essay. I’m going to give you a 4 point template on how to write yours, as well as concrete examples of what I would include in my essay!

Why I Chose to Study Biology

Hi, friends! This is the first post in my new “Becoming Dr. Aly” series, where I take you all along with me as I work toward my goal of earning a PhD. To start, I’ll tell you why I chose to study biology. I hope you enjoy reading my story! Over the course of myRead More.

During the period of my existence, I’ve thought about being a lot of things. There is a time where I thought about being a singer, another by which I thought about being an instructor, or perhaps a author, and the other by which I thought about being a physician. Still, certainly one of my primary passions is to help people be the greatest they may be.

I also loved science class. I got good grades and the concepts were easy to understand, but I never considered studying biology. When I was fifteen, I took my first high school biology class. I was fascinated by the chemistry, genetics, and cell biology. I found myself doing research on the topics outside of class. I would also be excited to talk about what I had learned in biology class. Still, I had never thought about it as a career path. All of my friends wanted to go into artistic fields, so I thought that should be the right career path for me, too. I felt that I was wrong for considering something else.

Johns Hopkins Supplement

In desperate need of help! Please look over my essay for Johns Hopkins. A question often asked to students by their teachers: “What would you like to become when you grow up?” My classmate had responded to the question by saying that she would like to work in a candy shop so that she could eat candy all day. Following her response I answered with a serious expression on my face, saying that I would like to become a doctor. My response, so certain compared to my peers’ colorful responses, brought out a laugh from my kindergarten teacher. She responded by telling the parents visiting for Career Day that I seemed ready for medical school already. Wrinkling my nose in distaste at the prospect of more school, I replied by saying that I wanted to become a doctor because I liked the “superhero capes” that they wear. That drew even more laughs from the adults in the room. Little did I know that there was truth in my answer- doctors are indeed heroes in everyday life. Becoming a doctor has been my aspiration since childhood.

Biology Personal Statement Examples

Our biology personal statement examples will inspire you to write your own unique statement, and help you understand why previous biology students were successful in applying for a place.

This season, although studying in my AS level subjects, I attended a Biology Conference at Westminster Center Hall to improve my knowledge of today’s biological world. . . My passion for Science developed in a youthful age because of the truth that both my parents and brother operate in the health care industry.

Since as long ago as I can remember I have always been fascinated by the natural world. That childish fascination has not left me but deepened over the years. This interest has led me to my love of biology, ecology, animal behaviour and evolution. . . Being born in the shadow of Sellafield, and growing up near the home of Unilever Research & Development, my interest in Science was, in my eyes, inevitable. My fascination with Biology began to develop at a young age. . . Holding a one day old kitten with a mangled leg is just one of many times when I felt certain I wanted to devote my life to animals. Through volunteering with animals and studying sciences at A-level, I realised that I am fascinated by scientific research and Bioveterinary Science. . . I have always had an interest in science-based subjects, especially those relating to biology. Whilst undertaking my A-level Biology course, the module energy and ecosystems was of particular interest to me. . . When Aristotle, in 300 BC, first decided to analyse the creatures living in the sea, he set the starting point of what was to become a revolutionary science.

How to Write the “Why this Major” College Essay

What does a “Why this Major” College Essay look like? In this brief guide, learn how to write the “Why this Major” College Essay.

A lot of colleges need a supplemental essay that basically asks, “Why would you like to major in what you would like to major in?”Two quick tips:1. It’s worth hanging out on these essays to make certain the way to go complements your individual statement. Exactly what do I am talking about? In case your personal statement is about business as well as your “Why Major” college essay is about dance, admissions readers may be like, “Whaaaat?” So make certain they create sense together. Also, 2. Simply because you choose a significant with this essay, it doesn’t mean you 100% can’t change it out later. Oftentimes, you are able to. (Important: This differs from school to college, therefore if you’re unsure, discover. ) It can benefit to select a significant like a placeholder, though, because it makes this essay a great deal simpler to create. Okay, let’s take a look at some “Why this faculty Major” prompts:Exactly what does a “Why this faculty Major” essay seem like?

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Biology Extended Essay Topics and RQs for IBDP

Table of contents

• Writing Metier

It’s time for our exploration of Biology extended essay topics, a resource designed to spark your curiosity and guide your research interests in the vast and vibrant field of biology. 

Whether you’re fascinated by the intricate workings of ecosystems or intrigued by the complexities of cellular processes, this article offers a diverse range of topics collected by expert academic writers to suit your interests. 

NB! If you need assistance with your Biology assignments, you can use our biology essay writing service , which will surely assist you. Now, let’s get back to the main question of the article – BIO EE topic ideas.

Bio EE topic categories

List of biology extended essay topic categories I’ll cover in this article.

• Impact of Urban Development on Local Ecosystems – Investigating the effects of urban expansion on biodiversity in a specific area.
• Marine Biology and Ocean Acidification – Studying the impact of changing pH levels on marine life.
• Invasive Species and Their Impact on Biodiversity – Analyzing how a particular invasive species has affected native wildlife.
• Conservation Efforts for Endangered Species – Evaluating the effectiveness of current conservation strategies for a specific endangered species.
• Climate Change and Its Effects on Ecosystems – Researching how a particular ecosystem has been impacted by climate change.
• Nutrition and Diet’s Impact on Human Health – Exploring the effects of a specific diet on human health.
• Exercise Physiology – Investigating how different types of exercise affect a particular aspect of human health.
• Neurobiology of Sleep – Studying the effects of sleep patterns on cognitive functions.
• Genetic Factors in Diseases – Exploring the role of genetics in the susceptibility to a specific disease.
• Impact of Environmental Factors on Allergies – Analyzing how environmental changes have influenced the prevalence of allergies.
• Gene Expression in Cancer Cells – Investigating how gene expression differs in cancerous versus normal cells.
• Protein Synthesis and Its Regulation – Studying the regulation of protein synthesis in a specific organism or cell type.
• Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine – Exploring the potential of stem cells in treating a specific condition.
• Viral Replication and Host Interaction – Examining how a particular virus replicates and interacts with its host.
• DNA Repair Mechanisms – Investigating the efficacy of different DNA repair mechanisms under various conditions.
• Photosynthesis Variations Among Plant Species – Comparing photosynthetic efficiency in different plant species.
• Impact of Climate Change on Plant Growth – Studying how changing climates affect the growth of a specific plant species.
• Medicinal Properties of Plants – Investigating the medicinal properties of a specific plant.
• Plant Defense Mechanisms Against Pathogens – Exploring how a particular plant species defends itself against pathogens.
• Genetic Modification and Crop Improvement – Analyzing the impacts of genetic modification on a specific crop’s traits.
• Social Behavior in Insects – Studying the social structures and behaviors of a specific insect species.
• Bird Migration Patterns – Investigating the factors influencing migration patterns of a specific bird species.
• Physiological Adaptations in Marine Mammals – Exploring adaptations that enable marine mammals to survive in their environments.
• Impact of Environmental Stressors on Animal Behavior – Analyzing how specific stressors affect the behavior of a particular animal species.
• Endocrine Regulation in Animals – Studying how the endocrine system regulates processes in a specific animal.
• Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria – Investigating the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in a specific bacterial strain.
• Use of Microorganisms in Bioremediation – Exploring the use of microorganisms in cleaning up environmental pollutants.
• Genetic Engineering and Its Applications – Analyzing the applications and implications of genetic engineering in a specific field.
• Role of Microbiome in Human Health – Studying how the human microbiome influences health and disease.
• Yeast Fermentation and Its Industrial Applications – Investigating the fermentation process in yeast and its uses in industry.
• Evolutionary Adaptations to Environmental Changes – Exploring how a particular species has adapted to environmental changes over time.
• Genetic Diversity and Population Health – Studying the impact of genetic diversity on the health of a specific population.
• Molecular Basis of Inheritance – Investigating the molecular mechanisms of inheritance in a specific organism.
• Speciation and Genetic Drift – Analyzing the role of genetic drift in the speciation process.
• Human Evolutionary Biology – Studying aspects of human evolution, such as the development of specific traits.

Every category and its subcategories provide a comprehensive overview, from the microscopic wonders of microbiology to the grand scale of evolutionary biology. 

With the help of our IB writers team, I have managed to collect all these ideas for you, so I hope you will be enjoying this. I aim to inspire your investigative spirit and help you select a topic that  satisfies the IB criteria  and aligns with your passion for biology. 

IB Bio extended essay topics

So, let’s begin with a list of IB Biology EE topics list.

Ecology and Environmental Science

I’m stoked to talk about Ecology and Environmental Science . It’s all about how living things interact with each other and their surroundings. Think of it like a complex dance of life, where every move affects the whole scene. 

From the hustle and bustle of city ecosystems to the quiet, yet dynamic, world of marine biology, we’ll explore how these interactions shape our planet. We’ll also explore the hot topics of invasive species and their impacts, the heroic efforts in conservation, and the big elephant in the room – climate change. 

So, let’s get ready to explore the intricate tapestry of life that makes our world fascinating!

Impact of Urban Development on Local Ecosystems

• Research Question: How does the presence of urban green spaces affect bird species diversity in [City Name]?
• Research Question: What impact do urban heat islands have on the behavior and distribution of [Specific Animal Species] in [City Name]?

Marine Biology and Ocean Acidification

• Research Question: How does ocean acidification affect coral bleaching events in the [Specific Coral Reef Location]?
• Research Question: What is the impact of increasing ocean acidification on the shell growth and survival of [Specific Shellfish Species]?

Invasive Species and Their Impact on Biodiversity

• Research Question: What has been the impact of the invasive Zebra Mussel on native species in the Great Lakes?
• Research Question: How do invasive plant species [Specify Species] affect the growth and survival of native plants in [Specific Region]?

Conservation Efforts for Endangered Species

• Research Question: How effective have conservation strategies been in increasing the population of the Giant Panda in China?
• Research Question: What are the impacts of anti-poaching measures on the survival of Rhinoceros populations in Africa?

Climate Change and Its Effects on Ecosystems

• Research Question: How is the melting of Arctic sea ice affecting the habitat and migration patterns of polar bears?
• Research Question: What are the effects of rising global temperatures on plant and animal life in the Alpine ecosystems?

Transitioning from the external world of Ecology and Environmental Science, we now turn to the internal intricacies of Human Physiology and Health. 

This shift brings us from exploring external ecosystems to understanding our body’s inner workings, a world where lifestyle choices meet biological responses.

Human Physiology and Health

Let’s chat about Human Physiology and Health, the amazing science of how our bodies work and how we keep them ticking. We’re diving headfirst into the world of nutrition and diet – what you eat isn’t just about taste, it’s about your health too! 

Then, we’ll check out how exercise, that thing we all know we should do more of, affects our bodies in awesome ways. Ever wondered about the science of sleep and how it messes with your brain when you don’t catch enough Z’s? We’ll cover that, along with the mysteries of genetics in diseases, and how our environment plays a sneaky role in triggering allergies. 

It’s going to be an eye-opening ride through the wonders of our bodies!

Nutrition and Diet’s Impact on Human Health

• Research Question: How does adherence to the Mediterranean diet affect cardiovascular health indicators in adults?
• Research Question: What is the impact of a long-term vegan diet on nutrient absorption and health in teenagers?

Exercise Physiology

• Research Question: How does HIIT affect cardiovascular fitness in young adults?
• Research Question: What are the effects of regular yoga practice on stress and anxiety levels in college students?

Neurobiology of Sleep

• Research Question: How does sleep deprivation impact cognitive performance and memory in high school students?
• Research Question: What is the relationship between sleep patterns and academic performance in IB students?

Genetic Factors in Diseases

• Research Question: How do specific genetic factors contribute to the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease?
• Research Question: What is the contribution of genetics to the onset of Type 2 Diabetes in populations with high prevalence rates?

Impact of Environmental Factors on Allergies

• Research Question: What is the correlation between air pollution levels and the prevalence of respiratory allergies in urban children?
• Research Question: How has climate change influenced the prevalence and severity of allergic diseases in [Specific Region]?

Moving from Human Physiology and Health, we zoom into the realm of Cellular and Molecular Biology. 

Here, we swap the broader human health perspective for a closer look at life’s building blocks, delving into the microscopic universe that operates within every living being.

Cellular and Molecular Biology

Ready to geek out on Cellular and Molecular Biology? This is where we get down to the nitty-gritty of life – the cells and molecules that make up every living thing. 

We’re talking about the big bad world of cancer cells and what makes them tick, the fascinating process of how our cells make proteins, and the cutting-edge stuff like stem cell research and how viruses play a game of cat and mouse with our bodies. 

Meanwhile, make sure also to check our article with biology research paper topics for all students.

Plus, we’ll unravel the mysteries of how our cells fix their own DNA. It’s like being a detective, but for biology. Trust me, it’s cooler than it sounds!

Gene Expression in Cancer Cells

• Research Question: How does gene expression in breast cancer cells differ from that in normal breast tissue?
• Research Question: What role do specific oncogenes play in the development of colorectal cancer?

Protein Synthesis and Its Regulation

• Research Question: How is protein synthesis regulated in response to physical exercise in human muscle cells?
• Research Question: How do bacterial cells regulate protein synthesis under environmental stress conditions?

Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine

• Research Question: What is the potential of stem cell therapy in the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease?
• Research Question: How can stem cells be used to repair damaged heart tissue?

Viral Replication and Host Interaction

• Research Question: How does HIV replicate within human cells, and what is its impact on the immune system?
• Research Question: How does the Influenza virus adapt to host immune responses over time?

DNA Repair Mechanisms

• Research Question: How do DNA repair mechanisms change as human cells age?
• Research Question: How effective are DNA repair mechanisms in skin cells exposed to different levels of UV radiation?

After diving into the microcosm of cells and molecules, we transition to Plant Biology. 

This shift steers us from the foundations of life at the cellular level to the diverse world of plants, exploring how these organisms harness and embody basic biological principles.

Plant Biology

Let’s dive into the world of Plant Biology! Plants are not just pretty to look at; they’re the backbone of all life on Earth. 

We’ll be talking about how they turn sunlight into food – a process that’s as important as it is fascinating. Ever wonder how plants are coping with our changing climate or what superpowers medicinal plants have? We’ve got that covered. 

We’ll also explore the secret life of plants, how they defend themselves against enemies, and the science behind making them stronger and better through genetic modification. 

It’s time to get our hands dirty and uncover the secrets of the plant world!

Photosynthesis Variations Among Plant Species

• Research Question: How does photosynthetic efficiency compare between C3 and C4 plants under varying light conditions?
• Research Question: What is the effect of varying light intensities on the rate of photosynthesis in [Specific Aquatic Plant Species]?

Impact of Climate Change on Plant Growth

• Research Question: How are Arctic tundra plants adapting their growth patterns in response to global warming?
• Research Question: What is the impact of elevated atmospheric CO2 levels on the growth of [Specific Plant Species]?

Medicinal Properties of Plants

• Research Question: What are the anti-inflammatory properties of [Specific Medicinal Plant] and how can they be harnessed?
• Research Question: What is the antioxidant capacity of different herbal teas, and how does it affect human health?

Plant Defense Mechanisms Against Pathogens

• Research Question: How do [Specific Plant Species] defend themselves against fungal infections?
• Research Question: What role do secondary metabolites play in the defense mechanisms of [Specific Plant Species] against herbivores?

Genetic Modification and Crop Improvement

• Research Question: How effective are genetically modified crops in resisting drought conditions compared to traditional varieties?
• Research Question: What is the impact of genetic modification on the nutrient content of [Specific Crop]?

From the stationary life of plants, we now step into the dynamic world of Animal Behavior and Physiology. This change of scene introduces us to the complex behaviors and physiological adaptations of animals, offering a contrasting perspective to plant biology.

Animal Behavior and Physiology

Let’s jump into the wild and wonderful world of Animal Behavior and Physiology. This is where we get to spy on the animal kingdom and learn about their secret lives. 

From the social gossip of insects to the globe-trotting adventures of migratory birds, animals have some amazing stories to tell. 

We’ll also look at how marine animals have adapted to their deep and mysterious homes, how animals respond when their environment goes bonkers, and the hormonal soap operas that dictate their lives. 

It’s like being a fly on the wall in the most interesting nature documentary ever!

Social Behavior in Insects

• Research Question: How does the social structure of honeybee colonies affect their survival and productivity?
• Research Question: What are the primary communication mechanisms used in ant colonies, and how do they impact colony efficiency?

Bird Migration Patterns

• Research Question: How has climate change affected the migration routes of [Specific Bird Species]?
• Research Question: How do magnetic fields influence the migration patterns of [Specific Bird Species]?

Physiological Adaptations in Marine Mammals

• Research Question: What physiological adaptations allow sperm whales to dive to extreme depths?
• Research Question: How do polar bears regulate their body temperature in the Arctic environment?

Impact of Environmental Stressors on Animal Behavior

• Research Question: How does underwater noise pollution affect the behavior and communication of dolphins?
• Research Question: What are the effects of urban light pollution on the nocturnal activities of [Specific Nocturnal Animal Species]?

Endocrine Regulation in Animals

• Research Question: How do hormones regulate the reproductive behaviors in [Specific Bird Species]?
• Research Question: How do stress-induced cortisol levels affect the behavior of [Specific Wild Animal Species] in their natural habitat?

Leaving the observable world of animals, we enter the less visible but equally important sphere of Microbiology and Biotechnology. This transition takes us from larger life forms to the microscopic, where tiny organisms significantly impact our health, environment, and technology.

Microbiology and Biotechnology

Alright, microbe hunters and tech wizards, it’s time to zoom in on Microbiology and Biotechnology. This is the world of the tiny, where bacteria and viruses hang out, and where science meets innovation . 

We’re going to explore the battleground of antibiotic resistance, how we can use tiny organisms to clean up our messes, and the mind-blowing possibilities of genetic engineering. 

Ever thought about how your gut buddies – the microbiome – affect your health? We’ll get into that too, along with the yeast party that’s behind some of your favorite bread and beverages.

Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria

• Research Question: What factors have contributed to the rise of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in hospitals?
• Research Question: What are the primary mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli strains found in [Specific Environment]?

Use of Microorganisms in Bioremediation

• Research Question: How effective are specific bacterial species in the bioremediation of oil spills?
• Research Question: What is the effectiveness of using fungi in the phytoremediation of soils contaminated with heavy metals?

Genetic Engineering and Its Applications

• Research Question: What is the potential of CRISPR-Cas9 technology in preventing genetic diseases?
• Research Question: How has genetic engineering been used to enhance the nutritional quality of [Specific Crop]?

Role of Microbiome in Human Health

• Research Question: What is the relationship between the gut microbiome and obesity in adults?
• Research Question: How does the diversity of the human microbiome affect immune system functioning?

Yeast Fermentation and Its Industrial Applications

• Research Question: How efficient is yeast fermentation in the production of biofuels compared to traditional methods?
• Research Question: How do different yeast strains affect the flavor profiles in beer brewing?

Finally, we shift from the practical applications in Microbiology and Biotechnology to the historical narrative of Evolution and Genetics. This move links present-day biological understanding to the historical journey of life, unraveling how genetic heritage and evolutionary processes shape all living things.

Evolution and Genetics

Ready to unravel the tales of Evolution and Genetics? This is where we figure out how life on Earth got to be as diverse and fantastic as it is. We’ll be exploring the incredible adaptations organisms have made to survive and thrive, how genetic diversity is crucial for the health of species, and the molecular secrets behind inheritance. 

Ever pondered how new species come into being or what genetics reveal about our own ancient history ? Well, you’re in for a treat. We’re about to walk through time and genes to discover the roots and branches of the tree of life. Buckle up!

Evolutionary Adaptations to Environmental Changes

• Research Question: What evolutionary adaptations have enabled cacti to thrive in harsh desert environments?
• Research Question: How have Galápagos finches undergone adaptive radiation in response to their environment?

Genetic Diversity and Population Health

• Research Question: How does genetic diversity affect the health and survival of animal populations on isolated islands?
• Research Question: How can conservation genetics be used to enhance the survival prospects of [Specific Endangered Species]?

Molecular Basis of Inheritance

• Research Question: What is the molecular basis of inheritance for Sickle Cell Anemia?
• Research Question: How can mitochondrial DNA be used to trace maternal lineage in human populations?

Speciation and Genetic Drift

• Research Question: What role has genetic drift played in the speciation of cichlids in Lake Victoria?
• Research Question: How does genetic drift affect the genetic diversity of small, isolated animal populations?

Human Evolutionary Biology

• Research Question: What evolutionary factors contributed to the development of bipedalism in early humans?
• Research Question: What are the key genetic adaptations that enable humans to live at high altitudes?

These topics and questions aim to inspire in-depth exploration and research, allowing students to delve into various aspects of biology, from molecular to ecosystem levels. 

Use them as an inspiration for your future Ib extended essay.

Select your topic wisely!

The world of biology is rich with diverse topics suitable for an Extended Essay. From the tiny intricacies of cellular biology to the broad complexities of environmental science, each area offers a unique perspective and a chance for in-depth exploration . 

The key to a successful essay is choosing a topic that not only interests you but also challenges your analytical and research skills.

Need Extra Support?

If you’re seeking guidance with your topic selection, or if you need assistance in writing or editing your Biology Extended Essay , our team at Writing Metier is here to help. 

Our experienced IB writers are equipped to provide the support you need to refine your ideas and enhance your writing. Contact us for personalized assistance, or simply fill out our online order form with details of your IB EE and ensure your essay is a reflection of your best efforts.

Free topic suggestions

Vasy kafidoff.

Vasyl Kafidoff is a co-founder and CEO at WritingMetier. He is interested in education and how modern technology makes it more accessible. He wants to bring awareness about new learning possibilities as an educational specialist. When Vasy is not working, he’s found behind a drum kit.

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Extended Essay Writers

Biology EE Topics | 40 Ideas

Luke MacQuoid

There are many potential topics for a biology Extended Essay (EE) in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.

Topic Ideas

Some possibilities include the following:

• The effects of pollution on a particular species or ecosystem.
• The genetic basis of a specific disease or trait.
• The comparative physiology of a specific mammal and bird.
• The effects of climate change on a particular species or ecosystem.
• The impact of human activity on the evolution of a species.
• The physiology of a specific plant species.
• The efficacy of a specific medicinal plant.
• The comparison of the anatomy and physiology of a specific animal species in captivity and in the wild.
• The impact of a specific invasive species on an ecosystem.
• The effect of different fertilizers on the growth and development of a specific plant species.
• The study of the symbiotic relationship between specific species.
• The effect of different light conditions on the growth and development of a specific plant species.
• The impact of different temperature conditions on the physiology of a specific microorganism.
• The study of the genetic diversity within a specific species.
• The study of the effects of different pH levels on the growth and development of a specific plant species.
• The impact of human activity on the population dynamics of a specific species.
• The study of the effects of different soil types on the growth and development of a specific plant species.
• The study of the impacts of different pesticides on the physiology of a specific species.
• The study of the effects of different water conditions on the growth and development of a specific plant species.
• The study of the impact of ocean acidification on the physiology of a specific marine species.
• Studying the Effects of Acid Rain on Local Flora.
• The Role of Gut Microbiota in Obesity.
• Influence of Insecticides on Honey Bee Population Decline.
• The Effects of Microplastics on Aquatic Food Chains.
• The Role of Genetics in Determining Human Lifespan.
• Influence of Habitat Loss on the Genetic Diversity of a Specific Species.
• The Effects of Light Pollution on Nocturnal Animals.
• A Comparative Study of Photosynthesis Rates in Different Plant Species.
• The Impact of Noise Pollution on Avian Communication.
• Analysis of Biological Controls for Invasive Species.
• The Effects of Diet on the Gut Microbiota.
• Understanding the Effect of Climate Change on Disease Vectors.
• Exploring the Role of Genetics in Athletic Performance.
• Effects of Pharmaceuticals on Aquatic Ecosystems.
• The Impact of Urbanization on Local Bird Species.
• Understanding the Relationship Between Sleep and Immune Function.
• Studying the Effects of Air Pollution on Lichen Species.
• The Role of Epigenetics in Aging.
• The Effect of Vegan and Vegetarian Diets on the Human Body.
• Investigating the Biological Mechanisms of Meditation and Mindfulness.

It’s important to note that these are just examples of topics for your IB EE in Biology . You should choose a topic that interests you and that you can find enough information on.

Need help with your Biology extended essay?

From research and analysis to structuring and editing, our skilled mentors will be by your side, helping you craft an exceptional extended essay that not only meets the stringent IB criteria but also reflects your passion for Biology studies.

Additionally, it’s essential to consult with your supervisor to make sure the topic meets the requirements of the Extended Essay and that you have access to the necessary resources to complete the research.

Students can use these themes in their essays by researching and analyzing the specific topic, providing evidence and examples to support their claims, and discussing the implications and potential solutions to the issue at hand.

For example, in an essay on the effects of pollution on a particular species or ecosystem, a student could research the specific pollutants that are affecting the species or ecosystem, analyze the effects those pollutants are having, and discuss potential solutions to mitigate the pollution and its effects.

These are experiments students can use for Biology EE topics:

• Looking at how pollution impacts a certain type of animal or plant: This would involve checking out pollution levels in a specific place, then watching to see how it affects your chosen species.
• Understanding how certain genes affect a disease or characteristic: This would mean doing genetic tests to identify the genes involved, and potentially using genetic engineering techniques to change those genes and see what happens.
• Comparing how a mammal and a bird work: You’d do experiments to see how your chosen mammal and bird are similar or different. You could look at things like brain structure, behaviour, and thinking abilities.
• Exploring how climate change impacts a certain animal, plant, or ecosystem: This could involve experiments to see how changes in temperature, rain patterns, or CO2 levels affect your chosen species or ecosystem.
• Studying how people’s actions affect how a species evolves: This might mean looking at how things like habitat destruction, hunting, or pollution impact a species’ genetic diversity and population.
• Looking at how a certain plant works: You’d do experiments to see how the plant responds to things like light, temperature, or water.
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• Studying how ocean acidification affects a marine species: This could involve doing experiments to see how increasing acidity levels impact the species’ growth, reproduction, and health.

Additionally, in an essay on the comparative psychiatry of a specific mammal and bird, a student could research and compare the brain structures, behaviors, and cognitive abilities of the two species and discuss any similarities and differences found.

A student can ask for help from a writing service if they need assistance with their essay. This can bring several benefits to the student, such as:

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Luke MacQuoid has extensive experience teaching English as a foreign language in Japan, having worked with students of all ages for over 12 years. Currently, he is teaching at the tertiary level. Luke holds a BA from the University of Sussex and an MA in TESOL from Lancaster University, both located in England. As well to his work as an IB Examiner and Master Tutor, Luke also enjoys sharing his experiences and insights with others through writing articles for various websites, including extendedessaywriters.com blog

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Study: Airway hillocks challenge our understanding of lung biology

by Tufts University

Airway hillocks are mysterious, flat-topped structures that were only recently identified within regular lung tissue, and their role in airway biology and pathology has previously been unknown.

A research team from Tufts University School of Medicine and Massachusetts General Hospital is now reporting evidence that hillocks and their stem cells are physiologically distinct from other cells within the lung and consist of a stratified outer layer of scale-like squamous cells that protect an underlying layer of rapidly expanding basal stem cells that are capable of restoring airway tissue after injury.

The results are published in a study appearing May 1 in the journal Nature .

"This study links previous research describing seemingly disparate phenomena to an unappreciated reservoir of injury-resistant cells," says Brian Lin, GSB17, a research assistant professor of developmental, molecular and chemical biology at the School of Medicine, and a co-first, co-corresponding author on the paper.

"By doing a whole organ stain, structures popped out that aren't easily seen when looking at the tissue in slices."

Lin was among the group of scientists who, in 2019, first described the cells called hillocks, so named because of how they resemble mounds on the surface of lung tissue.

"The identification of hillocks explains a whole host of findings about airway regeneration," adds Jayaraj Rajagopal, MD, the senior author of the study and an investigator in the Center for Regenerative Medicine at Mass General. "It is remarkable to think these structures were missed for decades. They have implications for regenerative medicine and cancer alike."

In this new study, Lin and team generated a genetic mouse model that made it possible to fluorescently label hillocks and their progeny in the lungs.

They found that hillock-derived stem cells (the basal cells underlying the layers of scaly or squamous cells on top) could rapidly regenerate airway lining after injury and capable of creating all six component cell types of the pseudostratified airway epithelium.

The researchers also demonstrated that the stratified, tightly interlocking layers of squamous cells on the top of hillocks were resistant to a broad spectrum of insults, ranging from physical injury to acid injury to infection to toxins related to smoking.

Viral Shah, member of the Rajagopal Lab and one of the co-first authors, searched for hillocks in human airways by dissecting and staining human lung tissue and found that humans also have hillocks that mirror the structure and function of those in mice.

These findings establish that the presence of a stratified squamous epithelium, long thought to be a metaplastic (precancerous) response to damage is characteristic of an uninjured airway .

Dissections of hillocks revealed specific genes not expressed by other lung cell types which produce a hard protein in the keratin family similar to those used to form hair and nails.

Despite being so hardy, Lin says one of the study's most surprising findings is how quickly hillock cells replace themselves, hinting that part of their function is to be disposable. For example, in response to physical injury to the trachea, hillocks dramatically proliferate and migrate to spread stem cells to the impacted area in order to regenerate it.

Cells that divide so quickly are prone to mutation, and so a short life span for these cells is likely to prevent hillock cells from building up errors.

The research team plans to continue their characterization of hillocks, work that could alter our understanding of the progression of lung cancer, the physiology of conditions like asthma, and how the body combats viral infections and drug interactions. "I think we've cracked open the door, but there's so much more to do," Lin says.

Journal information: Nature

Provided by Tufts University

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• Published: 03 April 2024

Proliferation-driven mechanical compression induces signalling centre formation during mammalian organ development

• Neha Pincha Shroff   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-5043-8639 1   na1 ,
• Pengfei Xu 1   na1 ,
• Sangwoo Kim 2 , 3 ,
• Elijah R. Shelton 2 ,
• Ben J. Gross 2 ,
• Yucen Liu 2 ,
• Carlos O. Gomez 4 ,
• Qianlin Ye 5 , 6 ,
• Tingsheng Yu Drennon 1 ,
• Jimmy K. Hu 5 , 6 ,
• Jeremy B. A. Green   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-6102-2620 7 ,
• Otger Campàs   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-9642-8030 2 , 4 , 8 , 9 , 10 &
• Ophir D. Klein   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-6254-7082 1 , 11  

Nature Cell Biology volume  26 ,  pages 519–529 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

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1 Citations

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• Developmental biology
• Organogenesis

Localized sources of morphogens, called signalling centres, play a fundamental role in coordinating tissue growth and cell fate specification during organogenesis. However, how these signalling centres are established in tissues during embryonic development is still unclear. Here we show that the main signalling centre orchestrating development of rodent incisors, the enamel knot (EK), is specified by a cell proliferation-driven buildup in compressive stresses (mechanical pressure) in the tissue. Direct mechanical measurements indicate that the stresses generated by cell proliferation are resisted by the surrounding tissue, creating a circular pattern of mechanical anisotropy with a region of high compressive stress at its centre that becomes the EK. Pharmacological inhibition of proliferation reduces stresses and suppresses EK formation, and application of external pressure in proliferation-inhibited conditions rescues the formation of the EK. Mechanical information is relayed intracellularly through YAP protein localization, which is cytoplasmic in the region of compressive stress that establishes the EK and nuclear in the stretched anisotropic cells that resist the pressure buildup around the EK. Together, our data identify a new role for proliferation-driven mechanical compression in the specification of a model signalling centre during mammalian organ development.

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Mechanical forces across compartments coordinate cell shape and fate transitions to generate tissue architecture

Epithelial invagination by a vertical telescoping cell movement in mammalian salivary glands and teeth

Self-sustained planar intercalations due to mechanosignaling feedbacks lead to robust axis extension during morphogenesis

Data availability.

The data supporting the findings of this study are all available within the article. All other data supporting the findings of this study are available from the corresponding authors. Source data are provided with this paper.

Code availability

The 3D images of oil microdroplet injected tooth buds were processed using the STRESS code developed at the Campas lab 27 ( https://github.com/campaslab/STRESS ). No other custom codes were used.

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Acknowledgements

We thank D. Cuylear, P. Marangoni, A. Rathnayake, B. Hoehn and A. Cortez for technical support, E. Sletten (University of California Los Angeles) for sharing custom-made fluorinated rhodamine dyes and Klein and Campas laboratory members for helpful discussions. We acknowledge the staff within the Biological Imaging Development CoLab at UCSF Parnassus Heights, especially K. Marchuk and J. Eichorst, for their training and support in using the Nikon A1r and the NIS Elements software. We also thank the Laboratory Animal Resource Center, UCSF for assistance with animal care. Funding has been obtained from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research grant R01-DE027620 (O.D.K. and O.C.), R35-DE026602 (O.D.K.) and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation) under Germany’s Excellence Strategy – EXC 2068 – 390729961– Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life of TU Dresden (O.C.).

Author information

These authors contributed equally: Neha Pincha Shroff, Pengfei Xu.

Authors and Affiliations

Department of Orofacial Sciences and Program in Craniofacial Biology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA

Neha Pincha Shroff, Pengfei Xu, Tingsheng Yu Drennon & Ophir D. Klein

Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA

Sangwoo Kim, Elijah R. Shelton, Ben J. Gross, Yucen Liu & Otger Campàs

Institute of Mechanical Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland

Sangwoo Kim

Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA

Carlos O. Gomez & Otger Campàs

School of Dentistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Qianlin Ye & Jimmy K. Hu

Molecular Biology Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Centre for Craniofacial Regeneration and Biology, King’s College London, London, UK

Jeremy B. A. Green

Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany

Otger Campàs

Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany

Center for Systems Biology Dresden, Dresden, Germany

Department of Pediatrics, Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Ophir D. Klein

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Contributions

O.C., O.D.K., N.P.S. and P.X. designed the experiments. N.P.S. and P.X. performed all experiments. S.K. performed the analysis of tissue anisotropy. E.R.S. and B.J.G. adapted the STRESS code to analyse stresses. Q.Y. collected the Piezo mutant embryos. Y.L. prepared and calibrated the oil droplets. T.Y.D. and C.O.G. helped in training and initial trials. C.O.G. did the Imaris analysis. J.K.H. participated in conceptualization of the project. J.B.A.G. and J.K.H. provided critical feedback and helped design experiments. N.P.S., P.X., O.C. and O.D.K. wrote the paper, with input from J.K.H. and J.B.A.G. O.C. and O.D.K. supervised the project. All authors edited the paper.

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Otger Campàs or Ophir D. Klein .

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Competing interests.

The authors declare no competing interests.

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Nature Cell Biology thanks Thomas Diekwisch, and the other, anonymous, reviewer(s) for their contribution to the peer review of this work. Peer reviewer reports are available.

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Extended data

Extended data fig. 1 a concentric cellular arrangement develops around the ek in the embryonic mouse incisor..

( a ) Analysis of 2.5D nuclear orientation in representative images using OrientationJ in 3 confocal slices 15 µm apart in Z from a E13.5 incisor. (n = 1) ( b ) 3D analysis of nuclear orientation in representative images using Imaris nuclear segmentation of top, middle and bottom planes of a 52 µm thick Z-stack from a E13 incisor. (n = 1) ( c ) Average quantification of nuclear anisotropy in E11.5 through E14.5 incisor epithelia as shown in Fig. 1f using OrientationJ analysis (n = 4; Methods ). ( d ) Average quantification of cytoskeletal anisotropy in E12.5 and E14.5 incisor epithelia as shown in Fig. 1g using OrientationJ analysis (n = 3). ( e ) Representative tissue anisotropy analysis (anisotropy in actin spatial distribution) of E13.5 Phalloidin stained bud and the overlay of the E13.5 Shh RNAscope image (from Fig. 1d ) on the map. Scale bar, 25 µm. Data are represented as mean ± s.e.m. n represents number of embryos; one incisor measured per embryo.

Extended Data Fig. 2 OrientationJ and Epyseg analysis of incisors in 2D.

( a - b ) OrientationJ and Epyseg analysis of representative (a) E12 and (b) E13.5 K14 Cre ;R26 mTmG/mTmG incisors with the spatial averaging of the Epyseg analysis on the right (n = 1 per stage). White arrows indicate the low coherence region. Representative 2D central plane shown. Scale bar, 25 µm. n represents number of embryos; one incisor measured per embryo.

Extended Data Fig. 3 Inhibition of acto-myosin activity does not interfere with anisotropic stress mediated development of EK formation.

( a ) Schematic depicting the dissection, agarose embedding, injection of oil microdroplets, and imaging of the incisor. The image of the embryo and the microscope have been obtained from Biorender.com . ( b ) Outline of E13.5 incisor with reference points 1–3 illustrating the marker locations on the border and point 4 illustrating the oil droplet for vector field and microdroplet orientation analysis. ( c ) Anisotropy analysis of the live E12 and E13.5 murine incisor. (E12: n = 6 and E13.5: n = 6). ( d ) Representative E14.5 incisor epithelium separated from the mesenchyme after 45 mins dispase treatment. (n = 3) ( e ) EdU and E-Cad immunostaining after a 1 h EdU pulse chase in E12 murine incisors cultured with DMSO or blebbistatin for 40 h. Quantification of total EdU positive cells in each field per condition for all incisors. (Control: n = 7; Blebbistatin: n = 7) ( f ) Whole mount in situ of Shh and E-Cad immunostaining in E12 incisors cultured for 40 h with DMSO or Y27632 (ROCK inhibitor). (DMSO: n = 5; Y27632 : n = 5). Scale bar, 25 µm. Dashed line outlines the incisor. Representative 2D central plane shown in all images. Data are represented as mean ± s.e.m. Statistical analysis was done using the unpaired two-tailed Student’s T test (assuming unequal variance) with Welch’s correction for e. n represents number of embryos; one incisor measured per embryo.

Source data

Extended data fig. 4 inhibiting cell proliferation in the embryonic murine incisor interferes with incisor growth and anisotropic stress development..

( a ) Measured proliferation profiles from the centre in the epithelium at E11.5, 12.5, 14.5 and 15.5. (Mean values plotted from n = 3 per stage). ( b ) EdU and eGFP or BrdU and E-Cad immunostaining after a 1 h EdU or BrdU pulse chase in E12 murine incisors cultured with DMSO or Aphidicolin for 7 h (Top panel) and 40 h (Bottom panel). (n = 6 per condition) ( c ) Morphology of E12 incisors at 0 h and 40 h after culture with DMSO or aphidicolin. Dashed line outlines the incisor in (b, c). (Ctrl: n = 4, 6 and Aphi: n = 4, 6 for 0 and 40 hours respectively) ( d ) Quantification of the epithelial area (outlined in yellow dotted line) from all the buds represented in c. (n values in c). ( e, f ) Anisotropy analysis of the live E12 murine incisors cultured for (e) 7 h or (f) 30 h with DMSO or aphidicolin. (7 h – n = 5; 30 h - n = 3) ( g ) Representation of droplet orientation and cell anisotropy (orientation) maps (reproduced from Fig. 3c, c’ ) and quantification of droplet orientation with reference to the regional cell orientation in live 7 h DMSO or aphidicolin treated incisors. Compilation of average data from 3–6 h after injection. Orientation angle values for DMSO treated incisors reproduced from Fig. 2f E12 data. (Ctrl: n = 15 in LC and n = 14 in HC; Aphi: n = 13 in LC and n = 15 in HC) LC, low coherence region; HC, high coherence region. ( h ) Quantification of the tissue stress anisotropy measured by the oil droplets in the LC region of E12 incisors cultured for 7 hours with DMSO or aphidicolin (Ctrl: n = 15 from 2 h; Aphi: n = 13). Dashed line outlines the incisor. Scale bars, 25 µm. epi, epithelium; mes, mesenchyme. Representative 2D central plane shown in all images. Data are represented as mean ± s.e.m. Statistical analysis was done using 2 way ANOVA for d, unpaired two-tailed Student’s T test (assuming unequal variance) with Welch’s correction for g and 2 tailed Mann-Whitney test for h. Source data are available for all plots. n represents number of embryos; one incisor measured per embryo.

Extended Data Fig. 5 Cell proliferation increases compressive stress and area of the embryonic murine incisor.

( a ) Whole mount in situ of Shh and E-Cad immunostaining in E12 incisors cultured for 40 h with DMSO or Mitomycin C. (n = 4 per condition) ( b ) BrdU-EdU double labelling in the E13.5 murine incisor after sequential pulse chase with EdU (1 h) – BrdU (15 mins). (n = 5) ( c ) Morphology of E12 incisors at 40 h after culture in DMSO or aphidicolin or aphidicolin washed out after 16 h. (Ctrl: n = 6; Aphi: n = 4; Aphi wash: n = 6) ( d ) Quantification of the area from all the buds represented in (a). ( e ) Whole mount in situ of Shh and E-Cad immunostaining in E13 incisors cultured for 40 h with DMSO or aphidicolin. (n = 3 per condition). Dashed line outlines the incisor. Scale bar, 25 µm. epi, epithelium; mes, mesenchyme. Representative 2D central plane shown in all images. Data are represented as mean ± s.e.m. Statistical analysis was done using the 2 tailed Mann-Whitney test for d. n represents number of embryos; one incisor measured per embryo.

Extended Data Fig. 6 Dextran-induced compression regulates incisor area and EK localization.

( a ) Images showing the morphology of E12 incisor buds treated with DMSO or aphidicolin for 40 h with varying concentrations of dextran (30 mg/ml and 60 mg/ml). ( b ) Quantification of the area (outlined in yellow dashed lines) from all the buds represented in (a) (Ctrl: n = 3, 5 and 4 and Aphi: n = 5, 5 and 5 for Dextran 0, 30 and 60 mg/ml respectively). ( c ) EdU and E-Cad immunostaining after a 2 hour EdU chase in E12 incisors cultured for 40 h with DMSO or dextran (30 mg/ml). Quantification of EdU positive cells from these and incisors cultured in DMSO, or 30, 60, 80 mg/ml dextran. (n = 6, 5, 4 and 4 respectively) ( d ) Representative images of E12 mandible explants cultured for 40 h with DMSO or aphidicolin + dextran (30 mg/ml) (n = 6 and 5 respectively). Explants are outlined in red with the center marked by a red dot. Quantification of the relative distance of the EK from the center of the tissue in E12 incisors cultured with DMSO or aphidicolin with 30 or 60 mg/ml dextran. (n = 6, 5, 5 and 5 respectively) ( e ) Quantification of relative area of Shh expression to incisor area in E12 incisors cultured with DMSO or aphidicolin with 30 or 60 mg/ml dextran. (n = 7, 6, 6 and 5 respectively). Dashed line outlines the incisor. epi, epithelium; mes, mesenchyme. Scale bar, 25 µm. Representative 2D central plane shown in all images. Data are represented as mean ± s.e.m. Statistical analysis was done using the 2 tailed Mann-Whitney test for b and 1 way ANOVA with Bonferroni’s correction for multiple comparisons for c, d and e. n represents number of embryos; one incisor measured per embryo.

Extended Data Fig. 7 The expression patterns of EK markers Bmp4 and Wnt10a are affected by compressive stress.

( a, b, c ) RNAscope for (a) Pax9 , (b) Bmp4 and (c) Wnt10a in E12 incisors after 40 h culture with DMSO, aphidicolin throughout, aphidicolin washed out after 16 h (Aphi wash) or aphidicolin + 30 mg/ml dextran throughout (Dxt 30 mg/ml + Aphi) (n = 3). Dashed line outlines the incisor. epi, epithelium; mes, mesenchyme. Representative 2D central plane shown in all images. Scale bar, 25 mm. n represents number of embryos; one incisor measured per embryo.

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Shroff, N.P., Xu, P., Kim, S. et al. Proliferation-driven mechanical compression induces signalling centre formation during mammalian organ development. Nat Cell Biol 26 , 519–529 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41556-024-01380-4

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5 ways AI can help you study for finals - for free

Regardless of major, academic level, or institution, final periods are stressful for students, requiring intense studying and cramming. However, AI can help ease the load. 

Since  generative AI  first surged in popularity, the technology has typically received a bad rap in the education sector, with many believing it would violate academic standards and integrity. However, AI can also be a great assistant capable of helping students optimize their studying.

Also: 7 reasons I use Copilot instead of ChatGPT

The best generative AI tools, such as AI chatbots , are intuitive to use, requiring no knowledge of coding or AI, and many of the most helpful features are free. If you're ready to hand off some tedious studying tasks to AI, I rounded up the best ways you can use AI to study for finals. 

Quick Note: For any of the below tips that include AI chatbots, you can use whichever one you choose, and there are plenty of options to pick from, which we break down here . For the examples below, I used Microsoft Copilot because the free version is connected to the internet, allowing the chatbot to access the latest information on the web, which is crucial for getting accurate information when studying. 

1. Summarize PDFs 

Earning a degree often involves lots of readings, usually in the form of lengthy PDFs. Whether you are a humanities or STEM major, you will be required to read or familiarize yourself with research papers that are loaded with technical jargon and hard to parse through. That's where AI PDF summarizers can help. 

With AI PDF summarizers, you can input your PDF from your computer's files and conversationally ask the AI chatbot to answer any questions about the topic or even generate entire summaries for you. 

Also: How to use ChatPDF: The AI chatbot that can tell you everything about your PDF

There are various different tools you can use to accomplish this task, with the most intuitive being ChatPDF . The free version of ChatPDF allows users to upload two PDFs daily, each up to 120 pages. Using it is easy as all you have to do is visit the site, upload your document, and start chatting away. 

Some free AI chatbots, such as Anthropic's Claude , can accept document inputs and accomplish the same goal. The premium version of OpenAI's chatbot, ChatGPT Plus , can also accept document input but the subscription costs $20 per month. 

2. Break down material 

Sometimes, no matter how many times you read or study certain material, it simply doesn't click. In those instances, you can use an AI chatbot to break down complex terms for you into more digestible parts. 

Also: The best free AI courses (and whether AI certificates are worth it)

For example, you can input a sentence or broader concept you don't understand and ask the chatbot to explain it to a level that would make the material more understandable. My go-to is, "Explain XYZ as if I were a five-year-old," as you can see in the photo below. 

This feature is so useful that I use it often in my everyday workflow. All it does is break the subject using everyday tangible examples and adding context that makes the material much more accessible, cutting through confusing and technical terminology. You can pick any age or grade level you'd like. 

3. Assist with essay prep

As if cramming a semester's worth of material for an exam wasn't difficult enough, many professors also assign end-of-semester papers that either replace or supplement your final exam. Because of how much they are weighted in terms of your grade, they often require high levels of synthesis and research. That's where AI can help. 

You use it for support when writing, including creating outlines for essays, finding sources for you, and brainstorming essay ideas.   

Also: How ChatGPT (and other AI chatbots) can help you write an essay

To have an AI chatbot help out with any of these tasks, all you would have to do is ask it to do so conversationally, such as, "Help me create an outline for an essay regarding the rise and fall of The Wiggles." 

You can also leverage AI chatbots' advanced natural language processing to co-edit essays for you. Unlike your standard spell-check, AI chatbots can understand context, flow, conciseness, and more, making it a superior editor. Just copy and paste your text and ask the chatbot to edit for whatever focus you'd like. 

4. Outline your notes 

In preparation for exams, you have the difficult task of looking through a semester's worth of notes and condensing them to the most important highlights for studying. Instead of doing that yourself, you can ask an AI chatbot to summarize or organize your notes for you.

For example, as a political science major, I had tons of separate Google Doc notes from all the different lectures. I would have been able to copy and paste that text into any AI chatbot and ask it to generate concise summaries with higher-level points of view. 

Also: 35% of college students are using AI tools to help them with their studies

For the sake of this article, I copied and pasted my  latest ZDNET article into Copilot and asked it to write a summary, as seen below. Within seconds, it organized my article into six main points that were accurate, easy to read, and, most importantly, easy to parse through. 

If your professor shares notes, outlines, or other course materials, you can ask an AI chatbot to summarize those too. 

5. Roleplay testing you 

In grade school, my favorite studying technique was having my mom randomly test me on the material I was learning. Now, instead of relying on family or friends being awake during your midnight study sessions, you can use an AI chatbot to do the same thing for you. 

For example, you can ask the chatbot, "Can you test me on my exam material?" Then, the chatbot will ask you what the material is and generate questions based on the topic you share within seconds, as seen in the photo below. 

Once you answer, it can correct you, provide insight into what you said wrong, and even give you resources online to visit to familiarize yourself with the material better. 

If you want to take this feature up an extra notch, you can use a chatbot with PDF reading capabilities, as discussed in the first tip of this article, or paste your notes in, and ask it to generate questions specific to your PDF or notes for you to answer. 

You can also ask the chatbot to generate flashcards based on the material. The chatbot will tell you exactly what to add to the front and the back of the cards, so you can spend less time figuring out what to put on the cards and more time actually using them. 

Good luck with your finals! 

Artificial Intelligence

The best free ai courses (and whether ai 'micro-degrees' and certificates are worth it), google releases two new free resources to help you optimize your ai prompts, what is ai everything to know about artificial intelligence.

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Cannabis rolling papers may pose health risks from heavy metals, study finds.

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The lack of regulation on cannabis rolling papers may expose users to health risks due to the presence of unsafe quantities of heavy metals, according to a new study.

Researchers from Lake Superior State University in Michigan recently published a study in the journal ACS Omega in order to measure the heavy metal content in commercially available cannabis rolling papers.

They analyzed the elemental composition of 53 commercially available rolling papers and assessed the potential risks of exposure in comparison to established standards.

The findings showed that around one-quarter of the samples exceeded the recommended levels of copper for inhaled pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, certain cannabis rolling papers contain elevated levels of elements such as copper, chromium, and vanadium, which could pose health risks. The study also revealed that some cannabis rolling papers use copper-based coloring, potentially exposing users to unsafe levels of copper, mainly when used in large quantities.

In this context, repeated exposure to heavy metals through inhalation can accumulate in the body over time, causing health problems and increasing the risk of developing diseases.

The heavy metals in these papers originate from various sources, including residual chemicals from manufacturing, ink and dyes applied during production, and potentially contaminated plants used in papermaking if grown in polluted soil. Researchers also explained that recycled paper poses an even higher risk as extra chemicals are often added during the recycling process to enhance its appearance. These added chemicals may include lead, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and zinc.

By analyzing the levels of 26 different elements in cannabis rolling papers, researchers compared the level of these elements with the standards established by various states in the U.S. and Canada for inhaled cannabis products. Although there are typically no specific regulations regarding the elemental content of rolling papers, this comparison provided insights into their potential contribution to consumer exposure.

The findings revealed significant disparities in regulations across different states, particularly concerning acceptable arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead levels. Even if rolling papers were subject to regulation akin to cannabis products, the limits for these elements varied widely between jurisdictions, sometimes by 20 to 50 times.

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Researchers found that calcium was the most common element in rolling papers, probably because of additives used in making paper. They also found magnesium, sodium, potassium, aluminum, iron, manganese, barium, copper, and zinc.

The exceptionally high metal levels in some samples taken into exam pose potential risks for users, according to this study.

The authors of this study suspect that certain manufacturers used inks containing copper pigments. For instance, the blue cone showed an even distribution of copper and titanium on its surface, suggesting the use of copper-containing pigment. In contrast, they noted that the yellow and red cones lacked copper but contained other elements like titanium and strontium, commonly used in coloring.

Overall, the analysis showed that copper was present in the green, blue, and purple parts of the rainbow cone, with the highest amount in the blue part. Chromium was found in the gold-colored tip.

These results suggest health risks from copper-based pigments in some rolling papers when smoked due to the potential release of hazardous compounds during combustion.

This study highlights the concerning lack of regulations for rolling papers, raising worries about potential exposure to harmful elements like copper, particularly considering the medical use of cannabis by many users.

With varying cannabis laws across states and the federal government, there's a lack of unified guidance, and researchers suggested that states should collaborate to establish limits on toxic elements in cannabis and rolling papers based on their findings.

Researchers also suggested that manufacturing processes can exacerbate exposure risks, especially when using copper-based inks, and encouraged manufacturers to eliminate their use, which could significantly reduce copper levels in papers.

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