Welcome to the wonderful world of natural sciences! Allow me to be your guide in this journey. I`m first-year Biology student at the Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan. Biology was always a strong interest of mine, participating in different Olympiads and being a part of scientific research gave me both practical and theoretical experience, simultaneously enriching my concernment in this field.
One of the most significant and fascinating themes that are covered in Modern Biology I Class is Cell Microbiology. Since, you may not recognize cell particles without any specialized tools, you have to use your imagination and try to understand how different life-essential processes undergo and what molecules look like. You need to become familiar with a simple set of cell structures, or organelles. The nucleus is the control-center of the cell. It maintains nearly all the regulations, which are required for cell`s vital activity. Also, nucleus is the carrier of genetic material in the form of chromosomes. Another essential cell structure is cytoplasm and its components. It provides the perfect environment to different chemical processes such as glycolysis (production of energy), cell division, or respiration. All this has to be well packaged for protection and cell communication, so for this purpose, a cell membrane was formed through evolution. We can view scheme of these cell subunits on Picture 1.
You may also watch video about cell reproduction:
Reference list:
Raven, Peter H., and George B. Johnson.Biology. 5th ed. Boston: WCB/McGraw-Hill, 1999.
"Transcription, Translation and Replication." Transcription, Translation and Replication. http://www.atdbio.com/content/14/Transcription-Translation-and-Replication.
"Nature Publishing Group." Nature.com. http://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/dna-packaging-nucleosomes-and-chromatin-393
One of the most significant and fascinating themes that are covered in Modern Biology I Class is Cell Microbiology. Since, you may not recognize cell particles without any specialized tools, you have to use your imagination and try to understand how different life-essential processes undergo and what molecules look like. You need to become familiar with a simple set of cell structures, or organelles. The nucleus is the control-center of the cell. It maintains nearly all the regulations, which are required for cell`s vital activity. Also, nucleus is the carrier of genetic material in the form of chromosomes. Another essential cell structure is cytoplasm and its components. It provides the perfect environment to different chemical processes such as glycolysis (production of energy), cell division, or respiration. All this has to be well packaged for protection and cell communication, so for this purpose, a cell membrane was formed through evolution. We can view scheme of these cell subunits on Picture 1.
Picture 1. Cell structures.
When we are able to imagine the backbone of any cell, it`s time to become familiar with basic biological processes undergoing in the cell. To survive, organisms must leave an offspring . As we can see from evolution, nature not only reproduces, but also tries to improve descendants making them more adapted to their environment. This can be done by the means of gene, or known as segment of DNA. Genes instruct protein production, which in turn codes for a trait (eye color, skin tone etc.). Proteins are produced through three steps: replication, transcription and translation.
Picture 2. DNA
DNA consists of two strands, which form the double helix. During the cell division, each of these double strands splits into two single strands, acting as a templete for a new strand of complementary DNA. This doubling process is known as DNA replication. Transcription is the next step during which, code in the DNA is "rewritten" to RNA. In our case, one of the DNA base pairs- thymine, is replaced by another RNA base pair-uracil, during transcription. The last significant step is translation, which is more complicate than the previous two. It also occurs out of the cell nucleus. During this process, information is "translated" by mRNA, which directs protein synthesis at the ribosome in the presence of tRNA. 
Picture 3. Replication, Transcription, Transation.
As a result, protein molecules, responsible for wide range of traits are produced. Now, we can understand protein production process and comprehend its importance.You may also watch video about cell reproduction:
Reference list:
Raven, Peter H., and George B. Johnson.Biology. 5th ed. Boston: WCB/McGraw-Hill, 1999.
"Transcription, Translation and Replication." Transcription, Translation and Replication. http://www.atdbio.com/content/14/Transcription-Translation-and-Replication.
"Nature Publishing Group." Nature.com. http://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/dna-packaging-nucleosomes-and-chromatin-393
