Biology is a complex system that involves the chemistry of our body’s systems, the functioning of these different systems, and the interaction between all of these systems. As a result, biology impacts not only how we physically interact with the world—how we talk, how we move—but also the way we think, eat, and relate to other people around us.
With this, here are the following ways how biology affects our lives:
- Keep us alive. In almost every way, scientists know how the human body works. We’ve dissected and studied thousands of body parts, from the smallest cellular component to the largest organ. However, there’s still much that is unknown about the functions, chemical reactions, and mechanics of our bodies—and scientists are working to solve these mysteries. Researchers studying cells, the smallest unit of life, and stem cells, in particular, are coming up with new therapies that could help people with organ failure and devastating injuries.
- Keep us fed. Every living organism has to survive. For human beings, survival is ensured by consuming food. Food is a great source of calories and nutrition for the body.
- Causing as well as treating infectious diseases. Examples of infectious diseases are TB, HIV, scabies, and hepatitis. Diseases are biological phenomena. It can be caused or caused by the organisms, bacteria, viruses, or other agents which dispose into human living. Some of these organisms do not cause any disease to them, but when they are transmitted to other organisms, they can cause diseases.
- Change you physically and mentally. Scientists now know that psychological and physiological changes are intertwined. So, a hormone imbalance may be at the root of a myriad of mental or emotional issues, such as depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Experts also say that women’s menstrual cycles may be linked to their mood. And hormones don’t just affect women, either. Men’s testosterone levels may be linked to anxiety and aggression, while low testosterone levels can interfere with sex drive and fertility.
- Creates antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The rapidly developing field of microbiome research has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of how humans live. Microbiome research explores how bacteria and yeast, fungi and protozoa in and on us influence our health and their interactions with other organisms. These microorganisms play an important role in our immunity, influence our digestion, and they can affect our mood.
- Provides you with clean water. Long ago, humans needed a source of clean water to survive. Bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and other microorganisms are naturally occurring contaminants of drinking water. Though they are typically not dangerous, their presence in drinking water can cause unpleasant taste and odor and possible unpleasant health effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and gastrointestinal illness.
- Powering the planet earth. The science behind the energy systems related to electricity is fascinating, and with advances in green technology, there’s never been a better time to learn about it.
- Designing the genes. When considering the concept of biology impacting human living, we fall into two broad categories: genetics and environment. Genetics are passed from parents to children, often as a result of heredity. On the other hand, environmental influences happen because of our interaction with our environment. These factors can impact our biology and affect our health and wellbeing.
- Puts microbial enzymes to work. Scientists have discovered a new, unique enzyme that could help treat antibiotic resistance. Researchers have identified and isolated Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, a bacterium that breaks down the antibiotics chloramphenicol and kanamycin and converts their toxic chemical byproducts into benign substances.
- Face extinction. Extinction is one of the ways that nature is taking care of itself. Nature is constantly changing by evolution, which sometimes leads to extinction. Looking at the history of how species become extinct, we can know how the extinction process works. Evolution and extinction are not too different.
Your biology impacts how you live every day—your genetics impact how you look, how your body works, and how your behaviors are. But your biology also impacts how you think—your biology directly impacts your thinking processes.