General Science - Basic Biology for UPSC Prelims
Basic biology concepts, facts and revision notes for UPSC Prelims general science.
UNIT 1: Introduction & Branches of Biology
UNIT 2: Important Biologists
UNIT 3: Cell Biology
Levels of Organization (Cell, Tissue, Organ, System)
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Cell Theory
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Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cells
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Plant cells and Animal cells
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Cell Wall
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Cell membrane
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Cytoplasm
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Nucleus
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Cell Organelles
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Plastids
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Chloroplast
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Chlorophyll
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Carotenoids
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Mitochondria
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Endoplasmic Reticulum
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Golgi Apparatus
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Lysosomes
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Ribosomes
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Peroxisomes
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Glyoxysomes
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Centrosome and Centrioles
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Cilia and Flagella
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Chromatin
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Chromosomes
UNIT 4: Biochemistry
Introduction to Biomolecules
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Importance of Water in Living Systems
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Carbohydrates
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Monosaccharides
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Disaccharides
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Polysaccharides
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Proteins
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Amino Acids
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Enzymes
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Enzyme Mechanism
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Lipids
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Fatty Acids
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Phospholipids
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Nucleic Acids
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DNA
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RNA
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Vitamins
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Minerals
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ATP
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Metabolism
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Anabolism and Catabolism
UNIT 5: Taxonomy Fundamentals
UNIT 6: Microorganisms (Viruses, Bacteria)
Classification of Microorganisms
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Viruses
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Structure and Types of Viruses
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Bacteriophages
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Viroids, Prions and Virons
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Bacteria: Structure
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Bacteria Types, Shapes
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Bacterial Reproduction
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Cyanobacteria (Blue-green algae)
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Bacterial Diseases in Plants
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Bacterial Diseases in Animals
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Useful Bacteria
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Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria
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Antibiotics
UNIT 7: Algae, Fungi & Protists
UNIT 8: Bryophytes, Pteridophytes & Gymnosperms
Cryptogams and Phanerogams
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Bryophytes: Features, Types and Life Cycle
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Economic and Ecological Importance of Bryophytes
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Pteridophytes: Features, Types and Life Cycle
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Economic and Ecological Importance of Pteridophytes
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Gymnosperms; Features, Examples, Types and Life Cycle
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Economic and Ecological Importance of Gymnosperms
UNIT 9: Angiosperms
UNIT 10: Animal Classification
UNIT 11: Simple Invertebrates (Sponges, Cnidarians)
UNIT 12: Worms (Flatworms, Roundworms, Annelids)
UNIT 13: Arthropods
General Features of Arthropods
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Overview of major groups
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Insects: Features, Body, Life Cycle
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Ecological Importance of Insects
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Economic Important Insects
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Insect diseases
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Arachnids – Key Features
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Important Arachnid Examples
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Ecological and Economical Importance of Arachnids
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Crustaceans – Features, Body and Life
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Important Crustacean Examples
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Ecological and Economical Importance of Crustaceans
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Myriapods (centipedes, millipedes)
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Ecological and Economical Importance of Myriapods
UNIT 14: Molluscs & Echinoderms
UNIT 15: Fishes
Introduction to Fishes (Pisces)
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Classification of Fishes
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External Structure of Fishes
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Internal Anatomy of Fishes
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Physiology of Fishes
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Reproduction and Development in Fishes
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Habitat and Ecology of Fishes
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Fisheries and Aquaculture
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Economic Importance of Fishes
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Conservation and Management of Fish Resources
UNIT 16: Amphibians
Introduction to Amphibians
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Classification of Amphibians
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External Structure of Amphibians
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Internal Anatomy of Amphibians
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Physiology of Amphibians
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Reproduction and Development in Amphibians
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Habitat and Ecology of Amphibians
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Adaptations in Amphibians
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Economic and Ecological Importance of Amphibians
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Conservation and Management of Amphibians
UNIT 17: Reptiles
Introduction to Reptiles
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Classification of Reptiles
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External Morphology of Reptiles
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Skin and Scales in Reptiles
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Internal Anatomy of Reptiles
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Physiology of Reptiles
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Reproduction and Development in Reptiles
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Habitat and Ecology of Reptiles
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Adaptations in Reptiles
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Poisonous and Non-Poisonous Reptiles
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Economic and Ecological Importance of Reptiles
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Conservation and Management of Reptiles
UNIT 18: Birds
Introduction to Birds (Aves)
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Classification of Birds
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External Morphology of Birds
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Feathers and Their Types
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Flight Adaptations in Birds
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Internal Anatomy of Birds
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Physiology of Birds
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Reproduction and Development
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Habitat and Ecology of Birds
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Migration in Birds
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Economic and Ecological Importance of Birds
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Conservation and Management of Birds
UNIT 19: Mammals
Evolution of Mammals
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Features of Mammals
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Classification of Mammals
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External Morphology of Mammals
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Skin and Hair in Mammals
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Internal Anatomy of Mammals
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Physiology of Mammals
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Reproduction and Development in Mammals
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Habitat and Ecology of Mammals
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Adaptations in Mammals
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Behavior and Social Life in Mammals
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Economic and Ecological Importance of Mammals
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Conservation and Management of Mammals
UNIT 20: Plant Tissues
Difference between Plant and Animal Tissues
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Classification of Plant Tissues
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Primary and Secondary Growth in Plants
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Meristematic Tissues: Types and Functions
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Simple Permanent Issues: Types and Functions
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Complex Permanent Tissues – Xylem
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Complex Permanent Tissues – Phloem
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Protective Tissues in Plants – Epidermis, Cork etc.
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Secretory and Special Tissues in Plants
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Economic and Industrial Importance of Plant Tissues
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Medicinal Uses of Plant Tissues
UNIT 21: Plant Morphology
Overview of Plant Morphology
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Root: Structure, Types and Functions
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Root Modifications
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Economic Importance of Roots
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Stem: Structure, Types and Functions
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Stem Modifications
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Economic Importance of Stem
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Leaf: Structure, Types and Functions
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Leaf Modifications
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Economic Importance of Leaves
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Inflorescence: Types and Importance
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Structure and Types of Flower
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Economic Importance of Inflorescence and Flower
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Fruits: Formation; Types and Functions
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Economic Importance of Fruits
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Seeds: Structure, Types
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Economic Importance of Seeds
UNIT 22: Animal Tissues
UNIT 23: Human Tissues
Types of Human Tissues
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Epithelial tissue: Types and Functions
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Diseases of Epithelial Tissue
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Connective tissue: Types, Components
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Blood: Composition and Functions
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Immunity in Humans
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Bone
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Cartilage
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Bone and Cartilage Disorders
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Muscle tissue: Types and Functions
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Muscle Health and Disorders
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Nervous tissue: Types, Composition and Functions
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Neuron and Functioning of Nervous system
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Structure of the Brain
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Reflex Action in Humans
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Neurological Disorders
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Tissue Repair and Regeneration
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Stem cells and Related Concepts
UNIT 24: Plant Physiology
UNIT 25: Plant Growth & Hormones
UNIT 26: Plant Reproduction
UNIT 27: Plant Products & Economic Botany
Important Cereals
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Important Pulses
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Important Oil seeds
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Important Fruits
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Important Vegetables
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Important Plantation Crops
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Important Spices
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Important Fibre Crops
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Important Timber Plants
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Important Medicinal Plants
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Important Decorative Plants
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Plants as sources of Essential Oils
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GM Crops
UNIT 28: Plant Diseases
UNIT 29: Musculoskeletal System
UNIT 30: Nervous System
UNIT 31: Sense Organs
UNIT 32: Blood, Circulation & Immunity
Components of Blood (RBC, WBC, Platelets)
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Blood Groups (ABO, Rh Factor)
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Lymph
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Circulatory System
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Heart
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Structure of Heart
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Cardiac Cycle
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Blood Vessels (Arteries, Veins, Capillaries)
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Double Circulation
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Blood Pressure
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Immunity
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Antigens and Antibodies
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Vaccination
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Autoimmunity
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Circulatory System Disorders (Anaemia, Hypertension)