AP Biology Ultimate Guide (copy)

What are elements in chemistry?

Elements are substances that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means.

List four essential elements that build biological molecules.

Oxygen (O), Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), and Nitrogen (N).

What are trace elements?

Trace elements are elements required by an organism only in very small quantities, such as Iron (Fe), Iodine (I), and Copper (Cu).

What are the basic subatomic particles of an atom?

Protons (positively charged), Neutrons (uncharged), and Electrons (negatively charged).

What is an ionic bond?

An ionic bond is formed between two atoms when one or more electrons are transferred from one atom to the other.

What is a covalent bond?

A covalent bond is formed when electrons are shared between atoms.

What special properties does water exhibit due to hydrogen bonds?

Water exhibits cohesion, adhesion, surface tension, high heat capacity, and expansion on freezing.

How is pH related to hydrogen ion concentration?

pH = -log[H+]. A solution's pH indicates whether it is acidic, basic, or neutral based on hydrogen ion concentration.

What defines organic molecules?

Organic molecules contain carbon, while inorganic compounds do not.

What is dehydration synthesis?

Dehydration synthesis is the process of forming polymers by removing a water molecule to join monomers.

Define hydrolysis.

Hydrolysis is the process of breaking down polymers into monomers by adding water.

What are the four classes of organic compounds central to life?

Carbohydrates, Proteins, Lipids, and Nucleic Acids.

What distinguishes monosaccharides from polysaccharides?

Monosaccharides are single sugar units, while polysaccharides are long chains of sugar units.

What is a glycosidic linkage?

A glycosidic linkage is the bond formed between two monosaccharides to create a disaccharide.

What is the primary function of proteins?

Proteins are important for the structure, function, and regulation of tissues and organs.

Name the four levels of protein structure.

Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and Quaternary structure.

What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?

Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds between carbon atoms, while unsaturated fatty acids contain one or more double bonds.

What are phospholipids?

Phospholipids are molecules with two hydrophobic fatty acid tails and a hydrophilic phosphate head, important for cell membrane structure.

What is the role of the Golgi complex?

The Golgi complex modifies, processes, and sorts proteins for delivery out of the cell.

How do mitochondria function in cells?

Mitochondria convert energy from organic molecules into usable energy (ATP) for the cell.

What happens during glycolysis?

Glycolysis is the breakdown of glucose into pyruvic acid, yielding ATP and NADH.

What is the purpose of the Krebs cycle?

The Krebs cycle oxidizes acetyl-CoA to produce ATP, NADH, and FADH2.

Explain the process of photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis is the process by which light energy is converted into chemical energy, using CO2 and water to produce glucose and oxygen.

What does the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium describe?

The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium describes the genetic variation in a population that remains constant from one generation to the next in the absence of disturbing factors.

Define speciation.

Speciation is the formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution.

What impact do keystone species have in ecosystems?

Keystone species have a disproportionately large effect on their environment relative to their abundance.

How do humans impact biodiversity?

Human activities such as deforestation, pollution, and habitat destruction lead to the reduction of biodiversity.