AP Biology Exam Review

AP Biology Exam Review Flashcards - Water Chemistry, Carbon Characteristics, Macromolecules

What is the basic structure of water?

Water consists of two hydrogen atoms connected to one oxygen via a polar covalent bond.

Why is water a polar molecule?

Oxygen is highly electronegative, pulling electrons from hydrogens, creating partial charges.

How does water form hydrogen bonds?

Partially positive hydrogen atoms are attracted to partially negative oxygen atoms in adjacent water molecules.

Compare adhesion and cohesion.

Adhesion sticks to other polar molecules; cohesion sticks to other water molecules. Together, they cause capillary action.

Describe water’s specific heat. Why is this important?

High specific heat keeps climates stable and allows for evaporative cooling.

Why is water considered the ultimate solvent?

Water is polar and attracts other polar molecules, making it a good solvent.

What are some of carbon’s fundamental characteristics?

Stable molecule with 4 valence electrons, forms covalent bonds, forms various shapes.

Why is Carbon found in all living organisms?

All biological molecules contain carbon.

What types of bonds do carbon atoms often form with other atoms? Explain why.

Covalent bonds, because carbon is non-polar and stable.

Compare dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis. Which process is used to build polymers? Which process is used to break down polymers?

Dehydration synthesis builds polymers and produces water; hydrolysis breaks down polymers and requires water.

Which process is illustrated adding water?

Water is added.

What is the monomer of a Carbohydrate?

Monosaccharide

What elements make up a Carbohydrate?

C, H, O

What is the function of a Carbohydrate?

Short term energy storage; structure

What is an example of a Carbohydrate?

Glucose, glycogen, cellulose, chitin

What is the monomer of a Lipid?

No true monomers; made of glycerol and fatty acids

What elements make up a Lipid?

C, H, O and sometimes P (in phospholipids)

What is the function of a Lipid?

Long term energy storage, insulation, structure of cell membranes, steroid hormones

What is an example of a Lipid?

Phospholipid bilayer, cholesterol estrogen

What is the monomer of a Protein?

Amino acids

What elements make up a Protein?

C, H, O, N, S

What is the function of a Protein?

Membrane transport Catalyze chemical reactions Immune function Cell communication

What is an example of a Protein?

Lactase, Insulin, Sodium/Potassium Pump

What is the monomer of a Nucleic Acid?

Nucleotide

What elements make up a Nucleic Acid?

C, H, O, N, P

What is the function of a Nucleic Acid?

Store and transmit genetic information; immediate energy

What is an example of a Nucleic Acid?

DNA, RNA, ATP

Compare a simple carbohydrate to a complex carbohydrate.

Simple carbs are easily broken down for ATP; complex carbs are for storage or structure.

What are the main components of a carbohydrate?

C, H, O in a 1:2:1 ratio, linked by glycosidic linkages.

What are lipids composed of?

C, H, O and P (in phospholipids)

Compare saturated to unsaturated fats.

Saturated fats have max hydrogens and stack closely; unsaturated fats have double/triple bonds, are bent, and are liquid at room temperature.

What are the basic components of a protein?

Central carbon with R group, amine group, and carboxyl group; contain C, H, O, N, and S.

What happens in primary protein folding?

Amino acids linked by peptide bonds.

What happens in secondary protein folding?

Interactions between non-R groups form alpha helices or beta sheets.

What happens in tertiary protein folding?

Interactions between R-groups (hydrogen bonds, Van der Waals, etc.) add more 3D structure.

What happens in quaternary protein folding?

More than one polypeptide chain interacts (e.g., hemoglobin).

Compare DNA to RNA. (at least 3 differences)

DNA is double-stranded, RNA is single-stranded; DNA has deoxyribose, RNA has ribose; DNA has T, RNA has U.

Which scientists discovered that DNA, not protein, is the genetic material?

Hershey and Chase

Which scientists discovered that DNA is the “transforming principle”?

Avery and MacLeod

Which scientists discovered the 3-d structure of DNA molecule?

Watson and Crick

Which scientists discovered the basic structure is a double helix?

Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins