Chemistry of Life

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the Chemistry of Life topic in AP Biology.

Polar Compounds

Molecules that have distinct regions of charge due to bond structure.

Hydrogen Bonds

Weak bonds formed between a proton in one molecule and an electronegative atom of another molecule.

Cohesion

The tendency of molecules of the same kind to stick together.

Adhesion

The tendency of dissimilar molecules to be attracted to each other.

Capillary Action

The movement of liquid through spaces on its own, often in opposition to gravity.

Macromolecules

Large biological molecules, such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.

Polymers

Structures made of repeating smaller units called monomers.

Monomers

The smaller units that make up polymers.

Dehydration Synthesis

The process by which monomers join to form polymers, releasing water.

Hydrolysis

The process of breaking down polymers into monomers by adding water.

Amino Acids

Organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins.

Peptide Bonds

Covalent bonds formed between amino acids during protein synthesis.

Primary Structure

The sequence of amino acids in a protein.

Secondary Structure

The folding of polypeptide chains into structures like alpha helices and beta sheets.

Tertiary Structure

The three-dimensional structure of a protein formed by interactions between R groups.

Quaternary Structure

The complex of protein molecules formed by groups of polypeptide chains.

Carbohydrates

Organic compounds that are an immediate source of energy, with the formula (CH₂O)n.

Glycosidic Bond

The covalent bond formed between carbohydrates.

Lipids

Nonpolar macromolecules that include fats, waxes, phospholipids, and steroids.

Saturated Fats

Fats with single bonds in their fatty acid chains; they tend to be solid at room temperature.

Unsaturated Fats

Fats with one or more double bonds in their fatty acid chains; they tend to be liquid at room temperature.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, a polymer made of nucleotides that carries genetic information.

Nucleotides

The building blocks of nucleic acids, composed of a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base.

Phosphodiester Bond

The bond that links the sugar of one nucleotide to the phosphate group of another.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid, similar to DNA, but usually single-stranded and uses uracil instead of thymine.