AP Biology Review Flashcards

A comprehensive set of flashcards designed to cover key concepts from AP Biology, including topics on cellular structure, functions, processes in life systems, and biochemical interactions.

What are the structural components of a nucleotide in nucleic acids?

A nucleotide consists of a five-carbon sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

What is cohesion in the context of water properties?

Cohesion is the property of water that allows water molecules to stick to each other due to hydrogen bonding.

Define active transport in cellular processes.

Active transport is the movement of molecules against their concentration gradient, requiring metabolic energy.

What is the function of ribosomes in cells?

Ribosomes are responsible for synthesizing proteins based on messenger RNA sequences.

What is the role of cyclins in the cell cycle?

Cyclins regulate the progression of the cell cycle by activating cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs).

Explain the role of the G1 checkpoint in the cell cycle.

The G1 checkpoint ensures the cell is ready for DNA synthesis by checking for DNA damage and sufficient size.

What phenomenon describes a cell's response to the absence of growth factors?

In the absence of growth factors, a cell typically enters the G0 phase and remains quiescent.

Define photosynthesis in biological terms.

Photosynthesis is the process by which organisms capture energy from sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

What is the significance of the sodium-potassium pump in cell membranes?

The sodium-potassium pump actively transports sodium out of the cell and potassium into the cell, maintaining electrochemical gradients.

What effect does temperature have on enzyme activity?

Temperature affects enzyme activity by influencing molecular movement; higher temperatures can increase reaction rates up to an optimal point before denaturation occurs.

Describe the relationship between surface area-to-volume ratio and cell size.

Smaller cells have a higher surface area-to-volume ratio, allowing for more efficient exchange of materials with the environment.

What role do tumor suppressor genes play in the cell cycle?

Tumor suppressor genes inhibit cell division and repair DNA, preventing uncontrolled cell growth.

Identify the primary components of the plasma membrane as described in the fluid mosaic model.

The plasma membrane is primarily composed of phospholipids, embedded proteins, cholesterol, glycoproteins, and glycolipids.

What is denaturation in the context of proteins?

Denaturation is the process where proteins lose their natural structure due to changes in temperature or pH, impacting their function.

Explain what happens during the S phase of the cell cycle.

During the S phase, DNA is replicated resulting in two sister chromatids for each chromosome.

Define osmoregulation.

Osmoregulation is the process by which organisms regulate the balance of water and solutes in their bodies to maintain homeostasis.

What is facilitated diffusion?

Facilitated diffusion is the passive transport of molecules across a membrane via protein channels without energy input.

What is the significance of the Calvin cycle in photosynthesis?

The Calvin cycle is the set of reactions that synthesizes glucose from carbon dioxide using ATP and NADPH produced in the light reactions.

What are the four levels of protein structure?

The four levels of protein structure are primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structure, each contributing to a protein’s overall shape and function.

Describe the concept of feedback mechanisms in biological systems.

Feedback mechanisms involve processes that influence and regulate cellular or system responses to maintain homeostasis, such as negative and positive feedback.

What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?

The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.