Unit 1 Chemistry of Life AP EXAM REVIEW

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the chemistry of life, focusing on the properties of water, biological macromolecules, and their roles in living systems.

Polarity

A property of water where oxygen has a stronger electronegativity, resulting in a slightly negative side and a slightly positive side.

Hydrogen Bonding

Interactions between water molecules that create molecular attractions due to polarity.

Cohesion

The attraction between water molecules caused by hydrogen bonding.

Adhesion

The attraction of water molecules to other substances via hydrogen bonding.

High Specific Heat

The property of water allowing it to absorb and hold heat, leading to temperature stability.

High Heat of Vaporization

The amount of energy required to convert water from liquid to gas, allowing for cooling effects.

Solvent of Life

Water's ability to dissolve many substances, making it crucial for biological processes.

Dehydration Synthesis

A reaction where monomers are joined by the removal of water, forming polymers.

Hydrolysis

A reaction where water is added to break down polymers into monomers.

Macromolecules

Large molecules created by the bonding of smaller units (monomers) through dehydration synthesis.

Nucleic Acids

Biological macromolecules composed of nucleotide monomers; includes DNA and RNA.

Peptide Bond

The covalent bond formed between two amino acids during protein synthesis.

Lipids

Nonpolar biological macromolecules that include fats, phospholipids, and steroids, but do not form true polymers.

Triglyceride

A type of fat formed by the combination of glycerol and three fatty acids.

Saturated Fats

Fats with no double bonds between carbon atoms, making them solid at room temperature.

Unsaturated Fats

Fats with one or more double bonds between carbon atoms, making them liquid at room temperature.