ap bio review

CHONPS

The most abundant elements in living organisms: Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Sulfur.

Covalent Bonds

Strong chemical bonds formed when atoms share electrons, allowing carbon to bond with up to four other atoms.

Hydrogen Bonds

Weak attractions between a hydrogen atom with a partial positive charge and an electronegative atom, significant for water's properties.

Specific Heat

The amount of energy required to change the temperature of a substance; water can absorb large amounts of heat without drastic temperature changes.

Universal Solvent

Refers to water's ability to dissolve more substances than any other liquid, crucial for biochemical reactions.

Monosaccharides

Simple sugars that serve as immediate energy sources; the most common example is glucose.

Polysaccharides

Complex carbohydrates like starch and glycogen used for energy storage.

Amino Acids

Organic compounds that combine to form proteins, linked by peptide bonds.

Enzymes

Proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions by lowering the activation energy needed for the reaction.

Ribosomes

Cellular structures that synthesize proteins by translating mRNA.

Lysosomes

Organelles that contain digestive enzymes to break down waste materials and cellular debris.

Peroxisomes

Organelles involved in the detoxification of harmful substances and the breakdown of fatty acids.

Central Vacuole

A large organelle in plant cells that stores nutrients, maintains turgor pressure, and supports cell structure.

Cell Membrane

A phospholipid bilayer that is semi-permeable, regulating the entry and exit of substances in and out of the cell.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate, the primary energy carrier in living organisms.

Cellular Respiration

A metabolic process that converts glucose and oxygen into energy (ATP), carbon dioxide, and water.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants, algae, and certain bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose.

Natural Selection

The process by which individuals with advantageous traits survive and reproduce more successfully, leading to evolutionary changes in populations.

Adaptation

The process through which organisms become better suited to their environment through evolutionary changes.