Ap Bio Unit 4

Carbohydrate Function = Provides quick energy, short

term energy storage (like plant starch and animal glycogen), and cell structure (like plant cellulose).

Starch = A carbohydrate made of glucose chains that plants use to store short

term energy.

Glycogen = A carbohydrate made of glucose chains that animals use to store short

term energy in liver and muscles.

Lipids Definition = Nonpolar macromolecules (fats, oils, waxes, phospholipids, and steroids) used for long

term energy, cell membranes, and signaling.

Lipid Structure = Made of glycerol and fatty acids (not true polymers); phospholipids have a phosphate group, and steroids have a four

ring structure.

Lipid Function = Stores long

term energy, builds cell membranes, insulates and protects organs, and acts as chemical messengers (hormones).

Saturated Fatty Acid = A straight

chain lipid packed tightly with hydrogens; solid at room temperature (like butter).

Unsaturated Fatty Acid = A bent

chain lipid containing double bonds that prevent tight packing; liquid at room temperature (like oil).

Fats = Lipids that store energy, support cell function, and insulate mammals to keep them warm.

Steroids = Lipids shaped like four rings that act as hormones to control growth, metabolism, and balance.

Phospholipid = A lipid with a water

loving head and fat

Nucleic Acid Structure = Made of nucleotide monomers (sugar, phosphate, base); DNA is a double strand, and RNA is a single strand.

Nucleic Acid Function = DNA stores genetic blueprints, while RNA transmits instructions to build proteins.

Protein Structure = Amino acids linked by peptide bonds, folded into unique 3D shapes across four structural levels.

Protein Function = Acts as enzymes, builds structures, transports molecules, communicates between cells, and fights disease (antibodies).

Independent Variable = The factor that the scientist changes or manipulates in an experiment (the "If…" part of a hypothesis).

Dependent Variable = The factor that is measured or changes because of the independent variable (the "Then…" part of a hypothesis).

Statistics = Mathematical methods used to collect, organize, analyze, and interpret data.

Descriptive Statistics = Math tools used purely to summarize, describe, and display the details of a specific sample data set.

Inferential Statistics = Math tools used to make predictions or draw conclusions about a larger group based on sample data.

Sample = A small, randomly selected group chosen to represent a whole population.

Statistical Population = The entire group of individuals or objects that a scientist wants to study.

Standard Deviation = A metric showing how spread out data numbers are from the average; higher means more spread out.

Confidence Interval = A calculated range of values where we are 95% certain the true population average actually sits.

Standard Error of the Mean (SEM) = A metric measuring how accurately a small sample average represents the true population average.

Chi

Square = A statistical test used to see if actual experimental counts (observed) match predicted expectations (expected).

Carbohydrate Elements = Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen in a strict 1:2:1 ratio (C:H:O).

Lipid Elements = Mostly Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen (long hydrocarbon tails); sometimes contains Phosphorus.

Protein Elements = Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Nitrogen (C, H, O, N); sometimes contains Sulfur.

Nucleic Acid Elements = Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus (C, H, O, N, P).