AP Biology Review Guide

This set of flashcards covers essential concepts from AP Biology, focusing on key terms, definitions, and principles relevant to the course material.

What are the four essential elements that make up 96% of the mass of all living things?

Oxygen (O), Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), Nitrogen (N)

What is the smallest unit of an element?

Atom

What are the three subatomic particles of an atom?

Protons, Neutrons, Electrons

Define ionic bond.

A bond formed by the transfer of electrons, resulting in the attraction between positively and negatively charged ions.

What does electronegativity refer to?

An atom's attraction for the electrons in a covalent bond.

What are hydrogen bonds?

Weak attractions between a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to one electronegative atom and another electronegative atom.

What is meant by 'water's high heat capacity'?

Water can absorb a lot of heat before its temperature changes, helping to stabilize temperatures in the environment.

Define acids and bases in terms of H+ and OH- concentrations.

Acids contain a lot of H+, while bases contain a lot of OH-.

What is a buffer?

A substance that maintains stable pH levels.

What defines an organic molecule?

An organic compound contains carbon, whereas inorganic compounds do not.

What process is used to form disaccharides from monosaccharides?

Dehydration synthesis.

What type of bond connects amino acids together?

Peptide bond.

What are the four levels of protein structure?

Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, Quaternary.

What are the building blocks of nucleic acids?

Nucleotides.

What is the primary function of carbohydrates?

To provide energy and serve as structural components.

What is the main function of the mitochondria?

To convert energy from organic molecules into ATP.

What is the role of ribosomes?

To synthesize proteins by translating messenger RNA.

Define the role of the Golgi apparatus.

To process, package, and distribute proteins and lipids.

What hormone is produced in the adrenal medulla?

Epinephrine (adrenaline).

What is a keystone species?

A species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance.

What is the difference between r-strategists and K-strategists?

R-strategists reproduce quickly and often in unstable environments, whereas K-strategists produce fewer offspring and are adapted to stable environments.