Chemistry of Life Flashcards

AP Biology Unit 1 Flashcards

What is the importance of testable and falsifiable hypotheses in scientific inquiry?

They allow for predictions that can be tested by experiments, thus advancing scientific knowledge.

Explain the difference between the scientific method and scientific practice.

The scientific method is a structured process, while scientific practice is an ongoing process that includes troubleshooting and adapting based on results.

In science, how does a theory differ from a hypothesis?

A theory is broader in scope, more general, and supported by a larger body of evidence compared to a hypothesis.

What is the importance of a control group in a controlled experiment?

Control groups are used to cancel the effects of unwanted variables, allowing for a clearer understanding of the variable of interest.

What is the conclusion of the mimicry in snake populations case study?

Field experiments supported the mimicry hypothesis and falsified the alternate hypothesis that predators generally avoid all snakes with brightly colored rings.

What is the purpose of asking scientific questions?

To investigate, understand, and develop explanations for how the earth, the universe, and various systems work.

What is the role of cause and effect in science?

Answering cause and effect questions has led to most of the powerful insights offered in science, helping to explain the natural world.

How does the arrangement of electrons relate to potential energy in an atom?

Electrons in an atom have potential energy because of how they are arranged in relation to the nucleus; farther electrons from the nucleus have higher energy.

What elements are necessary to build new molecules in living systems?

Carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus.

What was tested in the Miller-Urey experiment?

The chemical origin of life under conditions thought to be present on the early Earth

What is the definition of pH?

pH is the 'power of hydrogen', reflecting the hydrogen ion concentration in a solution.

What is the role of cohesion in the properties of water?

Hydrogen bonds hold water molecules to each other, resulting in high surface tension.

How does the structure of a polysaccharide relate to its function?

The structure and function of a polysaccharide is determined by its sugar monomers and the positions of the glycosidic linkage bonds.

What are the major functions of lipids?

Long-term energy storage and cell membrane function.

What are the four levels of protein structure?

Primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary.

Describe the flow of genetic information related to nucleic acids.

Nucleic acids make up the DNA bases, which in groups make up genes, which then provide directions for replication and protein synthesis.

How does denaturation affect enzymatic activity?

Denaturation causes a protein to unravel and lose its native structure, resulting in biological inactivity.

What is the role of directionality of subcomponents in polymers?

The directionality of the subcomponents influences the structure and function of the polymer.

Explain the importance of water's density as a solid in supporting ocean life during winter.

The lower density of ice allows it to float, insulating the water below and preventing it from freezing solid, enabling ocean life to thrive.

What is the purpose of spraying crops with water before a freeze?

When water freezes, it releases heat due to the formation of hydrogen bonds, protecting the plants from reaching freezing temperatures.