AP Biology Exam Review: Biochemistry & Cells

A set of flashcards to review key concepts related to biochemistry and cells for the AP Biology exam.

What 4 elements make up 96% of living matter?

Carbon, Oxygen, Hydrogen, and Nitrogen

What are the 3 subatomic particles?

Protons, Neutrons, and Electrons

Name the three important types of chemical bonds?

Covalent, Ionic, and Hydrogen Bonds

What are Van der Waals interactions?

Slight, fleeting attractions between atoms and molecules that are close together

What are the properties of water that contribute to life?

Cohesion, Adhesion, Surface Tension, Specific Heat, and Evaporation

What is the difference between Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic?

Hydrophilic has an affinity for water while hydrophobic repels water

What is the difference between acids and bases?

Acids add H+ ions and have a pH less than 7, while bases remove H+ ions and have a pH greater than 7

What is the role of buffers?

They minimize changes in the concentration of H+ and OH- in a solution

Name the six functional groups?

Hydroxyl, Carbonyl, Carboxyl, Amino, Sulfhydryl, and Phosphate

What are the relationships between monomers, polymers, and macromolecules?

Monomers are small organic molecules that are the building blocks of polymers, which are long molecules of monomers. Macromolecules are giant molecules made of 2 or more polymers bonded together

What are the four major classes of organic macromolecules?

Monosaccharides, Lipids, Proteins, and Nucleic Acids

What are dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis?

Dehydration synthesis makes polymers while hydrolysis breaks down polymers

What is the function of carbohydrates?

Fuel and building materials

Name the three types of lipids?

Fats, Steroids, and Phospholipids

What are the four levels of protein structure?

Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and Quaternary

What are the two types of nucleic acids?

DNA and RNA

What are the key differences between light and electron microscopes?

Light microscopes use visible light and can view living specimens, while electron microscopes use electron beams and require non-living specimens

What are the key differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus or other membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells do

Name some key eukaryotic cell structures?

Nucleus, Ribosomes, Endoplasmic Reticulum, Golgi Apparatus, Lysosomes, Vacuoles, Mitochondria, Chloroplasts, Peroxisomes, Cytoskeleton, Plasma Membrane, and Cell Wall

Why must cells remain small?

To maintain a large surface area to volume ratio for efficient chemical exchange

What are the functions of the nucleus and ribosomes in a eukaryotic cell?

The nucleus houses chromosomes and contains nucleoli, while ribosomes carry out protein synthesis

What is the function of the endomembrane system?

The endomembrane system regulates protein traffic and performs metabolic functions

What are the functions of mitochondria and chloroplasts?

Mitochondria carry out cellular respiration, while chloroplasts carry out photosynthesis

What are the three main types of fibers that make up the cytoskeleton?

Microtubules, Microfilaments, and Intermediate Filaments

What are the functions of tight junctions, desmosomes, and gap junctions?

Tight junctions prevent leakage, desmosomes anchor cells together, and gap junctions allow passage of material

What are three types of passive transport?

Diffusion, Osmosis, and Facilitated Diffusion

List characteristics of Active Transport.

Requires Energy (ATP), Moves from a low concentration to high, Moves against the concentration gradient i.e. pumps, exo/endocytosis

What are the three types of endocytosis?

Phagocytosis, Pinocytosis, and Receptor-Mediated Endocytosis