UNIT 1 Ultimate APBIO study cards

AP Biology Unit 1

Carbon

An essential element in organic compounds with four valence electrons, allowing it to form up to four covalent bonds.

Organic Chemistry

The study of compounds containing carbon covalently bonded to hydrogen and other elements, forming the basis of life.

Hydrocarbons

Organic molecules made entirely of carbon and hydrogen, serving as the backbone for more complex organic molecules.

Carbon Skeletons

The basic framework of organic molecules made from carbon chains that vary in length, branching, and ring presence.

Functional Groups

Chemical groups attached to carbon skeletons that influence the properties of organic molecules and participate in reactions.

Macromolecules

Large molecules made from smaller subunits (monomers), including carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids.

Polymers

Chain-like macromolecules made from repeating units (monomers) that are covalently bonded together.

Dehydration Reaction

A chemical process that joins two monomers by removing a water molecule (H₂O), forming a polymer.

Hydrolysis

The process of breaking down polymers into monomers by adding water (H₂O), reversing a dehydration reaction.

Monomers

The basic repeating units that make up polymers in macromolecules like carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Carbohydrates

One of the four main macromolecules composed of sugar monomers (monosaccharides) that provide energy and structural support.

Proteins

Macromolecules made from amino acid monomers that perform various functions, including catalysis, structure, and transport.

Nucleic Acids

Macromolecules that store and transmit genetic information (DNA and RNA) and are composed of nucleotide monomers.

Lipids

Hydrophobic molecules that do not form true polymers, important for energy storage, insulation, and cell membrane structure.

Monosaccharides

The simplest form of carbohydrates, often with the formula CnH2nOn, such as glucose, a major energy source for cells.

Disaccharides

Two monosaccharides joined by a covalent bond, like sucrose, used for transporting sugars in plants.

Polysaccharides

Large carbohydrate molecules formed by dehydration reactions, such as starch and glycogen for energy storage.

Amino Acids

Building blocks of proteins, consisting of an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a variable R group.

Peptide Bonds

Covalent bonds that link amino acids together to form polypeptides through dehydration reactions.

Levels of Protein Structure

Primary (amino acid sequence), Secondary (coils and folds), Tertiary (3D folding), Quaternary (multiple polypeptide association).

Nucleotides

The building blocks of nucleic acids, composed of a nitrogenous base, a five-carbon sugar, and a phosphate group.

DNA vs

DNA is double-stranded and stores genetic information; RNA is single-stranded and helps in protein synthesis.

Fats

Made of glycerol and three fatty acids; saturated fats have no double bonds, while unsaturated fats have one or more double bonds.

Phospholipids

Key components of cell membranes, with two hydrophobic fatty acid tails and a hydrophilic phosphate group head.

Steroids

Lipids with a carbon skeleton of four fused rings, playing important roles in cell membranes and signaling.