AP BIO UNIT 1 TEST STUDY

Atoms

The smallest units of matter, consisting of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Protons

Positively charged particles located in the nucleus of an atom.

Neutrons

Neutral particles located in the nucleus of an atom.

Electrons

Negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom.

Molecules

Formed when two or more atoms join together through chemical bonds.

Covalent Bonds

Bonds formed by the sharing of a pair of electrons between two atoms.

Polar Covalent Bonds

Bonds where electrons are shared unequally, creating partial charges.

Nonpolar Covalent Bonds

Bonds where electrons are shared equally between atoms.

Ionic Bonds

Bonds formed when electrons are transferred from one atom to another, creating full charges.

Isomers

Molecules with the same chemical formula but different structures and properties.

Organic Molecules

Molecules that contain carbon and are essential for life.

Inorganic Molecules

Molecules that generally do not contain carbon.

Polar Molecule

A molecule with partial positive and negative charges due to unequal sharing of electrons.

Hydrogen Bonds

Weak bonds formed between the partial charges of water molecules.

Cohesion

The tendency of water molecules to stick to each other due to hydrogen bonding.

Adhesion

The tendency of water molecules to stick to other materials.

High Specific Heat

The ability of water to absorb and release heat slowly, stabilizing temperatures.

Evaporative Cooling

The cooling effect that occurs when water evaporates from a surface.

Expansion Upon Freezing

The phenomenon where water expands and becomes less dense when it freezes.

Universal Solvent

Water's ability to dissolve many substances due to its polarity.

Solution

A homogeneous mixture of two or more substances.

pH Scale

A measure of acidity or alkalinity, with water being neutral at pH 7.

Dehydration Synthesis

A process where water is removed to form a new compound.

Hydrolysis

A process where water is added to break down a compound.

Monomer/Subunit

The building blocks of proteins, which are amino acids.

Amino Acids

The basic units that make up proteins, consisting of an amino group, carboxyl group, and R group.

Primary Structure

The specific sequence of amino acids in a protein linked by peptide bonds.

Enzymes

Proteins that speed up chemical reactions.

Defense Proteins

Proteins that protect the body, such as antibodies.

Storage Proteins

Proteins that store nutrients, like casein in milk.

Transport Proteins

Proteins that carry molecules, such as hemoglobin for oxygen.

Hormones

Proteins that regulate bodily functions, like insulin.

Receptors

Proteins that receive signals from the environment.

Denaturation

The process where proteins lose their shape and function due to non-optimal conditions.

X-ray Crystallography

A technique used to determine the 3D structure of proteins.

Nucleic Acids

Molecules that store and transmit genetic information.

DNA

A double-stranded helix that stores hereditary information.

RNA

A single-stranded molecule that carries information from DNA to ribosomes.

Nucleotides

The monomers of DNA and RNA, consisting of a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base.

Organic Chemistry

The study of carbon compounds.

Major Elements of Life

Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Phosphorus, and Sulfur (CHNOPS).

Functional Groups

Specific groups of atoms that determine the properties of organic compounds.

Monosaccharides

Simple sugars that serve as building blocks for carbohydrates.

Disaccharides

Carbohydrates formed from two monosaccharides.

Polysaccharides

Carbohydrates composed of many monosaccharides, serving as storage or structural components.

Lipids

A group of organic compounds that include fats, oils, and steroids, primarily used for energy storage and structural functions.