AP Biology Unit Reviews: The Chemistry of Life

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to the chemistry of life, including macromolecules, their monomers, relevant bonds, and properties of water.

Macromolecule

Large complex molecules, including carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids.

Monosaccharide

The simplest form of carbohydrates, made up of one sugar unit.

Disaccharide

Carbohydrates composed of two monosaccharides bonded together by a glycosidic linkage.

Amino Acid

The building blocks of proteins, composed of an amino group, carboxyl group, and unique R group.

Peptide Bond

The bond formed between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of another.

Nucleotide

The monomer unit of nucleic acids, consisting of a phosphate group, a nitrogenous base, and a sugar.

Phosphodiester Linkage

The bond between the phosphate group of one nucleotide and the hydroxyl group of another nucleotide.

Lipid

A diverse group of hydrophobic molecules, including fats, phospholipids, and steroids.

Cohesion

The attraction between water molecules due to hydrogen bonding.

Adhesion

The attraction between water molecules and other polar substances.

Specific Heat

The amount of heat required to change the temperature of a substance.

Hydrophobic Interaction

The tendency of nonpolar substances to aggregate in aqueous solutions.

Polar

Molecules that have a partial positive charge and a partial negative charge due to uneven distribution of electrons.

Antiparallel

The orientation of the two strands of DNA, running in opposite directions.

Surface Tension

The cohesive force at the surface of a liquid that allows it to resist external force.