Organic Compounds - AP Biology Review

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to organic compounds and macromolecules relevant for AP Biology, aimed at helping students to study and memorize essential terms and definitions.

Carbon

The chemical element with atomic number 6, known for its ability to form various compounds, including organic compounds.

Macromolecules

Large molecules formed by the joining of smaller organic molecules, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Polymers

Long molecules made by linking repeating smaller units called monomers together, typically held together by covalent bonds.

Dehydration Synthesis

A chemical reaction that involves joining two molecules by removing water, often used to build polymers.

Hydrolysis

A chemical process in which water is used to break down polymers into monomers; the reverse of dehydration synthesis.

Monosaccharides

The simplest form of carbohydrates, consisting of single sugar units like glucose and fructose.

Disaccharides

Carbohydrates formed by the combination of two monosaccharides via a glycosidic bond.

Polysaccharides

Large macromolecules formed from long chains of monosaccharides, such as starch and cellulose.

Amino Acids

Organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins, containing a central carbon, amino group, carboxyl group, and R group.

Peptide Bonds

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

Nucleotides

The basic structural unit of nucleic acids, consisting of a nitrogen base, a pentose sugar, and a phosphate group.

Hydroxyl Group

A functional group consisting of an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom (-OH) that is characteristic of alcohols.

Carboxyl Group

A functional group (-COOH) composed of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom and single-bonded to a hydroxyl group, found in organic acids.

Phospholipids

Molecules made of glycerol, two fatty acids, and a phosphate group, crucial for forming cell membranes.

Steroids

A class of lipids consisting of four fused carbon rings, serving various functions including as hormones.

Glycemic Index

A measure that ranks carbohydrates by their effect on blood glucose levels, with high GI foods causing rapid spikes.

Functional Groups

Specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules.