Biology Exam Review

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from the biology exam review.

Water

A polar molecule consisting of two hydrogens (+) and one oxygen (-).

Hydrogen Bonds

Attractions between the positive and negative charges of water molecules.

Cohesion

The tendency of water molecules to be attracted to each other.

Capillary Action

The ability of water to move up through narrow spaces, as seen in trees.

High Specific Heat

Water's resistance to temperature change, allowing it to help regulate temperature.

Solvent

A substance, like water, that can dissolve other molecules; 'like dissolves like' principle.

Monomers

The building blocks that make up macromolecules.

Lipids

Fats that make up cell membranes and serve as a source of energy.

Phospholipids

Molecules with a polar head and non-polar tails that make up cell membranes.

Nucleic Acids

Macromolecules, including DNA and RNA, that carry genetic information.

Amino Acids

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

Peptides

Chains of amino acids; proteins are made from folded peptides.

Polysaccharides

Complex carbohydrates made up of multiple sugar molecules.

Glycolysis

The first step in cellular respiration that breaks down glucose into pyruvate.

Krebs Cycle

A series of reactions in cellular respiration that produces ATP and high-energy carriers.

Electron Transport Chain

A series of proteins in the inner mitochondrial membrane that generates ATP.

Anaerobic Respiration

A form of respiration that occurs without oxygen, producing less energy.

Fermentation

An anaerobic process that converts pyruvate into lactate or ethanol, recycling NAD+.