AP Biology: The Chemistry of Life

These flashcards cover essential concepts from AP Biology related to the chemistry of life, including the structure and function of macromolecules, properties of water, and molecular interactions.

Monosaccharide

What is the monomer of carbohydrates

Peptide bond

What type of bond holds amino acids together in proteins?

Phosphate, nitrogenous base, and pentose sugar

What are the components of a nucleotide in nucleic acids?

Phosphodiester linkage

What is the primary bond in phospholipids?

All single bonds between carbon atoms

What is the structural feature of saturated fatty acids?

Surface tension

What property of water allows water striders to walk on its surface?

Hydrogen bonds inhibit compaction and require a large amount of energy to change temperature

What is the effect of hydrogen bonds on water's specific heat?

pH = - log [H+]; as the concentration of hydrogen ions increases, pH decreases.

Describe the pH scale.

It is the ability of water to be drawn up into narrow spaces due to adhesion and cohesion.

What is capillary action in relation to water?

Pyrimidines (C, U, T) and Purines (A, G).

What are the two types of nitrogenous bases in nucleic acids?