AP Bio Unit 1 Complete Student Notes Flashcards

Scientific Method

Scientific Method

A series of steps followed to solve problems, including stating a problem/question, making observations/research, formulating a hypothesis, conducting an experiment, collecting and analyzing data, drawing conclusions, and communicating results.

Graphing

The visual representation of data using graphs and charts, with the independent variable on the x-axis, dependent variable on the y-axis, labeled axes and units, and a descriptive title.

Data Analysis/Statistics

The process of analyzing data to determine the validity of observed patterns, using descriptive and inferential statistics, such as mean, standard deviation, standard error, and confidence intervals.

Hypothesis Testing

The process of testing a hypothesis by comparing observed data to expected data, using statistical tests such as chi square analysis and t-tests, to determine if there is enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis.

Chi Square Analysis

A statistical test used to compare observed and expected data in categorical variables, to determine if the variation in results from expected values is due to chance.

t-tests

A statistical test used to compare the means of two populations or groups, to determine if there is a significant difference between them.

Covalent Bonds

Chemical bonds formed by the sharing of electron pairs between atoms, resulting in the formation of molecules.

Molecule

Atoms held together by covalent bonds.

Polar Molecules

Carry a slight electrical charge at opposite poles.

Non-polar Molecules

Molecules that do not have an electrical charge.

Electronegativity

Atom's desire to acquire electrons.

Ionic Bonds

Form between metal and non-metal atoms, where metal atoms lose electrons and non-metal atoms gain electrons.

Salts

Compounds held together by ionic bonds.

Hydrogen Bonds

Weak intermolecular attractions between polar molecules.

Order of 3 Bonds Strongest to Weakest

Covalent Bonds, Ionic Bonds, Hydrogen Bonds

Van der Waals Interactions or London Dispersion Forces

Temporary intermolecular attractions due to the clumping of electrons on one side of an atom. Weakest Bond

Water Cycle

The cycling of water through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Polar Molecule

Water is a _______ with a slight negative charge on the oxygen end and a slight positive charge on the hydrogen end.

Hydrogen Bonds

"Special type of intermolecular bond formed between a hydrogen atom and an electronegative atom (N, O, or F). It is weaker than covalent bonds but stronger than other intermolecular forces. __________ play a crucial role in DNA structure, protein folding, and water's unique properties."

Specific Heat

The amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a substance per unit mass. In biology, __________ refers to the heat capacity of living organisms and their ability to regulate internal temperature. It plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis and adapting to environmental changes.

Solvent

A substance capable of dissolving other substances. It is typically a liquid, such as water, that can dissolve solutes to form a solution. Important in biology as they facilitate various biochemical reactions and transport molecules within cells."

Heat of Vaporization

The amount of heat energy required to convert one gram of a liquid substance into vapor at its boiling point, without changing its temperature. It is a measure of the strength of the intermolecular forces holding the liquid together.

Evaporative Cooling

Allows processes like sweating and transpiration to cool off organisms.

Cohesion and Adhesion

The attraction between molecules of the same substance, causes them to stick together. The attraction between molecules of different substances, causing them to stick to each other.

Expansion upon Freezing

Water expands as it freezes, making ice less dense than liquid water and allowing it to float.

Carbon

The element that makes up most compounds found in living things.

Organic Macromolecules aka Biomolecules

Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids

Carbon Dioxide

The original source of carbon in all life forms.

Carbon Bonds

Carbon has 4 valence electrons, allowing it to form four covalent bonds and create a variety of shapes and functions.

Macromolecules

Formed by combining individual units called monomers through dehydration synthesis.

Carbohydrates

Sugars that serve as sources of quick energy and structural materials.

Monosaccharides

The building blocks of carbohydrates, with glucose, fructose, and ribose being common examples.

Polysaccharides

Formed by bonding several monosaccharides together, including starch, glycogen, and cellulose.

Lipids

Fats, oils, waxes, and steroids, mostly hydrophobic.

Fatty Acids

Lipids consist of fatty acids and a glycerol molecule held together by ester linkages.

Triglycerides

Major types of lipids, including saturated fats, unsaturated fats, and polyunsaturated fats.

Hydrogenated or Trans Fats

Solid fats created by adding hydrogen and breaking double or triple bonds, associated with health issues.

Phospholipids

Lipids that replace a fatty acid chain with a phosphate ion, amphipathic with polar and nonpolar sides. Make up most cell membranes.

Steroids

Lipids composed of 4 carbon rings, including testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and cholesterol.

Proteins

Make up over 50% of an organism's dry weight, composed of amino acids.

Amino Acids

There are 20 different ones used to make proteins, with four parts: carboxyl end, amine end, alpha carbon, and R group.

Peptide Bonds

The bond that amino acids are bonded together by.

Polypeptide

Two or more bonded amino acids forming a chain.

Protein Structure

Four levels: primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary.

Tertiary Structure

Refers to the overall shape of an individual polypeptide chain, stabilized by disulfide bridges and ionic interactions.

Quaternary Structure

Formed when two or more polypeptides are woven together.

Denaturation

The unfolding of a protein or enzyme, causing loss of function. Usually caused by differences in heat or PH levels.

Nitrogen Cycle

The process of nitrogen moving from the atmosphere to living things and back.

Nitrogen Fixation

The process by which certain bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for plants.

Nitrification

Process in which ammonia is converted into nitrites, then further oxidized into nitrates by bacteria. Occurs in soil and water environments. An important step in the nitrogen cycle. Increases availability of nitrogen for plants. Supports plant growth and ecosystem productivity.

Denitrification

Conversion of nitrates back into oxygen and nitrogen gas.

Ammonification

Conversion of ammonia into ammonium.

Nucleic Acids

Function to store genetic information. Make up both DNA and RNA