AP Bio Review Part 1 - Biochemistry

CHONPS

The acronym for the six essential elements in living organisms: Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Sulfur.

Covalent Bonds

Strong chemical bonds formed when atoms share electrons.

Hydrogen Bonds

Weak attractions between a hydrogen atom of one molecule and an electronegative atom of another.

Dehydration Synthesis

A reaction that builds covalent bonds by releasing water, often anabolic and endergonic.

Hydrolysis

A reaction that breaks covalent bonds by using water, often catabolic and exergonic.

Polar Molecule

A molecule with a partial positive charge on one side and a partial negative charge on the other, leading to distinct physical properties.

Cohesion

The property of water that causes molecules to stick to each other, important for processes like transpiration.

Adhesion

The tendency of water to stick to other substances, aiding in processes like the movement of water in plant vessels.

Macromolecules

Large complex molecules, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids that play important roles in biology.

Phospholipids

A major component of cell membranes, consisting of two fatty acids and a phosphate group.

Enzymes

Proteins or RNA that catalyze biochemical reactions by lowering activation energy.

Induced Fit

The model of enzyme-substrate interaction where the enzyme changes shape to better fit the substrate.

Denaturation

The process by which an enzyme loses its functional shape due to factors like high temperature or extreme pH.

Temperature Effect on Enzymes

Increased temperature can enhance enzyme activity up to a point, beyond which it can cause denaturation.

Substrate Concentration

The amount of substrate present can affect the rate of reaction; more substrate generally increases reaction speed until saturation.

Control in Experiments

A standard against which experimental results can be compared, typically involving no enzyme or standard conditions.

Glycocalyx

A carbohydrate layer on the membrane surface that provides protection and helps with cell recognition.

Peptide Bonds

Chemical bonds that link amino acids together in proteins.

Sickle Cell Mutation

A mutation in the HBB gene that causes a change in hemoglobin structure, providing some resistance to malaria.

Ribosomes

Cellular structures that synthesize proteins by translating messenger RNA.