AP Biology: Chemistry of Life Notes (copy)

Polarity

The property of a molecule that has regions of partial positive and negative charge due to unequal sharing of electrons.

Hydrogen Bonding

Weak attractions between a highly electronegative atom and a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to another electronegative atom.

Cohesion

The property of water that allows molecules to stick to each other, resulting in surface tension.

Adhesion

The attraction of water molecules to other substances, helping them wet surfaces or stick to vascular tissues in plants.

Heat Capacity

The ability of a substance to absorb heat with relatively small temperature changes.

Solvent Capabilities

Water's ability to dissolve many ionic and polar substances, facilitating chemical reactions in biological systems.

Dehydration Synthesis

The process by which monomers are linked to form polymers, releasing water as a byproduct.

Hydrolysis

The process of breaking down polymers into monomers by adding water.

Triglycerides

Lipids composed of three fatty acids attached to glycerol, functioning primarily in long-term energy storage.

Peptide Bonds

Covalent bonds formed between amino acids during protein synthesis.

Primary Structure

The unique sequence of amino acids in a protein, determined by genetic information.

Enzymes

Proteins that accelerate chemical reactions by lowering activation energy, and remain unchanged after the reaction.

Nucleic Acids

Polymers made from nucleotides, involved in storing and transmitting genetic information.

Antiparallel Structure

The orientation of two strands of DNA running in opposite directions, essential for replication and function.

Base Pairing Rules

The specific ways in which nucleotides pair in DNA (A–T and G–C) and RNA (A–U).

Feedback Inhibition

A regulatory mechanism where a product inhibits an enzyme's activity to prevent overproduction.

Functional Groups

Specific groups of atoms within molecules that determine their chemical properties.

Evaporative Cooling

The process by which water absorbs heat from its surroundings as it changes from liquid to gas, cooling the remaining liquid.

Density of Ice

Ice's lower density compared to liquid water due to hydrogen bonds forming a lattice structure, allowing it to float.

Universal Solvent

A term often used to describe water due to its ability to dissolve a wide variety of substances.