AP BIO UNIT 1: BIOCHEMISTRY

Front

What is a polymer?

Back

A polymer is a large molecule composed of repeating structural units called monomers, which are covalently bonded together.

Front

What is the difference between a polar covalent bond and a nonpolar covalent bond?

Back

A polar covalent bond occurs when atoms share electrons unequally, resulting in a molecule with a partial positive charge on one end and a partial negative charge on the other. In contrast, a nonpolar covalent bond occurs when atoms share electrons equally.

Front

Which macromolecules contain nitrogen?

Back

Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and proteins contain nitrogen.

Front

What is the general ratio of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in carbohydrates?

Back

The general ratio of carbon to hydrogen to oxygen in carbohydrates is 1:2:1.

Front

What is capillary action?

Back

Capillary action is the ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of external forces, often observed in plants as water moves through xylem.

Front

What role do hydrogen bonds play in biological molecules?

Back

Hydrogen bonds are weak attractions between a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to an electronegative atom and another electronegative atom, playing a crucial role in the structure and function of proteins and nucleic acids.

Front

What are the four main types of macromolecules?

Back

The four main types of macromolecules are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Front

What is the primary function of proteins in biological systems?

Back

Proteins serve a variety of functions including catalyzing biochemical reactions (enzymes), providing structural support, transporting molecules, and regulating cellular processes.

Front

How do enzymes function as biological catalysts?

Back

Enzymes lower the activation energy of a reaction, increasing the rate at which the reaction occurs without being consumed in the process.

Front

What is the significance of the pH level in biological systems?

Back

pH levels affect enzyme activity, the solubility of molecules, and the overall chemical reactions in biological systems, but pH itself is not directly involved in capillary action.