AP Biology Unit 1 Flashcards

Study Notes

Water and Its Properties

Hydrogen bonds in water create unique properties: cohesion, adhesion, and surface tension.
Cohesion causes water molecules to stick together, facilitating processes like water transport in plants.
Adhesion allows water to stick to other surfaces, contributing to phenomena such as capillary action.

Formation of Polymers

Monomers link to form polymers through a process known as dehydration synthesis.
Dehydration synthesis involves the removal of water to form covalent bonds between monomers.

Hydrolysis Process

Hydrolysis is the process where polymers are cleaved back into monomers.
It involves the addition of water, breaking the covalent bonds.

Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acids include DNA and RNA, essential for storing and transmitting genetic information.
They are critical for the inheritance of traits and protein synthesis.

Composition of Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acids are made from nucleotides.
Each nucleotide consists of a sugar (deoxy/ribose), a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Amino Acids and Proteins

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.
The specific sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain determines the protein's final structure and function.

Carbohydrate Formation

Carbohydrates are formed when sugar monomers bond together via dehydration synthesis.
This process results in the formation of polysaccharides such as starch and glycogen.

Understanding Lipids

Lipids are nonpolar molecules that include fats, oils, and phospholipids.
Saturation levels in lipids influence their physical properties and biological functions.
Commonly, lipids are integral components of cell membranes, contributing to their structure and fluidity.

Description

Test your knowledge with these flashcards covering key concepts from AP Biology Unit 1. This set includes important topics such as water's properties, polymerization, and hydrolysis. Perfect for quick revision before your exams!