AP Biology Study Guide

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Properties of water

Properties of water

Water is a polar molecule with high heat capacity, cohesion, and adhesion due to hydrogen bonding.

Carbohydrates

Composed of monosaccharides, they provide energy and structural support in cells.

Lipids

Hydrophobic molecules including fats, phospholipids, and steroids, involved in energy storage and cell membrane structure.

Proteins

Made up of amino acids, they have diverse functions such as enzymatic activity and structural support.

Nucleic acids

DNA and RNA, responsible for storing and transmitting genetic information.

Enzymes

Catalysts that speed up biochemical reactions by lowering activation energy.

Cell theory

All living organisms are composed of cells, which are the basic units of structure and function, and arise from pre-existing cells.

Prokaryotic vs

Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells have them.

Nucleus

Contains DNA and controls cell activities.

Mitochondria

Site of cellular respiration and ATP production.

Endoplasmic reticulum

Involved in protein and lipid synthesis.

Golgi apparatus

Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for transport.

Lysosomes

Contain digestive enzymes for intracellular digestion.

Cell membrane

Composed of a phospholipid bilayer, regulates substance passage in and out of the cell.

Photosynthesis

Light-dependent reactions convert light energy into chemical energy (ATP and NADPH) in the thylakoid membranes. Light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle) use ATP and NADPH to convert CO2 into glucose in the stroma.

Cellular respiration

Glycolysis breaks down glucose into pyruvate, producing ATP and NADH in the cytoplasm.