AP Biology Study Guide (copy)

Water

A polar molecule that forms hydrogen bonds and exhibits high heat capacity, cohesion, and adhesion.

Carbohydrates

Macromolecules composed of monosaccharides that provide energy and structural support in cells.

Lipids

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

Proteins

Macromolecules made of amino acids with diverse functions such as enzymatic activity, structural support, and cell signaling.

Nucleic acids

Macromolecules like DNA and RNA that store and transmit genetic information.

Enzymes

Biological catalysts that accelerate biochemical reactions by lowering activation energy.

Cell theory

The principle that all living organisms are made of cells, which are the basic units of structure and function, and arise from pre-existing cells.

Prokaryotic cells

Cells that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryotic cells

Cells that contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Nucleus

Cell organelle that contains DNA and regulates cell activities.

Mitochondria

Organelles responsible for cellular respiration and ATP production.

Endoplasmic reticulum

Organelle involved in the synthesis of proteins and lipids.

Golgi apparatus

Organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for transport.

Lysosomes

Organelles that contain digestive enzymes for intracellular digestion.

Cell membrane

A phospholipid bilayer that regulates the passage of substances in and out of the cell.

Photosynthesis

The process by which light energy is converted into chemical energy in plants.

Light-dependent reactions

Reactions that occur in the thylakoid membranes, converting light energy into ATP and NADPH.

Light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle)

Reactions that occur in the stroma, using ATP and NADPH to convert CO2 into glucose.

Cellular respiration

The process of breaking down glucose to produce energy in the form of ATP.

Glycolysis

The first step of cellular respiration occurring in the cytoplasm, breaking down glucose into pyruvate and producing ATP and NADH.