Ap biology

• What is adhesion in the context of water?


  Adhesion is the sticking of water to other surfaces.
• How does cohesion affect water's behavior?

  Cohesion causes water molecules to stick together, creating surface tension.
• What is the effect of hydrogen bonding in water?

  Hydrogen bonding leads to water's unique properties, such as high surface tension.
• What are the main properties of water due to hydrogen bonding?


  • High surface tension
  • High specific heat
  • Cohesion and adhesion
  • Expansion upon freezing
• What is the significance of water's high specific heat?

  It allows large bodies of water to absorb and store heat without significant temperature changes.
• How does ice behave compared to liquid water?

  Ice expands and is less dense than liquid water, allowing it to float.
• What role does water play in biological systems?

  Water acts as a solvent and is essential for metabolic processes.
• What are the functions of buffers in biological systems?

  • Maintain pH levels
  • Resist changes in pH when acids or bases are added
  • Important for physiological processes
• What is the basic structure of organic compounds?


  Organic compounds typically consist of carbon and hydrogen atoms.
• What is the significance of functional groups in organic molecules?

  Functional groups determine the chemical properties and reactivity of organic molecules.
• What are the types of isomers in organic chemistry?

  1. Structural isomers
  2. Geometric isomers
  3. Enantiomers
• What is a polymer?


  A polymer is a large molecule made up of repeating subunits called monomers.
• How do enzymes function in biological reactions?

  Enzymes speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process.
• What is the primary structure of proteins determined by?

  The primary structure of proteins is determined by the sequence of amino acids.
• What are the secondary structures of proteins?

  Secondary structures include alpha helices and beta sheets formed by hydrogen bonding.
• How do changes in pH affect protein structure?

  Changes in pH can denature proteins, altering their structure and function.
• What is the role of carbohydrates in living organisms?

  Carbohydrates provide energy and structural support in cells.
• What are the two main types of carbohydrates?

  The two main types of carbohydrates are simple sugars and complex carbohydrates.
• What is the function of lipids in biological systems?

  Lipids store energy, provide insulation, and form cell membranes.
• What are the main types of lipids?

  • Fats
  • Oils
  • Phospholipids
  • Steroids
• What is the basic unit of proteins?

  The basic unit of proteins is the amino acid.
• How do peptide bonds form?

  Peptide bonds form between the amino group of one amino acid and the carboxyl group of another.
• What is the significance of the tertiary structure of proteins?


  The tertiary structure determines the overall shape and function of the protein.
• What is the role of nucleic acids in living organisms?

  Nucleic acids store and transmit genetic information.
• What are the two main types of nucleic acids?


  The two main types of nucleic acids are DNA and RNA.
• What is the function of ATP in cells?

  ATP serves as the primary energy currency of the cell.
• How do enzymes lower activation energy?

  Enzymes lower activation energy by stabilizing the transition state of a reaction.
• What is the relationship between structure and function in proteins?

  The structure of a protein determines its function and activity in biological processes.
• What is the primary component of cell membranes?

  Phospholipids are the primary component of cell membranes.
• What is the significance of the fluid mosaic model of cell membranes?

  The fluid mosaic model describes the dynamic nature of cell membranes, with proteins and lipids moving laterally.
• How do changes in temperature affect enzyme activity?

  Increased temperature can enhance enzyme activity up to a point, after which the enzyme may denature.
• What is the role of cholesterol in cell membranes?

  Cholesterol helps to stabilize cell membranes and maintain fluidity.
• How do hormones function in the body?

  Hormones act as chemical messengers that regulate physiological processes.
• What is the significance of feedback mechanisms in biological systems?

  Feedback mechanisms help maintain homeostasis by regulating physiological processes.
• What is the primary function of the immune system?

  The primary function of the immune system is to protect the body from pathogens.
• How do vaccines work?

  Vaccines stimulate the immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens.
• What is the relationship between genetics and disease?

  Genetics can influence the susceptibility to certain diseases and conditions.
• What is the role of the nervous system?

  The nervous system coordinates and regulates bodily functions and responses.
• How do neurotransmitters function in the nervous system?

  Neurotransmitters transmit signals between nerve cells.
• What is the significance of the blood-brain barrier?


  The blood-brain barrier protects the brain from harmful substances while allowing essential nutrients to pass through.