AP Biology Unit 1: Chemistry of Life Recap

Introduction

This video recap is designed to assist with studying for unit tests, midterms, final exams, and the AP Biology exam in May.
A free AP Bio Unit 1 Ultimate Review Packet is available in the description, which includes:
- Video study guide with answer key
- Practice multiple choice questions
- Skills practice sheets with video explanations
- Podcast and video resource links
- FRQ task breakdown

Utilize the video actively by printing the PDF study guide and pausing to complete practice questions and guided notes.
Avoid jumping to the answer key before attempting questions to maximize learning.
For further help, explore the Absolute Recap Biology Edition podcast and YouTube channel.

Understanding chemical behavior of atoms is essential for grasping molecular structure, function, and predictions for cellular processes.
Organisms need to obtain energy and exchange matter with the environment.

Structure: H2O consists of hydrogen and oxygen with polar covalent bonds, creating a polar molecule.
Polarity: Allows water to form hydrogen bonds, crucial for its unique properties.
Properties:
- Adhesion (attraction to other substances)
- Cohesion (attraction to itself)
- Surface Tension (enables phenomena like water droplets and insects walking on water)

Basic Elements: Carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, sulfur.
Subatomic Particles: Protons, neutrons, electrons.
Metabolism: Sum of catabolic (bond breaking) and anabolic (bond forming) reactions.

Carbohydrates:
- Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a 1:2:1 ratio.
- Include monosaccharides (glucose), disaccharides (sucrose), polysaccharides (starch, cellulose).
- Provide energy and structural support.
Proteins:
- Polymers of amino acids, each with a central carbon, hydrogen, carboxy group, amino group, and an R group.
- Levels of Structure:
  - Primary: Amino acid sequence
  - Secondary: Alpha helices and beta sheets
  - Tertiary: 3D folding due to R group interactions
  - Quaternary: Multiple polypeptide chains
- Function: Enzymes, transport, recognition, movement, communication.
Lipids:
- Diverse group of hydrophobic molecules; includes fats, phospholipids, steroids.
- Phospholipids form cellular membranes due to amphipathic nature.
Nucleic Acids:
- DNA and RNA, composed of nucleotide monomers (pentose sugar, phosphate group, nitrogenous base).
- Directionality: 5’ to 3’ ends, anti-parallel strands in DNA.
- Genetic information transmission.

Water and organic molecules' roles in biological processes are crucial for energy and matter exchange.
Review and practice with the provided resources to reinforce understanding and preparation for exams.
Consider purchasing the full AP Biology Ultimate Review Packet for further practice and exam preparation.