AP Biology Exam Flashcards
What six elements make up almost all life?
Nitrogen (N), Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), Oxygen (O), Phosphorous (P), Sulfur (S)
What is hydrolysis?
The decomposition of something in the presence of water or donating a water molecule by splitting it and attaching to other molecules
What is oxidation?
Loss of electrons
What is reduction?
Gaining of electrons
What is an anabolic reaction?
The process of synthesizing simple substances into complex materials
What is a catabolic reaction?
The breaking down of complex materials into simple parts
What is an endergonic reaction?
A reaction that requires energy
What is an exergonic reaction?
A reaction that releases energy
In a polar covalent water bond, what are the charges?
Oxygen is slightly negative charge and hydrogen has a partial positive charge
What is activation energy?
Before a reaction can take place, it must reach a point called its activation energy by receiving enough energy from the environment
What is free energy?
Energy in the environment in the form of kinetic energy or heat
How do enzymes work?
It catalyzes a reaction by lowering the required activation energy needed
