Chemistry of Life

Discover how atoms and molecules—like DNA, proteins, and sugars—interact through chemical reactions to build cells, store energy, and create the blueprint for life itself.

8-11% of AP Exam
6 Chapters
Difficulty: Easy

Key Concepts to Master

Hydrogen Bonds
Cohesion
Adhesion
Surface Tension
Proteins
Nucleic Acids
Carbohydrates
Lipids
CHONPS
Water Properties
Atomic Structure
Solvent/Solute

1.1 Structure of Water and Hydrogen Bonding

Water's polar structure and hydrogen bonding give it unique, life-supporting properties like cohesion, temperature regulation, and surface tension.

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1.2 Elements of Life

Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur enable life's chemistry.

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1.3 Introduction to Biological Macromolecules (BM)

Biological macromolecules—carbs, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids—provide energy, structure, genetic coding, and enable life's functions.

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1.4 Properties of BM

Macromolecules enable life via energy (carbs/lipids), molecular machines (proteins), and genetic coding (nucleic acids).

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1.5 Structure and Function of BM

Macromolecules' structures dictate functions: carbs (energy), lipids (membranes), proteins (catalysts/structures), and nucleic acids (genetic code) collectively sustain life.

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1.6 Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) store genetic information in their nucleotide sequences—DNA's double helix ensures stability while RNA's single strand enables protein synthesis and gene regulation.

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