Unit 1: Chemistry of Life

This first unit sets the foundation for students to understand the chemical basis of life, which is needed for mastery of future areas of focus and provides students with a survey of the elements necessary for carbon-based systems to function. Students learn that water and the properties of water play a vital role in the survival of individuals and biological systems. They also learn that living systems exist in a highly complex organization that requires input of energy and the exchange of macromolecules. This unit also addresses in detail how and in what conformations molecules called monomers bond together to form polymers. The structure of monomers and polymers determines their function. In the units that follow, students will need tounderstand and explain the interaction and bonding of atoms to form molecules. ^{(AP® Biology CED)}

1.0: Chemistry Fundamentals

(Not in College Board standards)

Topics: Atoms, isotopes, valence and bonding, ions, isomers, pH

1.1: Structure of Water and Hydrogen Bonding

Topics: Structure of water, polarity, hydrogen bonding, cohesion, adhesion, transpiration, specific heat, density, solvents and solutes

1.2: Elements of Life

Topics: Organic compounds, properties of carbon, CHONP molecules, functional groups, essential elements

1.3: Introduction to Biological Macromolecules

Topics: Hydrolysis and dehydration synthesis, monomers and polymers of organic molecules

1.4: Properties of Biological Macromolecules

Topics: Polysaccharide structure and isomers, lipid types and components, proteins and amino acid structure, nucleotide types and compononets

1.5: Structure and Function of Biological Macromolecules

Topics: Carbohydrate function, lipid function, protein folding, DNA strand growth and bonding

1.6: Nucleic Acids

Topics: Differences between DNA and RNA, properties of DNA and RNA, types of RNA