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AP Biology Ch 3: Molecules of Life
Questions and Expert Answers the
Latest Version
Question: Organic Molecule
Answer: Molecule consisting primarily of hydrogen and carbon atoms,
including carbohydrates, lipids, and more.
Question: Monomer
Answer: A small organic molecule that is used as a subunit of a larger
molecule.
Question: Polymer
Answer: A molecule that consists of multiple monomers.
Question: Functional Group
Answer: A cluster of atoms covalently bonded to a carbon atom of an organic
molecule (ex: aldehyde). The number, kind, and arrangement of these
molecules change the functions of the biological molecules.
Question: Reaction
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Answer: A process in which a molecule changes. (ex: a cell can build polymers
from monomers, and break down polymers to release monomers).
Question: Metabolism
Answer: Reactions and all other activities by which cells acquire and use
energy as they make and break apart organic compounds.
Question: Enzyme
Answer: An organic molecule (usually protein) that speeds up reactions
without being changed by them.
Question: Condensation
Answer: A process in which an enzyme covalently bonds two molecules
together.
Water can form through this process when a hydroxyl group from a molecule
combines with a hydrogen atom.
Question: Hydrolysis
Answer: The process in which an enzyme breaks a bond by attaching a
hydroxyl group to one atom and a hydrogen atom to another.
Question: Hydrocarbon
AP Biology Ch 3: Molecules of Life
Questions and Expert Answers the
Latest Version
Question: Organic Molecule
Answer: Molecule consisting primarily of hydrogen and carbon atoms,
including carbohydrates, lipids, and more.
Question: Monomer
Answer: A small organic molecule that is used as a subunit of a larger
molecule.
Question: Polymer
Answer: A molecule that consists of multiple monomers.
Question: Functional Group
Answer: A cluster of atoms covalently bonded to a carbon atom of an organic
molecule (ex: aldehyde). The number, kind, and arrangement of these
molecules change the functions of the biological molecules.
Question: Reaction
, Page | 2
Answer: A process in which a molecule changes. (ex: a cell can build polymers
from monomers, and break down polymers to release monomers).
Question: Metabolism
Answer: Reactions and all other activities by which cells acquire and use
energy as they make and break apart organic compounds.
Question: Enzyme
Answer: An organic molecule (usually protein) that speeds up reactions
without being changed by them.
Question: Condensation
Answer: A process in which an enzyme covalently bonds two molecules
together.
Water can form through this process when a hydroxyl group from a molecule
combines with a hydrogen atom.
Question: Hydrolysis
Answer: The process in which an enzyme breaks a bond by attaching a
hydroxyl group to one atom and a hydrogen atom to another.
Question: Hydrocarbon
