AP Biology (Mader), 11th Edition

Chapter 3: The Chemistry of Organic Molecules

Learning Outcomes

3.1 Organic Molecules

1. Explain how the properties of carbon enable it to produce diverse organic molecules.
2. Describe how functional groups affect a carbon molecules' chemical reactivity.
3. Compare what is added and what is produced during biomolecule synthesis and degradation reactions.

3.2 Carbohydrates

1. List several examples of important monosaccharides and polysaccharides.
2. Compare the energy and structural uses of starch, glycogen, and cellulose.

3.3 Lipids

1. Describe why lipids are essential to living organisms.
2. Explain where fats and oils are produced.
3. Contrast the structures of fats, phospholipids, and steroids.
4. Compare the functions of phospholipids and steroids in cells.

3.4 Proteins

1. Describe functions of proteins in cells.
2. Explain how a polypeptide is constructed from amino acids.
3. Compare the four levels of protein structure.
4. Analyze the factors that affect protein structure and function.

3.5 Nucleic Acids

1. Distinguish between a nucleotide and a nucleic acid.
2. Compare the structure and function of DNA and RNA nucleic acids.
3. Examine why purines and pyrimidines pair together.
4. Explain how ATP is able to store energy.