AP Bio Unit 1 (Chemistry of Life) Main Menu

Interactive tutorials are blue. Student Learning Guides (SLGs) are red. 

Optional Module:  Chemistry for Biology

This optional tutorial provides the chemistry background (atoms, molecules, chemical bonding) needed to understand biology. This tutorial is highly recommended for students who haven’t taken a chemistry course.

• 1. Basic Chemistry: atoms, molecules, chemical bonding | Basic Chemistry Student Learning Guide
  2. The Chemistry and Properties of Water (includes acids and bases) | Structure of Water Student Learning Guide (SLG)
  3. The Molecules of Life (Biochemistry) | Molecules of Life Student Learning Guide

1. Topic 1.1: The Chemistry of Water and Hydrogen Bonding

Topic 1.1, Structure of Water, SLG 

1. 1. Topic 1.1: The Chemistry of Water and Hydrogen Bonding

2. Carbon, the Elements of Life, and Functional Groups

Topic 1.2, Carbon, the Elements of Life, and Functional Groups, SLG

1. 1. Topic 1.2: Carbon and the Elements of Life

   2. Topic 1.2a: Functional Groups and Isomers

      • Note: While functional groups are not explicitly in the AP bio standards, they’re extremely useful for understanding the biochemistry you’ll encounter in an AP Bio course.

3. Biochemical Macromolecules

Topics 1.3 – 1.6, Biological Macromolecules SLG

1. 1. Topic 1.3: Monomers and Polymers

   2. Topic 1.4 – 1.6 Overview: The Four Biomolecule Families

   3. Topic 1.4, Part 1: Carbohydrates

   4. Topic 1.4, Part 2: Lipids

   5. Topic 1.5: Proteins

   6. Topic 1.6: Nucleic Acids

4. Unit 1 Review Page: Objectives, Flashcards, and Quizzes