AP Biology · Unit 1: Chemistry of Life
1.5 Lipids
In short
You must understand that lipids are nonpolar and hydrophobic, and how their structure (e.g., saturated vs. unsaturated fatty acids) determines their properties (like being liquid or solid at room temperature due to kinks from double bonds). You need to know the functions of specific lipids: fats (energy storage, insulation), steroids/cholesterol (hormones, membrane stability), and phospholipids (lipid bilayers).
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What else do you need to know about Lipids?
However, the molecular structure of specific lipids is explicitly excluded and is beyond the scope of the AP Exam.
Can you do these?
- I can describe how the structure of lipids, including saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, determines their properties.
- I can explain the biological functions of various lipids, including fats, steroids, cholesterol, and phospholipids.
How is Lipids tested on the exam?
This topic is paired with Science Practice 6.E (Argumentation), requiring you to predict the causes or effects of a change in, or disruption to, one or more components in a biological system. You may need to predict how changes in lipid saturation affect membrane fluidity or how disruptions to lipid components impact overall cellular or organismal function. The molecular structure of specific lipids will not be assessed.
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Lipids: common questions
What do you need to know about Lipids for AP Biology?
You must understand that lipids are nonpolar and hydrophobic, and how their structure (e.g., saturated vs. unsaturated fatty acids) determines their properties (like being liquid or solid at room temperature due to kinks from double bonds). You need to know the functions of specific lipids: fats (energy storage, insulation), steroids/cholesterol (hormones, membrane stability), and phospholipids (lipid bilayers).
How is Lipids tested on the AP Biology exam?
This topic is paired with Science Practice 6.E (Argumentation), requiring you to predict the causes or effects of a change in, or disruption to, one or more components in a biological system.
How do I know I have mastered Lipids?
Check you can do each of these: describe how the structure of lipids, including saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, determines their properties; explain the biological functions of various lipids, including fats, steroids, cholesterol, and phospholipids.
Where does Lipids fit in AP Biology?
Lipids is topic 1.5 in Unit 1: Chemistry of Life of AP Biology.
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