Preparing for AP Biology Exam

Aug 19, 2024

Mindmap

AP Biology Exam Review

Introduction

  • Welcome and purpose of the review sessions by Mr. Monsoor (Columbian Bio).
  • Sessions focus on exam preparation, not re-teaching the material.
  • Overview of exam dates:
    • May 14, 2021 (Paper, 8 AM local time).
    • May 27, 2021 (Digital, 12 PM Eastern).
    • June 11, 2021 (Digital, 12 PM Eastern).
  • Exam format:
    • 60 multiple-choice questions (1.5 hours, 50% of score).
    • 6 free-response questions (FRQs, 1.5 hours, 50% of score).

Review Plan

  • Each session will focus on key topics, not complete course reviews.
  • Use AP Dailies for detailed topic revision.
  • Feedback through QR codes and Google forms.

Key Topics

Properties of Water

  • Importance of water in living systems.
  • Structure of water: polarity, hydrogen bonding, cohesion, and adhesion.
  • Concepts:
    • Hydrogen bonds: non-covalent, unequal sharing.
    • Surface tension and its biological significance.

Structure and Function of Macromolecules

  • Directionality and protein structure.
  • Directionality in DNA: 3' and 5' ends, anti-parallel strands.
  • Protein structures:
    • Primary: Amino acid sequence.
    • Secondary: Alpha helices and beta sheets (hydrogen bonds).
    • Tertiary: 3D folding (R-group interactions, hydrophobic/hydrophilic).
    • Quaternary: Assembled subunits.
  • Protein structure determines function.

Cell Structure and Function

  • Importance of knowing organelle functions.
  • Pathway from nucleus to cell membrane.
  • Example practice: Making a claim based on data.

Cell Size and Efficiency

  • Surface area to volume ratio: Limits cell size for efficiency.
  • Smaller cells are more efficient at material exchange.
  • Practice calculating surface area and volume.

Tonicity and Osmoregulation

  • Describing water movement: Isotonic, hypotonic, and hypertonic solutions.
  • Biological implications (e.g., plant cells, red blood cells).
  • Graphing skills: Labeling, scaling, and interpretation.

Mechanisms of Transport

  • Passive vs. active transport.
  • Types of transport:
    • Simple diffusion.
    • Facilitated diffusion (requires transport proteins).
    • Active transport (requires energy).
    • Endocytosis and exocytosis (large molecule movement).

Conclusion and Study Tips

  • Focus on AP Daily videos and progress checks for practice.
  • Understand task verbs for FRQs (e.g., identify, explain, evaluate).
  • Plan your study schedule, avoid cramming.
  • Provide feedback using QR codes and URLs.

Upcoming Sessions

  • Next session by Margaret Evans on Unit 3: Cellular Energetics.
  • Topics include photosynthesis, respiration, and enzymes.

Acknowledgements

  • Thanking AP teachers, College Board team, and peers for their support.

Note: Practice problems and interactive examples were provided throughout the review to enhance understanding.