AP Biology Last-Minute Review

General Tips for AP Biology Test

• Format:
  • Total time: 3 hours, divided into two parts (90 minutes each)
  • Part 1: 60 multiple choice questions
  • Part 2: Six free-response questions (FRQs), including 2 long and 4 short questions
  • Both sections are weighted equally (50% each)
• Test Day Essentials:
  • Bring: 2 blue/black pens, 2 number 2 pencils, a calculator (non-internet)
  • Provided: formula sheet and extra paper
  • ID required if not taking at your school
  • Do not bring phones, smartwatches, tablets, or cameras
• Answering Strategies:
  • Multiple Choice: Answer all, guess if unsure (no penalty for wrong answers)
  • Use 1 minute per question to leave time for review
  • FRQs: Write in complete sentences, avoid bullet points unless specified
  • Prioritize long FRQs as they carry more points

Content Review

Important Topics

• Natural Selection & Evolution: Commonly appears, review thoroughly
• Genes & Proteins:
  • Cells have unique genomes
  • Genes code for proteins, not all genes are expressed in every cell
  • Signal transduction pathways: involve signal, transduction, and response
• Protein Synthesis:
  • RNA polymerase synthesizes mRNA, eukaryotic transcription and translation occur separately
  • Prokaryotic transcription is coupled with translation
• Gene Regulation:
  • Operons (e.g., lac operon in prokaryotes)
  • Eukaryotic regulation through RNA processing (introns/exons)

Molecular Biology and Genetics

• Biological Macromolecules:
  • Structure and monomers (nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids)
  • Proteins: chains of amino acids, function affected by shape
• Cellular Respiration & Photosynthesis:
  • Cellular respiration: glycolysis, Krebs cycle, oxidative phosphorylation (Oxygen as final electron acceptor)
  • Photosynthesis: light-dependent reactions and Calvin cycle in chloroplasts
  • Endosymbiosis theory for mitochondria and chloroplasts

Feedback Loops

• Negative Feedback:
  • Maintains homeostasis (e.g., blood sugar, temperature)
• Positive Feedback:
  • Amplifies changes (e.g., childbirth contractions)

Cellular Structures

• Cell Membranes:
  • Phospholipid bilayer, proteins, carbohydrates
  • Control of substance passage, cell communication
• Mitochondria & Chloroplasts:
  • Sites of cellular respiration and photosynthesis, have own DNA (endosymbiotic origin)

Ecology and Environment

• Energy and Metabolism:
  • Endotherms and ectotherms regulate body temperature differently
  • Energy pyramids: energy loss at each trophic level
• Ecological Relationships:
  • Impact of biodiversity and resilience in ecosystems

Evolution & Inheritance Patterns

• Hardy-Weinberg Principle:
  • Used to determine allele frequencies in non-evolving populations
  • Know formulas: p + q = 1, p^2 + 2pq + q^2 = 1
• Patterns of Inheritance:
  • Single gene, dihybrid, sex-linked, genetically linked, mitochondrial inheritance

Exam Strategies & Math

• Graphing & Data Interpretation:
  • Use appropriate graph types (line, bar)
  • Interpret error bars for statistical significance
• Important Mathematical Concepts:
  • Chi-square test for genetic predictions
  • Familiarity with key equations: Hardy-Weinberg, water potential

Additional Resources

• Refer to the channel's resources for detailed content, study plans, and exam strategies.

This review provides a comprehensive summary of key concepts and strategies for the AP Biology exam. Good luck and make sure to review your study materials for detailed insights into specific topics!