AP Biology Full Topic Overview

Introduction

• Overview of AP Biology course and exam topics.
• Key terms highlighted to create flashcards.
• Strategies suggested for effective review.

Unit 1: Chemistry of Life

• Water Properties: Cohesion, adhesion, capillary action, high specific heat, surface tension.
• Biological Molecules: Proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, lipids.
• Processes:
  • Hydrolysis and dehydration synthesis.

Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function

• Cell Types: Plant vs. animal, prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic.
• Organelles:
  • Ribosomes, ER (smooth & rough), Golgi bodies, mitochondria, lysosomes, vacuoles, chloroplasts.
• Surface Area to Volume Ratio: Importance for cell size and material exchange.
• Membranes:
  • Phospholipid bilayer, semi-permeability, fluid mosaic model.
  • Types of transport: Passive, active, endocytosis, exocytosis.
  • Facilitated diffusion, aquaporins, ion channels (sodium-potassium ATPase).

Unit 3: Cell Energy

• Enzymes: Structure, function, and environmental effects.
• Photosynthesis: Light reactions, Calvin cycle.
• Cellular Respiration: Glycolysis, Krebs cycle, electron transport chain.
• Fermentation: Anaerobic process, less efficient than aerobic respiration.

Unit 4: Cell Cycle and Communication

• Cell Communication: Signal transduction pathways, feedback loops.
• Cell Cycle: Interphase, mitosis, cytokinesis, regulation by checkpoints.

Unit 5: Meiosis and Genetics

• Meiosis vs. Mitosis: Haploid gametes, genetic diversity.
• Genetic Variation: Crossing over, independent assortment, fertilization.
• Non-Mendelian Genetics: Linked genes, sex-linked traits, environmental influences.

Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation

• DNA and RNA Structures: Base pairing, replication process.
• Protein Synthesis: Transcription and translation processes.
• Genetic Regulation: Operons, transcription factors.
• Mutations: Effects on phenotype, positive/negative/neutral changes.
• Biotechnology: Techniques like PCR, electrophoresis, DNA sequencing.

Unit 7: Natural Selection and Evolution

• Natural Selection: Fitness, genetic variation, convergent evolution.
• Population Genetics: Genetic drift, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.
• Evidence for Evolution: Fossils, morphology, biochemical data.

Unit 8: Ecology

• Environmental Responses: Behavioral and physiological.
• Energy Flow: Autotrophs vs heterotrophs, trophic levels.
• Population Ecology: Growth patterns, competition, symbiosis.
• Ecosystem Dynamics: Biodiversity, keystone species, human impacts.

Conclusion

• Summary of key topics and skills for AP Biology exam preparation.
• Encouragement to utilize additional resources for study.