AP Biology Lecture Notes

Introduction

• AP Biology exam is challenging, but preparation can lead to success.
• Glenn Wokenfeld (Mr. W) offers guidance and resources for studying.
• A comprehensive checklist is available at AP bios.

Unit 1: Chemistry of Life

• Key Concepts: Chemistry and properties of water, hydrogen bonding, biomolecules.
• Water: Polar molecule, hydrogen bonds between water molecules (cohesion/adhesion).
• pH: Difference between acidic and basic solutions.
• Elements of Life: CHNOPS - Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Phosphorus, Sulfur.
• Biomolecules: Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids.

Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function

• Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Cells: Key structural differences.
• Cell Membrane: Structure and function, phospholipid bilayer.
• Membrane Transport: Passive vs active transport, diffusion, osmosis.

Unit 3: Cellular Energetics

• Photosynthesis: Light reactions and Calvin cycle.
• Cellular Respiration: Glycolysis, Krebs cycle, electron transport chain.
• ATP: Energy storage and release mechanisms.

Unit 4: Cell Communication and Cell Cycle

• Cell Communication: Signal transduction pathways, G-protein coupled receptors.
• Cell Cycle: Phases of mitosis and regulation by checkpoints.
• Cancer: Unregulated cell division, role of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes.

Unit 5: Heredity

• Mendelian Genetics: Principles of segregation and independent assortment.
• Non-Mendelian Genetics: Linkage, sex-linked traits, and gene interactions.
• Inheritance Patterns: Dominant vs recessive, codominance, incomplete dominance.

Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation

• DNA and RNA Structure: Differences between DNA and RNA.
• Transcription and Translation: Steps involved in protein synthesis.
• Gene Regulation: Operons in prokaryotes and gene regulation in eukaryotes.

Unit 7: Natural Selection and Evolution

• Natural Selection: Mechanisms and examples of adaptive evolution.
• Genetic Drift and Gene Flow: Effects on populations.
• Speciation and Extinction: Factors leading to new species and loss of biodiversity.

Unit 8: Ecology

• Population Ecology: Exponential and logistic growth models.
• Community Ecology: Symbiotic relationships and ecological succession.
• Ecosystem Ecology: Energy flow, trophic levels, and biogeochemical cycles.

Study Resources

• Learnbiology.com offers quizzes, flashcards, and interactive tutorials.
• Free trials available for students and teachers.

These notes summarize key points from an extensive lecture series covering the AP Biology curriculum. Focus on the main ideas and ensure a solid understanding of each unit's concepts for exam success.