AP Biology Exam Review Plan

Study Plan Overview

• Download checklist: Available at apbiosuccess.com/checklist.
• Preparation Materials:
  • Use three highlighters: Red, green, and yellow.
  • Implement the stoplight method:
    • Green: Items you know well.
    • Yellow: Items you know somewhat.
    • Red: Items you don't know at all.
  • Study Order: Focus on red items first, then yellow, finally review green items.

Study Resources

• Learn-Biology.com: Tutorials and comprehensive AP Bio reviews.
• Science Music Videos Channel: Unit and topic reviews.
• Live Reviews: Ongoing until the AP Bio exam.

Unit 1: Chemistry of Life

Topic 1.1: Water and Hydrogen Bonding

• Water:
  • Polar molecule forming hydrogen bonds.
  • Properties: Universal solvent, cohesion, adhesion, surface tension, high specific heat.
• Hydrogen Bonds: Present in DNA, RNA, proteins, and more.

Topics 1.2 to 1.3: Elements of Life

• Molecules of Life:
  • Built from monomers to polymers via dehydration synthesis.
  • Breakdown via hydrolysis.
• Carbohydrates:
  • Energy storage: Monosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides.
  • Structural components: Cellulose in cell walls.
• Lipids:
  • Non-polar, composed of fatty acids (saturated/unsaturated).
  • Functions: Energy storage, waterproofing, membrane formation, signaling.
• Proteins:
  • Functions: Motion, enzymes, structures, transport, energy storage, signaling.
  • Structure: Composed of amino acids; four levels of structure.
• Nucleic Acids:
  • DNA/RNA as hereditary/information transfer molecules.
  • Nucleotides composed of sugar, nitrogenous base, phosphate group.

Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function

• Cell Types: Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic differences.
• Cell Size: Importance of surface area to volume ratio.
• Membrane Structure and Function:
  • Selective permeability.
  • Fluid mosaic model: Phospholipids, cholesterol, proteins.
  • Transport: Diffusion (passive/simple/facilitated), active transport, osmosis.
• Cellular Compartmentalization: Importance of internal compartments.
• Endosymbiotic Theory: Mitochondria and chloroplasts origins.

Unit 3: Cellular Energetics

• Enzymes: Protein catalysts lowering activation energy.
• Metabolic Pathways: Glycolysis, KB cycle, Calvin cycle.
• Photosynthesis:
  • Light reactions and Calvin cycle phases.
  • Photosystems, electron transport, ATP/NADPH production.
• Cellular Respiration: Glucose conversion to ATP; aerobic/anaerobic processes.

Unit 4: Cell Communication, Feedback, and the Cell Cycle

• Cell Communication: Ligands, signal transduction, cellular responses.
• Homeostasis and Feedback: Negative vs. positive feedback examples.
• Cell Cycle: Phases, checkpoints, cancer relation.

Unit 5: Heredity

• Meiosis: Genetic diversity generation through crossing over, independent assortment.
• Genetics: Gene concept, Mendelian principles, sex-linked genes, linked genes.

Unit 6: Gene Expression

• DNA Replication: Semiconservative process, enzyme roles.
• Transcription and Translation: Detailed processes of RNA synthesis and protein formation.
• Gene Regulation: Differences in prokaryotic/ukaryotic gene control, epigenetics.
• Mutations: Types and effects on genetic code.

Unit 7: Evolution

• Natural Selection: Darwinian principles and types of selection.
• Population Genetics: Hardy-Weinberg principles, evolution causes.
• Speciation and Extinction: Mechanisms and historical events.

Unit 8: Ecology

• Environmental Responses: Case studies and analytical skills.
• Energy Flow and Population Growth: Trophic levels, growth models.
• Species Interactions and Community Structure: Keystone species, biodiversity measurement.
• Human Impacts: Effects on biodiversity and ecosystem health.