AP Biology Exam Preparation Lecture Notes

Introduction

• The AP Biology exam is challenging, but preparation is key.
• Complete course overview will be covered, focusing on important topics and concepts.
• A checklist for study preparation is available for download.

Unit 1: Chemistry of Life

Properties of Water

• Polarity: Water is polar due to unequal electron sharing.
• Hydrogen Bonds: Intermolecular, weak bonds essential for DNA, RNA, and proteins.
• Effects: Cohesion, adhesion, surface tension.

pH and Solutions

• Acidic Solutions: More hydrogen ions, pH < 7.
• Basic Solutions: More hydroxide ions, pH > 7.

Elements of Life

• Key elements: Carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, sulfur (CHNOPS).
• Importance in energy exchange and structure.

Biomolecules

• Monomers and Polymers: Carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids are polymers made of monomers.
• Dehydration Synthesis & Hydrolysis: Key processes for forming and breaking down polymers.

Functional Groups

• Various groups impact molecule behavior and interactions.

Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function

Cell Membranes

• Structure: Phospholipid bilayer with proteins.
• Fluid Mosaic Model: Components in motion.

Transport Mechanisms

• Passive Transport: Diffusion, facilitated diffusion.
• Active Transport: Requires energy (ATP).

Tonicity and Osmoregulation

• Osmosis: Movement of water, impacts cell volume.
• Water Potential: Influences water movement.

Unit 3: Cellular Energetics

Enzymes

• Function: Catalyze reactions, lower activation energy.
• Factors: pH, temperature, substrate concentration affect activity.

Metabolism and Energy

• ATP: Energy currency in cells.
• Metabolic Pathways: Sequential reactions in cells.

Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

• Photosynthesis: Converts light energy to chemical energy.
• Cellular Respiration: Converts glucose to ATP.

Unit 4: Cell Communication and Feedback

Cell Signaling

• Reception, Transduction, Response: Key stages in signaling.
• Types of Signals: Hormones, local regulators.

Feedback Mechanisms

• Negative Feedback: Maintains homeostasis.
• Positive Feedback: Drives processes to completion.

Unit 5: Heredity

Meiosis and Genetic Variation

• Meiosis: Reduction division, creates genetic diversity.
• Independent Assortment & Crossing Over: Increase variation.

Mendelian Genetics

• Principles of Segregation and Independent Assortment.
• Punnett Squares: Predict genetic outcomes.

Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation

DNA and RNA

• Structure and Function: DNA holds genetic information, RNA involved in protein synthesis.

Transcription and Translation

• Central Dogma: DNA -> RNA -> Protein.

Gene Regulation

• Operons: Gene clusters in prokaryotes.
• Eukaryotic Regulation: Complex, involves multiple factors.

Unit 7: Evolution

Natural and Artificial Selection

• Mechanisms: Natural selection, adaptive features.

Population Genetics

• Genetic Drift, Gene Flow: Factors influencing genetic variation.

Unit 8: Ecology

Ecosystems and Energy Flow

• Trophic Levels: Energy transfer in ecosystems.
• Biogeochemical Cycles: Carbon cycle.

Population Dynamics

• Growth Models: Exponential and logistic.

Human Impact and Biodiversity

• Ecosystem Disruption: Human activities affecting biodiversity.

These notes provide a structured and comprehensive overview of the key topics covered in the AP Biology curriculum, focusing on areas essential for exam success.