AP Biology Exam Review Plan

Introduction

• Video by Mr. W from learn-biology.com
• Exam preparation strategy to prioritize study topics

Study Plan

• Download checklist: apbiosuccess.com/checklist
• Use three highlighters: red, green, yellow
  • Green: Topics known well
  • Yellow: Topics known a little
  • Red: Topics not known at all
• Study order: Red → Yellow → Green

Study Resources

• Tutorials and comprehensive reviews on learn-biology.com
• Unit/topic reviews on Science Music Videos channel
• Ongoing live reviews

Unit 1: Chemistry of Life

Topic 1.1: Water and Hydrogen Bonding

• Water as a polar molecule
• Universal solvent due to hydrogen bonding
• Key properties: cohesion, adhesion, surface tension, high specific heat
• Presence of hydrogen bonds in DNA, RNA, proteins

Topic 1.2-1.3: Elements of Life

• Monomers and polymers: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids
• Carbohydrates: energy storage (monosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides)
• Lipids: non-polar, energy storage, waterproofing, membrane formation
• Proteins: diverse functions, composed of amino acids
• Nucleic acids: hereditary molecules, DNA and RNA differences

Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function

Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells

• Size, structure, DNA packaging

Cell Size and Surface Area

• Importance of maximizing surface area for diffusion

Membrane Structure and Function

• Fluid mosaic model: phospholipids, cholesterol, proteins
• Types of transport: passive (simple/facilitated diffusion), active transport, bulk transport
• Osmosis: water movement, hypotonic vs. hypertonic environments

Cellular Compartmentalization

• Endomembrane system, mitochondria, chloroplasts
• Endosymbiotic theory: evidence of evolutionary origins

Unit 3: Cellular Energetics

Enzymes

• Protein catalysts lowering activation energy
• Specificity and environmental sensitivity

Cellular Respiration

• Glycolysis, link reaction, Krebs cycle, electron transport chain
• Anaerobic respiration vs. aerobic respiration

Photosynthesis

• Light reactions and Calvin cycle basics

Unit 4: Cell Communication and Feedback

Cell Communication

• Ligands, receptors, signal transduction, responses

Feedback Mechanisms

• Homeostasis: negative and positive feedback

Cell Cycle

• Phases: Mitosis, meiosis, checkpoints
• Cancer: unregulated cell division, mutations

Unit 5: Heredity and Genetics

Meiosis and Genetic Variation

• Homologous pair separation, crossing over, independent assortment

Genetics Principles

• Mendelian genetics
• Sex-linked genes and inheritance patterns

Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation

DNA and RNA

• DNA replication: semi-conservative, enzymes involved
• Transcription and translation basics

Gene Regulation

• Prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic systems

Mutations

• Point mutations, frameshift mutations

Unit 7: Evolution

Natural Selection and Evolutionary Genetics

• Selection types: natural, artificial, sexual
• Hardy-Weinberg principle: allele frequency stability

Speciation and Extinction

• Biological species concept, reproductive isolating mechanisms

Unit 8: Ecology

Ecosystem and Population Dynamics

• Energy flow, population growth models

Species Interactions

• Types of interactions and evolutionary consequences

Human Impact on Biodiversity

• Anthropogenic effects on ecosystems and species diversity

Conclusion

• Encouragement to use learn-biology.com for further study
• Upcoming live reviews and resources available online

These notes cover key topics and provide a structured review guide for the upcoming AP Biology exam.