AP Biology Exam Cram Session with Mrs. Jones

Introduction

• Host: Mrs. Jones, known as AP Bio Penguins.
• Purpose: Cram session for AP Biology exam preparation.
• Format: Overview of the exam, unit review, practice questions, and Q&A.
• Recording: The session is recorded and available on multiple platforms.

Exam Format

• Section 1:
  • 90 minutes
  • 60 multiple-choice questions
  • Worth 50% of the exam
• Section 2:
  • 90 minutes
  • 6 free response questions (2 long and 4 short)
  • Worth 50% of the exam
• Scoring Insight:
  • Passing score estimation: 54 out of 120 points.
  • Strategy: Aim for 50% correct responses.

Unit Overview and Key Concepts

Unit 1: Chemistry of Life

• Focus on hydrogen bonds, covalent/ionic bonds, and biomolecules (proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, carbohydrates).
• Important Topics:
  • Proteins: Structure, peptide bonds, R group interactions.
  • Lipids: Types (fats, phospholipids, steroids), membrane structure.
  • Nucleic Acids: DNA vs. RNA, nucleotide structure.
  • Carbohydrates: Monosaccharides, glycosidic linkages.

Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function

• Overview of organelles and functions.
• Key Organelles:
  • Nucleus, Ribosomes, ER (Rough and Smooth), Golgi apparatus, Mitochondria, Lysosomes.
• Membrane Transport:
  • Passive (simple and facilitated diffusion) vs. active transport.
  • Bulk transport: phagocytosis and pinocytosis.

Unit 3: Cellular Energetics

• Enzymes: Factors affecting activity, competitive vs. non-competitive inhibition.
• Cellular Respiration:
  • Glycolysis, Krebs Cycle, Electron Transport Chain.
  • ATP production through oxidative phosphorylation.
• Photosynthesis:
  • Light reactions and Calvin cycle.
  • Electron flow (cyclic and noncyclic).

Unit 4: Cell Communication and Cell Cycle

• Signal Transduction: Reception, transduction, response.
• Cell Cycle and Checkpoints: G1, S, G2, M checkpoints.
  • Phases of mitosis (Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase, Cytokinesis).

Unit 5: Heredity

• Meiosis: Two divisions, crossing over, independent assortment.
• Genetic Inheritance:
  • Dominant vs. recessive, incomplete dominance, co-dominance.
  • Interpretation of pedigrees.

Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation

• DNA vs. RNA, Central Dogma (Replication, Transcription, Translation).
• Mutations: Types (silent, missense, nonsense, frameshift).
• Biotechnology: Gel electrophoresis, PCR, transformation.

Unit 7: Natural Selection and Evolution

• Natural Selection: Survival of the fittest, adaptation.
• Hardy-Weinberg Principle: Allele frequency calculations.
• Evolutionary Trees: Phylogenetic analysis based on genetic data.

Unit 8: Ecology

• Energy Flow: 10% rule, trophic levels.
• Population Ecology: Exponential vs. logistic growth.
• Community Interactions: Predation, mutualism, competition.

Practice Questions

• Multiple choice questions interspersed throughout the session to reinforce concepts.
• Free response examples discussed with emphasis on graphing and data analysis.

Strategies for Success

• Annotate questions, manage time effectively during the exam.
• Understand task verbs and question prompts.
• Use resources: videos, podcasts, practice problems, and review books.

Closing Remarks

• Reminder to utilize available resources for additional practice.
• Encouragement to embrace the penguin spirit and strive for success on the exam.

Additional Resources

• AP Classroom: Access to progress checks and practice questions.
• YouTube and Podcasts: AP Bio Penguins videos, Absolute Recap podcast.
• Study Tools: Quizlet, ETCH study cards.

Final Advice

• Stay organized, practice consistently, and remain confident in your abilities.
• Engage with study materials and review concepts frequently.