Mr. W's AP Biology Exam Preparation Guide

Study Plan

Prioritize study topics using the stoplight method:
- Red: Topics you don't know at all.
- Yellow: Topics you know a little about.
- Green: Topics you know well.
Study order: Red → Yellow → Green.
Resources for study:
- Learn-biology.com tutorials and comprehensive reviews.
- Science Music Videos unit and topic reviews.
- Live Reviews scheduled by Mr. W.

Water and Hydrogen Bonding
- Water's properties: cohesion, adhesion, surface tension, high specific heat.
- Hydrogen bonding in DNA, RNA, proteins.
Elements and Molecules of Life
- Formation of polymers via dehydration synthesis.
- Breakdown of polymers via hydrolysis.
- Carbohydrates: monosaccharides (energy storage), disaccharides (energy transport), polysaccharides (starch, cellulose).
- Lipids: non-polar, fatty acids, energy storage, waterproofing, membrane formation, signaling.
- Proteins: diverse functions, composed of amino acids, four levels of structure.
- Nucleic acids: DNA/RNA, heredity molecules, nucleotide base differences.

Cell Types
- Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic: size, structure, DNA packaging.
Cell Size and Surface Area
- Small size maximizes surface area to volume ratio for diffusion.
- Adaptations to increase surface area (e.g., gills, elephant ears).
Membrane Structure and Function
- Selective permeability, fluid mosaic model.
- Membrane transport: diffusion, facilitated diffusion, active transport, bulk transport.
- Osmosis and water potential.
Cellular Compartmentalization
- Importance of internal compartments (e.g., mitochondria, chloroplasts).
- Endosymbiotic theory: mitochondria and chloroplasts as ancient symbiotes.

Enzymes
- Protein catalysts, lower activation energy, specificity, inhibition (competitive and non-competitive).
Cell Energy
- Metabolic pathways: glycolysis, Krebs cycle, Calvin cycle.
- ATP as energy currency, coupling reactions.
Photosynthesis
- Light reactions: ATP and NADPH production.
- Calvin cycle: carbon fixation, energy investment, regeneration of RuBP.
Cellular Respiration
- Stages: glycolysis, link reaction, Krebs cycle, electron transport chain.
- Aerobic vs. anaerobic respiration, fermentation process.

Cell Communication
- Signal reception, transduction, response.
- Types of receptors and signaling pathways.
Homeostasis and Feedback
- Positive and negative feedback mechanisms.
- Examples: glucose homeostasis, childbirth.
Cell Cycle and Regulation
- Phases of mitosis, checkpoints, cancer causes.

Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction
- Creation of haploid gametes, genetic diversity.
Genetics
- Mendelian concepts, alleles, phenotype vs. genotype.
- Monohybrid and dihybrid crosses, sex-linked genes.

DNA and RNA Structure
- Semiconservative replication.
Transcription and Translation
- Protein synthesis process.
Gene Regulation
- Eukaryotic vs. prokaryotic gene regulation.
- Epigenetics: acetylation, methylation.
Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
- Techniques: PCR, gel electrophoresis, genetic modification.

Responses to Environment
- Case studies and analytical skills.
Energy Flow and Ecosystems
- Trophic levels, energy pyramids.
Population Growth and Interactions
- Models of growth, species interactions, keystone species.
Human Impacts on Biodiversity
- Habitat destruction, invasive species, extinction vortex.

For more detailed resources and guides, visit learn-biology.com and participate in live review sessions with Mr. W.