AP Biology Last Minute Cram Session

General Tips for AP Biology Exam

• Test Format: 3 hours, split into two 90-minute parts:
  • Part 1: 60 multiple choice questions
  • Part 2: 6 free-response questions (FRQs)
• Weighting: Both sections are weighted equally (50% each)
  • 2 long and 4 short FRQs
• Preparation Tips:
  • Bring: 2 pens (blue/black), 2 pencils (#2), a calculator (non-internet)
  • Provided: Formula sheet, extra paper
  • IDs required if testing at a non-home school location
  • No electronic devices (phones, smartwatches, etc.)

Multiple Choice Tips

• Answer all questions; no penalty for wrong answers
• Skim questions first, then read stems/stimuli
• Allocate ~1 minute per question

Free Response Tips

• Answer in complete sentences; avoid bullet points unless specified
• Focus on clarity over grammar perfection
• Spend more time on long FRQs; they are worth more points
• Be specific in calculations and rounding as instructed

Key Content Topics

Cell Biology

• Basic Unit of Life:
  • Cell membrane: phospholipid bilayer
  • Cytoplasm and genetic material (DNA)
• Signal Transduction Pathways: Signal → Transduction → Response
  • Can lead to gene expression, hormone production, or apoptosis

Molecular Biology

• Protein Synthesis:
  • DNA → mRNA (transcription in nucleus)
  • mRNA → Protein (translation in cytoplasm)
• Gene Regulation:
  • Prokaryotic: Operons (e.g., Lac operon)
  • Eukaryotic: Introns removed, exons spliced in mRNA processing
• Biotechnology:
  • PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA sequencing

Macromolecules

• Types:
  • Nucleic acids (nucleotides)
  • Proteins (amino acids)
  • Carbohydrates (monosaccharides)
  • Lipids (fatty acids, glycerol)

Energetics

• Cellular Respiration:
  • Glycolysis (cytosol), Krebs cycle (mitochondrial matrix), Oxidative phosphorylation (inner mitochondrial membrane)
  • Oxygen as the final electron acceptor
• Photosynthesis:
  • Light-dependent reactions: Occur in thylakoid membranes
  • Calvin Cycle: Occurs in stroma, fixes CO2 into sugars

Ecology and Evolution

• Feedback Mechanisms:
  • Negative: Maintain homeostasis (e.g., temperature, blood sugar)
  • Positive: Amplifies change (e.g., childbirth contractions)
• Evolution:
  • Natural selection, genetic drift, gene flow
  • Evidence from morphology, molecular data

Genetics

• Inheritance Patterns:
  • Mendelian (single gene), dihybrid, sex-linked
  • Mitochondrial inheritance (maternal line)

Populations and Ecology

• Population Dynamics:
  • Effect of environmental pressures on natural selection
  • Role of biodiversity in ecosystem resilience

Scientific Skills

• Experimentation:
  • Dependent vs. independent variables
  • Null hypothesis for statistical tests
• Graphing and Data Analysis:
  • Use line/bar graphs appropriately
  • Interpret error bars and significance

Math & Formulas

• Familiar with Chi-square, Hardy-Weinberg, water potential
• Understand statistical significance and degrees of freedom

Final Advice

• Review topics thoroughly
• Practice with past papers
• Utilize resources for full understanding

Additional Resources

• The presenter has additional AP Biology resources on their channel for further study and preparation.