AP Biology Last Minute Review

General Tips for the AP Biology Test

• Video provides a fast review (cram session).
• Not introductory; check other resources for detailed content.
• Warning: Speaker talks fast, consider adjusting playback speed.

Test Format

• Duration: 3 hours total, divided into two parts of 90 minutes each.
• Part 1: Multiple choice (60 questions, 50% of grade).
• Part 2: Free response questions (6 questions, 50% of grade).
  • 2 long and 4 short FRQs testing different science practices.
• Items to Bring:
  • 2 pens (blue/black), 2 pencils (#2), calculator (approved list available), formula sheet provided.
  • Don't bring cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, or cameras.

Strategies for Multiple Choice Questions

• Answer all questions; no penalty for guessing.
• Skim questions first, then read stimuli carefully.
• Give about 1 minute per question; use remaining time to review.

Strategies for Free Response Questions (FRQs)

• Write in complete sentences; avoid lists and bullet points.
• Focus on clarity rather than perfect grammar.
• Spend more time on long FRQs.
• Answer the prompt thoroughly but succinctly.
• Know place values for rounding on calculations.

Content Review

Cell Biology

• Cells have cell membranes, genetic information (DNA), and cytoplasm.
• Genomes: The complete set of genetic material.
• Genes: Code for specific proteins giving traits.
• Signal Transduction Pathways: Involve signal, transduction, and response (gene expression, hormone production, etc.).
• Protein Synthesis:
  • RNA polymerase synthesizes mRNA (5' to 3') from DNA (3' to 5').
  • mRNA exits nucleus, and at ribosomes, tRNA brings amino acids for protein assembly.
  • Eukaryotic gene regulation involves operons and RNA processing.

Molecular Biology

• PCR: Amplification of DNA.
• Gel Electrophoresis: DNA separation by size.
• Bacterial Transformation: Gene insertion into plasmids for expression.
• Macromolecules: Nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids.

Cellular Energetics

• Cellular Respiration: Glycolysis, Krebs Cycle, and Oxidative Phosphorylation.
  • Occurs in mitochondria.
  • Oxygen as the final electron acceptor.
• Photosynthesis: Light-dependent reactions and Calvin Cycle.
  • Occurs in chloroplasts (endosymbiosis theory).

Evolution and Diversity

• Natural Selection: Review topics thoroughly.
• Feedback Loops: Maintain homeostasis (negative vs. positive feedback).
• Genomics and Evolutionary Evidence: DNA/protein similarities, phylogenetic trees, and morphology.

Genetics

• Inheritance Patterns: Single-gene, dihybrid, sex-linked, genetically linked, mitochondrial DNA.
• Hardy-Weinberg Principle: Used to predict allele frequencies in non-evolving populations.

Ecology and Environment

• Population Interactions: Symbiosis, predation, biodiversity.
• Energy Flow: Trophic pyramids, metabolic rates, and energy availability.

Exam Preparation and Skills

• Graphing: Choosing appropriate graphs (line, bar).
• Statistical Analysis: Understanding null hypotheses, chi-square analysis.
• Experiment Design: Recognize dependent/independent variables.

• Additional resources and study aids are available on the channel for further detailed study and practice.
• Good luck on the AP Biology exam!