AP Biology Units: Full List, Explained

Overview

• AP Biology focuses on the key learning and assessment points needed for a comprehensive study.
• Provides a full course overview, with a specific focus on each AP Biology unit to ensure readiness.

Units Overview

Unit 1: Chemistry of Life

• Establishes the foundation for understanding the chemical basis of life.
• Exam coverage: 8-11%
• Topics:
  • Structure of Water and Hydrogen Bonding
  • Elements of Life
  • Properties and Structure of Biological Macromolecules
  • Nucleic Acids

Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function

• Focuses on the cell as the basic unit of life.
• Exam coverage: 10-13%
• Topics:
  • Cell Structure: Subcellular Components
  • Function and Size of Cells
  • Plasma Membranes and Permeability
  • Transport Mechanisms, Tonicity, Osmoregulation
  • Cell Compartmentalisation

Unit 3: Cellular Energetics

• Builds on Unit 2, focusing on energy capture and usage in living organisms.
• Exam coverage: 12-16%
• Topics:
  • Enzyme Structure and Catalysis
  • Environmental Impacts on Enzymes
  • Cellular Energy, Photosynthesis, Cellular Respiration
  • Fitness

Unit 4: Cell Communication and Cell Cycle

• Examines cell communication and replication.
• Exam coverage: 10-15%
• Topics:
  • Cell Communication and Signal Transduction
  • Feedback and Cell Cycle Regulation

Unit 5: Heredity

• Focuses on genetic continuity.
• Exam coverage: 8-11%
• Topics:
  • Meiosis and Genetic Diversity
  • Mendelian and Non-Mendelian Genetics
  • Environmental Effects on Phenotype
  • Chromosomal Inheritance

Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation

• Explores nucleic acids and gene expression.
• Exam coverage: 12-16%
• Topics:
  • DNA/RNA Structure, Replication, Transcription, Translation
  • Regulation of Gene Expression
  • Mutations and Biotechnology

Unit 7: Natural Selection

• Explores evolution and natural selection.
• Exam coverage: 13-20%
• Topics:
  • Natural and Artificial Selection
  • Population Genetics, Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium
  • Evolutionary Evidence and Mechanisms

Unit 8: Ecology

• Integrates previous units to explore interactions, energy, and ecosystems.
• Exam coverage: 10-15%
• Topics:
  • Environmental Responses, Energy Flow, Population and Community Ecology
  • Biodiversity, Ecosystem Disruptions

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Units are in AP Biology?

• There are eight units, each building upon the previous.

What are the Hardest AP Biology Units?

• Difficulty is subjective and can depend on learning styles, skills, and teaching methods.

What Units are Most Common on the AP Biology Exam?

• Each unit has a different exam weighting but is important for overall understanding.

Resources for AP Biology

• Save My Exams offers study guides, exam questions, and past papers for comprehensive preparation.
• Resources include diagrams, examples, and examiner tips.