2025 AP Biology FRQ Test Review

Introduction

• Date: May 5th, 2025
• Purpose: Going through the AP Biology Free Response Questions (FRQ).
• Note: Answers are predictions, not official.
• Official Guidelines: College Board scoring guidelines released in July 2025.
• Resources: PDFs of questions and predicted answers linked below video after release.
• Exam Format (2025): Hybrid digital exam with multiple choice on laptops and FRQs handwritten.

Exam Timing and Strategy

• FRQs Total Time: 90 minutes for 6 FRQs.
• Scoring Distribution:
  • First two FRQs: ~50% of score.
  • FRQs 3-6: Other 50% of score.
• Timing:
  • Recommended: 45 minutes for the first two FRQs (22.5 minutes each).
  • Remaining time for FRQs 3-6.
• Strategy: Practice timing with a test run.

FRQ 1: Protein Transport

• Key Points:
  • Proteins are transported to the ER during/after translation.
  • SR and SEC62 proteins are involved in transport mechanisms.
  • Use of siRNAs to reduce expression of SR and SEC62.
• Questions Summary:
  • Identify dependent and independent variables.
  • Describe effects on protein production and transport.
  • Calculate amino acid differences using nucleotide counts.

FRQ 2: Moth Behavior and Signaling

• Key Points:
  • Moth behavior influenced by pheromones and 20E signaling molecule.
  • Impact of DPCR receptor and siRNAs on moth activity.
• Questions Summary:
  • Describe receptor polarity.
  • Graph data and determine affected activities.
  • Explain effects of mutations on active pathways.
  • Support and justify claims based on data.

FRQ 3: Invasive Buffalo Grass

• Key Points:
  • Buffalo grass is invasive and impacts keystone species.
  • Experiment to control buffalo grass using native grasses.
• Questions Summary:
  • Describe effects of removing keystone species.
  • Identify control group and state null hypothesis.
  • Justify claims on wildfire impact on buffalo grass abundance.

FRQ 4: Marine Species Divergence

• Key Points:
  • Historical connection between Caribbean and Pacific Oceans.
  • Formation of Isthmus of Panama affects species.
• Questions Summary:
  • Describe genetic evidence for evolution.
  • Explain divergent evolution due to isolation.
  • Predict impact on resource availability.

FRQ 5: Enzyme Pathway

• Key Points:
  • Amino acid synthesis pathway involving feedback inhibition.
  • Enzyme specificity and environmental effects on activity.
• Questions Summary:
  • Describe enzyme active site characteristics.
  • Explain regulation of amino acid binding.
  • Identify product of enzyme-catalyzed reactions.
  • Explain effects of pH changes on enzyme function.

FRQ 6: ALD Gene in Fruit Flies

• Key Points:
  • ALD gene affects metaphase cell function and protein production.
  • Use of mutations to study role in meiosis.
• Questions Summary:
  • Identify genotypes based on cell data.
  • Describe protein production differences.
  • Support hypotheses using data.
  • Explain phenotype differences in genetic contexts.

Conclusion

• Advice:
  • Practice timing and review strategies.
  • Focus on understanding core biological concepts.
  • Remember, AP scores do not define future potential.
• Final Thoughts:
  • Continue enjoying biology and learning.
  • Perseverance and delayed gratification lead to success.