AP Biology Exam Review Plan

Study Strategy

• Download Checklist: Available at apbiosuccess.com/checklist
• Stoplight Method:
  • Green: Topics you know well
  • Yellow: Topics you are familiar with
  • Red: Topics you don’t know
• Study Order: Start with red, then yellow, finish with green
• Resources:
  • Tutorials and reviews on learn-biology.com
  • Science Music Videos channel for unit/topic reviews
  • Live reviews by Mr. W

Unit 1: Chemistry of Life

Topic 1.1: Water and Hydrogen Bonding

• Water is polar and forms hydrogen bonds
• Acts as a universal solvent
• Key properties: cohesion, adhesion, surface tension, high specific heat

Topics 1.2 - 1.3: Elements and Molecules of Life

• Monomers to polymers via dehydration synthesis, opposite through hydrolysis
• Carbohydrates: Monosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides
• Lipids: Non-polar, fatty acids (saturated/unsaturated)
• Proteins: Diverse functions, composed of amino acids
• Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA

Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function

Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Cells

• Differences in size, structure, DNA packaging
• Cell Size: Importance of surface area to volume ratio

Membrane Structure and Function

• Selective permeability
• Fluid mosaic model: phospholipids, proteins, cholesterol
• Transport: Diffusion, facilitated diffusion, active transport
• Osmosis: Movement of water, water potential

Cellular Compartmentalization

• Endomembrane System: Nuclear membrane, ER, Golgi
• Mitochondria & Chloroplasts: Endosymbiont theory

Unit 3: Cellular Energetics

Enzymes

• Protein catalysts, lower activation energy
• Specificity, sensitivity to environment
• Inhibition: Competitive and non-competitive

Photosynthesis

• Conversion of light energy into chemical energy
• Light Reactions: Produce ATP, NADPH
• Calvin Cycle: Carbon fixation

Cellular Respiration

• Stages: Glycolysis, link reaction, Krebs cycle, electron transport chain
• Anaerobic Respiration: Less ATP, fermentation

Unit 4: Cell Communication and Cycle

Cell Communication

• Ligands and receptors
• Signal Transduction: Reception, transduction, response

The Cell Cycle

• Mitosis Phases: Interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, cytokinesis
• Regulation: Checkpoints, Cyclins, CDKs
• Cancer: Unregulated cell division

Unit 5: Heredity

Meiosis and Genetic Variation

• Germ cells create haploid gametes
• Phases of Meiosis: Homologous pairs, sister chromatids
• Mechanisms creating diversity: independent assortment, crossing over, fertilization

Genetic Principles

• Mendelian genetics, monohybrid and dihybrid crosses
• Dominant vs Recessive
• Linked Genes: Inheritance patterns

Unit 6: Gene Expression

DNA Replication

• Semi-conservative, involves helicase, DNA polymerase, etc.

Transcription and Translation

• RNA synthesis, protein synthesis

Gene Regulation

• Eukaryotic Gene Regulation: Acetylation and methylation, epigenetics
• Mutations: Point and frameshift mutations

Unit 7: Evolution

Natural Selection and Population Genetics

• Selection Types: Directional, stabilizing, disruptive
• Hardy-Weinberg Principle: Allele frequency calculations

Evidence of Evolution

• Fossils, homologous structures, molecular homologies

Speciation and Extinction

• Biological species concept
• Mechanisms: allopatric and sympatric speciation

Unit 8: Ecology

Responses to the Environment

• Topics vary, analytical skills emphasized

Energy Flow and Ecosystems

• Metabolic rate, trophic levels, pyramids of energy

Population and Community Ecology

• Growth models, species interactions
• Human impacts on biodiversity

Conclusion

• Use resources like learn-biology.com to fill knowledge gaps
• Live reviews and interactive content available for further study