Lecture Notes: AP Biology Exam Review

Introduction

• Speaker: Glenn Wokenfeld (Mr. W)
• Focus: Comprehensive review of AP Biology to prepare for the AP Bio exam
• Available resources: Checklist for study preparation (available at AP bios. checklist)

Key Units and Topics Covered

Unit 1: Chemistry of Life

• Water and Hydrogen Bonding
  • Water is a polar molecule (unequal electron sharing).
  • Hydrogen bonds are weak intermolecular bonds, essential in biology (e.g., DNA, proteins).
• Properties of Water
  • Cohesion, adhesion, surface tension result from hydrogen bonding.
• Acids, Bases, and pH
  • Acidic solutions have more hydrogen ions; basic solutions have more hydroxide ions.
• Carbon and Biomolecules
  • Elements of Life: Carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, sulfur (CHNOPS).

Unit 2: Cells

• Structure and Function of Cells
  • Membranes, organelles, and cell division.
• Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells
  • Prokaryotes are simpler, lack nucleus; eukaryotes have complex structures and organelles.
• Cellular Compartmentalization
  • Importance of internal membranes and organelle functions.

Unit 3: Cellular Energetics

• Enzymes
  • Catalysts that speed up chemical reactions by lowering activation energy.
• Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
  • Conversion of light energy into chemical energy and cellular energy processes.
• Energy and Metabolism
  • ATP as the energy currency, energy coupling, and metabolic pathways.

Unit 4: Cell Communication and Cell Cycle

• Cell Signaling
  • Direct communication and signal transduction pathways.
• Cell Cycle Regulation
  • Checkpoints, cyclins, and CDKs.
• Cancer
  • Result from unregulated cell division, involving oncogenes and tumor suppressors.

Unit 5: Heredity

• Mendelian Genetics
  • Principles of inheritance, Punnett squares, and genetic crosses.
• Non-Mendelian Genetics
  • Linked genes, sex-linked traits, and epigenetics.
• Meiosis
  • Process creating genetic diversity through recombination and independent assortment.

Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation

• DNA and RNA
  • Structure, function, replication, and transcription.
• Gene Regulation
  • Operons in prokaryotes, epigenetics, and regulatory elements in eukaryotes.
• Genetic Engineering
  • Techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, and recombinant DNA technology.

Unit 7: Evolution

• Natural and Artificial Selection
  • Mechanisms driving evolutionary change.
• Population Genetics
  • Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and factors affecting allele frequencies.
• Speciation and Extinction
  • Processes leading to new species and biodiversity loss.

Unit 8: Ecology

• Ecosystem Dynamics
  • Energy flow, trophic levels, and biogeochemical cycles.
• Population Ecology
  • Growth models, carrying capacity, and limiting factors.
• Community Ecology
  • Interactions like symbiosis, competition, and keystone species roles.
• Biodiversity and Conservation
  • Importance of biodiversity, threats from human activity, and conservation strategies.

Additional Resources

• Learn Biology.com
  • Offers quizzes, flashcards, tutorials, and a comprehensive AP Bio exam review system.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to use available resources and strategies to build confidence and succeed in the AP Bio exam.