AP Biology Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Lecturer: Mr. Monsoor
• Focus: Review of Units 1 and 2
• AP Exam Structure:
  • Section 1: 60 multiple-choice questions, 1.5 hours, 50% of score
  • Section 2: 6 questions (2 long FRQs, 4 short ones), 1.5 hours, 50% of score

Topics Covered

• Unit 1: Properties of Water
• Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function
• Additional focus on task verbs used in free-response questions and science practices

Task Verbs for FRQs

• Calculate: Perform mathematical steps with proper labeling and significant figures
• Construct/Draw: Create diagrams, graphs, or models
• Describe: Provide relevant characteristics of a topic

Unit 1: Properties of Water

• Structure: One oxygen atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms
• Polarity: Leads to hydrogen bonds, causing cohesion and adhesion
• Surface Tension: Allows insects like water striders to walk on water
• Dissolving Substances: Water's polarity enables it to dissolve ionic compounds

Macromolecules

• Types of Macromolecules: Lipids, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, proteins
• Protein Structure: Primary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary structures
  • Primary: Sequence of amino acids
  • Secondary: Alpha helices and beta sheets
  • Tertiary: Overall 3D structure
  • Quaternary: Assembled subunits

Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function

• Organelles to Know: Ribosomes, ER, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, lysosomes, vacuoles, chloroplasts
• Function and Identification: Importance of correct identification and description

Cell Size

• Efficiency: Smaller cells are more efficient in material exchange
• Surface Area to Volume Ratio: Key concept for understanding material exchange

Tonicity and Osmoregulation

• Water Movement by Osmosis: High to low concentration or low osmolarity to high osmolarity
• Hypotonic, Isotonic, Hypertonic Solutions: Effects on cells
• Water Potential Calculation: Importance of understanding formulas

Mechanisms of Transport

• Passive vs. Active Transport: Energy usage (ATP) in movement
• Examples: Sodium-potassium pump, osmosis, diffusion

Graphing Skills

• Importance of Creating and Interpreting Graphs: Labeling, scaling, plotting

Conclusion

• Review Suggestions: AP Daily videos, notes, progress checks
• FRQ Practice: Focus on task verbs and practice free-response questions
• Next Session: Unit 3 with Margaret Evans