AP Biology Full Year Review

Introduction

• Review of entire AP Bio course from units 1-8
• Announcement of expanded content to cover other subjects on Avil Prep Academy

Unit 1: Chemistry of Life

Water

• Structure: One oxygen, two hydrogen atoms, bent shape, polarity
• Properties:
  • Cohesion and adhesion
  • Temperature moderation
  • Reduced density upon freezing
  • Universal solvent

Carbon Chemistry

• Backbone of biologically relevant molecules
• Carbon can form 4 covalent bonds, branching patterns, and cyclical rings

Macromolecules

• Types:
  • Carbohydrates: Monosaccharides (e.g., glucose), polysaccharides (starch, glycogen, cellulose)
  • Lipids: Fats (saturated/unsaturated), phospholipids (form bilayers), steroids (hormones, cholesterol)
  • Proteins: Made from 20 amino acids, various structure levels (primary to quaternary)
  • Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA structure

Unit 2: Cell Biology

Cell Structure

• All living things made of cells, universal common ancestor
• Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic cells
• Features of all cells: plasma membrane, cytoplasm, DNA, ribosomes

Endomembrane System

• Organelle system for protein secretion
• Components: Nucleus, ER, Golgi apparatus, vesicles

Endosymbiosis

• Mitochondria and chloroplasts originated as free-living prokaryotes
• Evidence: Double membrane, own circular DNA

Cytoskeleton

• Microtubules important for cell division

Plasma Membrane

• Fluid mosaic model (proteins and lipids)
• Transport mechanisms: diffusion, osmosis, passive and active transport

Osmosis

• Isotonic, hypertonic, and hypotonic solutions

Unit 3: Energy, Photosynthesis, and Cell Respiration

Energy

• Types: Transport, mechanical, chemical
• ATP as energy currency

Photosynthesis

• Light reaction and Calvin cycle
• Takes place in chloroplasts, thylakoids, stroma

Cellular Respiration

• Glycolysis, Krebs cycle, oxidative phosphorylation
• Mitochondrial electron transport chain, chemiosmotic gradient

Enzymes

• Catalysts for chemical reactions, lower activation energy
• Inhibitors: Competitive and non-competitive

Unit 4: Cell Communication and Cell Division

Signal Transduction

• Phases: Reception, transduction, response
• Types: G-protein coupled receptors, second messengers

Cell Division

• Cell cycle: G1, S (DNA replication), G2, Mitotic phase
• Mitosis phases: Prophase, Prometaphase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase
• Regulation: Cyclins, growth factors

Unit 5: Heredity

Chromosomes

• Genes on chromosomes, alleles, heredity

Meiosis

• Two division events, genetic variation
• Processes: Crossing over, independent assortment

Mendelian Genetics

• Laws: Segregation, dominance, independent assortment

Linkage and Gene Mapping

• Linked genes, recombination frequency

Unit 6: Gene Expression

DNA Structure

• Nucleotides, antiparallel double helix
• Base pairing rules

Replication

• Semiconservative model, replication bubble

Transcription and Translation

• Transcription: Initiation, elongation, termination
• Translation: mRNA to polypeptide
• Regulation of gene expression

Unit 7: Evolution

Darwin's Theory

• Natural selection, adaptation, variation

Evidence of Evolution

• Homologous structures, vestigial structures

Micro and Macroevolution

• Changes in allele frequency, speciation
• Mechanisms: Natural selection, mutation, genetic drift

Speciation

• Reproductive isolation, allopatric and sympatric speciation

Unit 8: Ecology

Ecosystems

• Interactions with abiotic factors, energy flow through ecosystems

Population Dynamics

• Logistic growth, carrying capacity

Community Ecology

• Symbiotic relationships: Mutualism, commensalism, parasitism

Biodiversity

• Importance of species diversity, food webs, ecological succession

Conclusion

• Comprehensive review of AP Bio, encouragement to use additional resources for detailed study
• Expansion of Avil Prep Academy content

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This review covers the key concepts and details of the entire AP Biology course, structured into eight units. Use this as a study guide to refresh your understanding before the exam.