AP Biology Exam Review Plan

Introduction

• AP Bio exam is approaching; need a study plan.
• Download checklist at apbiosuccess.com.
• Use highlighters: Red (unknown), Yellow (some knowledge), Green (well-known).
• Study order: Red → Yellow → Green.

Study Resources

• Learn Biology: Tutorials and comprehensive AP Bio reviews.
• Science Music Videos Channel: Unit and topic reviews.
• Live Reviews: Ongoing sessions before the exam.

Unit 1: Chemistry of Life

Topic 1.1: Water and Hydrogen Bonding

• Water is a polar molecule; forms hydrogen bonds.
• Key properties: Cohesion, adhesion, surface tension, high specific heat, universal solvent.
• Hydrogen bonding is found in DNA, RNA, proteins.

Topics 1.2-1.3: Molecules of Life

• Monomers combine to form polymers (dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis).
• Carbohydrates: Energy storage (monosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides).
• Lipids: Nonpolar, fatty acids (saturated vs. unsaturated), functions in storage, waterproofing, membranes, signaling.
• Proteins: Functions include motion, enzymes, structure, transport, signaling.
  • Composed of amino acids; four levels of structure: primary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary.
• Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA structure; roles in heredity and information transfer.
  • DNA: Double-stranded, anti-parallel structure, base pairing rules.

Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function

Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells

• Differences in size, structure, DNA packaging.

Cell Size

• Cells are small to maximize surface area to volume ratio.
• Adaptations for increased surface area for diffusion.

Membrane Structure and Function

• Fluid Mosaic Model: Phospholipids, proteins, cholesterol.
• Transport Mechanisms: Passive (simple and facilitated diffusion) and active transport.
• Osmosis: Diffusion of water, impacts on plant and animal cells.

Cellular Compartmentalization

• Internal compartments with special pH/chemistry; endomembrane system.
• Mitochondria and chloroplasts: endosymbionts.

Unit 3: Cellular Energetics

Enzymes

• Lower activation energy, highly specific, sensitive to environment (denaturation).
• Inhibition: Competitive and non-competitive.

Metabolic Pathways

• Linked series of reactions controlled by enzymes (exergonic vs. endergonic).
• ATP: Energy coupling through breaking down and synthesizing ATP.

Photosynthesis

• Light reactions and Calvin cycle; process of converting light energy into carbohydrates.

Cellular Respiration

• Stages: Glycolysis, link reaction, Krebs cycle, electron transport chain.
• Oxygen as the final electron acceptor; anaerobic respiration (fermentation).

Unit 4: Cell Communication and Cycle

Cell Communication

• Signals (ligands) bind to receptors, lead to cellular responses.
• Feedback Mechanisms: Negative and positive feedback loops, e.g., glucose homeostasis.

Cell Cycle

• Phases of mitosis; regulation through checkpoints, cyclins, and kinases.
• Cancer caused by unregulated division.

Unit 5: Heredity

Meiosis

• Creation of haploid gametes through two divisions (Meiosis I and II).
• Sources of genetic variation: Independent assortment, crossing over.

Genetics Concepts

• Definitions: gene, homozygous, heterozygous, dominant, recessive.
• Mendelian Genetics: Monohybrid and dihybrid crosses.

Unit 6: Gene Expression

DNA Replication

• Semi-conservative process; key enzymes involved.

Transcription and Translation

• Making RNA from DNA; protein synthesis details.

Gene Regulation

• Operons in prokaryotes; epigenetics in eukaryotes.

Unit 7: Evolution

Natural Selection

• Concepts of adaptation, artificial selection, and sexual selection.

Population Genetics

• Hardy-Weinberg principle; factors causing evolution: genetic drift, natural selection, gene flow.

Unit 8: Ecology

Responses to Environment

• Case studies on behavior and responses.

Energy Flow and Population Growth

• Metabolic rate vs. size, energy transfer in ecosystems, carrying capacity.

Species Interactions

• Types of interactions (predation, competition) and their effects on biodiversity.

Human Impact on Biodiversity

• Habitat destruction, invasive species, extinction vortex, and loss of genetic diversity.

Conclusion

• For optimal study, use resources from Learn-Biology.com, sign up for interactive study tools and live reviews.