AP Biology Exam Study Guide

The exam will be a mix of multiple-choice and short-answer questions.
Short answer questions will typically require a one-sentence response maximum.
The entire exam period should be used, although some students may not require the full two hours.

Review videos from Amoeba Sisters, Bozeman Science, Crash Course, and Khan Academy.
Study review guides and analysis packets from class, paying attention to areas needing clarification.
Utilize online study tools like Quizlet.
Refer to the Mastering Biology videos accompanying the online textbook.
Use AP Classroom videos and corresponding questions.
Review vocabulary lists and diagrams from handouts and textbooks.

Create lists of concepts, terms, and diagrams, including comparative analyses (e.g., active vs. passive immunity, gametes vs. somatic cells).
Rate each chapter on a scale of 1 to 3, where 1 represents fewer questions and 3 more questions.

Key elements: Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Nitrogen (CHON).
Molecular formulas: Examples include H₂O.
Energy levels of electrons relate to proximity to the nucleus.
Chemical bonds (single, double, etc.): Define how atoms share electrons.
Electronegativity: Measurement of an atom's attraction of electrons within a bond.
Covalent vs. polar bonds: describe how electrons are shared in chemical bonds.
How molecule shape directly affects the function of the molecule
Hydrogen bonds: a special type of covalent polar bonding, readily forms, breaks and re-forms.
Partial charges: A partial positive or negative charge on an atom within a molecule

Adhesion: The attraction of molecules of different types.
Cohesion: The attraction of molecules of the same type (water molecules to water molecules).
Capillary Action: Refers to spontaneous movement of water in narrow tubes.
Surface Tension: Liquid's resistance to rupture (caused by cohesion).
Specific Heat: The amount of heat required to change water temperature.
Evaporative cooling: Heat is removed when water evaporates from a surface (important for temperature regulation).
Hydrophobic vs Hydrophilic: describes how substances interact with water molecules. (nonpolar vs polar, respectively).

Isomers: Molecules with the same molecular formula but different atom arrangements.
Functional Groups: The specific groups of atoms within molecules that often participate in chemical reactions.
Functional Group Names and properties: (e.g Hydroxyl, Carboxyl, Amino, etc)

Explain the structure of a cell membrane (phospholipids and proteins).
Identify and analyze the functions of membrane proteins.
Explain cell-cell recognition and its importance to the immune system.
Describe the process of osmosis, including hypo-, hyper-, and isotonic solutions.
Identify different types of transport proteins (channel and carrier proteins).

Enzymes are proteins that speed reactions, and their function is affected by several factors.
Enzymes work via "lock and key" substrate interaction and catalytic conversions.
Understand inhibitor types (competitive and non-competitive)
Compare Exergonic and Endergonic reactions.
Compare Catabolism and Anabolism chemical reactions
Understand spontaneous vs non-spontaneous chemical reactions

Explain how cells form tissues, tissues form organs, then organs form organ systems, and finally how organ systems create complete organisms.
Explain differences between endotherms and ectotherms and how they manage their body temperature

Different receptor types and stimulus detection mechanisms (sensory receptors).
Action potential (depolarization and re-polarization).
Sensory receptor types (mechanoreceptors, chemoreceptors, electromagnetic receptors, photoreceptors).
Detail different types of receptors and how they participate in different sensory systems such as hearing, vision, and taste/smell