AP BiologyAP
Cells, genetics, evolution, and ecology.
Overview
AP Biology explores life from molecules to ecosystems with emphasis on energy, information, interactions, and evolution.
Why it matters
It develops scientific reasoning and laboratory skills crucial for biology, medicine, and environmental fields.
Skills you’ll build
- Scientific practices
- Data analysis
- Modeling biological systems
- Lab design
Topic Breakdown (Units)
Unit 1: Chemistry of Life
- Structure of water
- Macromolecules
- Properties and function
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function
- Organelles
- Membranes & transport
- Surface area to volume
Unit 3: Cellular Energetics
- Enzymes
- Cellular respiration
- Photosynthesis
Unit 4: Cell Communication and Cell Cycle
- Signal transduction
- Feedback
- Mitosis
Unit 5: Heredity
- Mendelian genetics
- Meiosis
- Inheritance patterns
Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation
- Transcription/translation
- Regulation
- Biotechnology
Unit 7: Natural Selection
- Evolutionary mechanisms
- Speciation
- Phylogeny
Unit 8: Ecology
- Ecosystems
- Energy flow
- Biogeochemical cycles
Lessons & Notes
Unit 1: Chemistry of Life
Chemical properties drive biological structure and function from water to proteins and nucleic acids.
- hydrogen bonding
- polarity
- protein structure
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function
Cellular compartmentalization and transport enable homeostasis and specialization.
- membrane transport
- osmosis
- SA:V ratio
Unit 3: Cellular Energetics
Energy transformations power life, governed by enzyme activity and thermodynamics.
- ATP
- glycolysis
- ETC
- light reactions
Unit 4: Cell Communication and Cell Cycle
Cells communicate to coordinate responses; the cell cycle ensures accurate division.
- receptors
- second messengers
- checkpoints
Unit 5: Heredity
Inheritance patterns explain trait transmission and variation.
- alleles
- segregation
- independent assortment
Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation
Gene expression controls phenotype; regulation occurs at multiple levels.
- operons
- epigenetics
- PCR
Unit 7: Natural Selection
Natural selection drives adaptation and diversification of life.
- fitness
- genetic drift
- common ancestry
Unit 8: Ecology
Interactions among organisms and their environment shape ecosystems and stability.
- trophic levels
- carrying capacity
- niche