AP Biology - Study Guides, Flashcards, AP-style Practice & Mock Exams
Our AP Biology exam prep offers a thorough review of all official units and topics. Dive into our extensive collection of practice materials, including multiple-choice questions and free-response prompts, to sharpen your analytical skills and get ready for test day.
Course Overview
This course examines the core principles of biology through eight units, from cellular energetics to ecology. Emphasis is placed on developing the six science practices required for the exam. You will learn to formulate sound experimental designs, identifying appropriate controls and variables, and to analyze results presented in data tables and graphs. Key skills include performing error analysis, applying formulas from the official equation sheet, and understanding concepts in thermodynamics as they relate to biological systems. A central focus is mastering the claim-evidence-reasoning (CER) framework to construct logical, evidence-based arguments in preparation for the free-response questions.
This platform guides your preparation through a structured, cyclical learning path. You will progress from broad units to specific topics, each followed by an AP-style quiz that functions as a progress check. These quizzes help identify concepts needing targeted review before you attempt the comprehensive Unit Exam. This cycle of learning, assessment, and review is repeated for all eight units, systematically building your knowledge and skills. The course culminates in three full-length mock exams that simulate the official testing experience, drawing from a bank of over 700 practice questions to ensure thorough preparation.
Units & Topics
Unit 1: Chemistry of Life
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This unit explores how the structure of life's essential chemical components, from water to complex biopolymers, determines their function, emphasizing core science practices.
- 1.0Unit Overview
- 1.1Structure of Water and Hydrogen Bonding
- 1.2Elements of Life
- 1.3Introduction to Macromolecules
- 1.4Carbohydrates
- 1.5Lipids
- 1.6Nucleic Acids
- 1.7Proteins
- 1.8Unit Exam
Unit 2: Cells
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We will explore how subcellular structures and selective membranes regulate molecular traffic to maintain a state of dynamic equilibrium within and between cells.
- 2.0Unit Overview
- 2.1Cell Structure and Function
- 2.2Cell Size
- 2.3Plasma Membrane
- 2.4Membrane Permeability
- 2.5Membrane Transport
- 2.6Facilitated Diffusion
- 2.7Tonicity and Osmoregulation
- 2.8Mechanisms of Transport
- 2.9Cell Compartmentalization
- 2.10Origins of Cell Compartmentalization
- 2.11Unit Exam
Unit 3: Cellular Energetics
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This unit explores the principles of thermodynamics by examining how organisms capture, store, and utilize free energy through enzyme-mediated metabolic pathways.
- 3.0Unit Overview
- 3.1Enzymes
- 3.2Environmental Impacts on Enzyme Function
- 3.3Cellular Energy
- 3.4Photosynthesis
- 3.5Cellular Respiration
- 3.6Unit Exam
Unit 4: Cell Communication and Cell Cycle
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This unit applies CER (claim-evidence-reasoning) to understand how information transfer through molecular cascades and feedback loops directs the tightly controlled process of cellular reproduction.
- 4.0Unit Overview
- 4.1Cell Communication
- 4.2Introduction to Signal Transduction
- 4.3Signal Transduction Pathways
- 4.4Feedback
- 4.5Cell Cycle
- 4.6Regulation of Cell Cycle
- 4.7Unit Exam
Unit 5: Heredity
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We will use claim-evidence-reasoning to analyze how sexual reproduction generates variation and how patterns of inheritance are shaped by both genes and the environment.
- 5.0Unit Overview
- 5.1Meiosis
- 5.2Meiosis and Genetic Diversity
- 5.3Mendelian Genetics
- 5.4Non-Mendelian Genetics
- 5.5Environmental Effects on Phenotype
- 5.6Unit Exam
Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation
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We will investigate how hereditary information is stored, transmitted, and expressed, applying CER (claim-evidence-reasoning) to analyze how this system is controlled, altered, and engineered.
- 6.0Unit Overview
- 6.1DNA and RNA Structure
- 6.2DNA Replication
- 6.3Transcription and RNA Processing
- 6.4Translation
- 6.5Regulation of Gene Expression
- 6.6Gene Expression and Cell Specialization
- 6.7Mutations
- 6.8Biotechnology
- 6.9Unit Exam
Unit 7: Natural Selection
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We will investigate the mechanisms that disrupt genetic equilibrium in populations, leading to descent with modification and the branching patterns of life's shared ancestry.
- 7.0Unit Overview
- 7.1Introduction to Natural Selection
- 7.2Natural Selection
- 7.3Artificial Selection
- 7.4Population Genetics
- 7.5Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium
- 7.6Evidence of Evolution
- 7.7Common Ancestry
- 7.8Continuing Evolution
- 7.9Phylogeny
- 7.10Introduction to Natural Selection
- 7.11Variations in Populations
- 7.12Origins of Life on Earth
- 7.13Unit Exam
Unit 8: Ecology
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This unit examines how energy transfer and species interactions affect the dynamic equilibrium, biodiversity, and stability of populations, communities, and entire ecosystems.
- 8.0Unit Overview
- 8.1Responses to the Environment
- 8.2Energy Flow Through Ecosystems
- 8.3Population Ecology
- 8.4Effect of Density on Populations
- 8.5Community Ecology
- 8.6Biodiversity
- 8.7Disruptions in Ecosystems
- 8.8Unit Exam
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the format of the AP Biology exam?
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The exam has two 90-minute sections, each worth 50% of your score. The first section is 60 multiple-choice questions, and the second is six free-response questions (FRQs). These FRQs test your ability to apply biological concepts and science practices, including analyzing data and evaluating evidence.
What major topics does this AP Biology course cover?
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This course covers the full AP curriculum across 8 units and 60 topics, from cell structure and energetics to genetics and ecology. You will explore the core principles of living systems, with evolution serving as the unifying theme that connects all major biological concepts and processes.
How should I use this platform to prepare for the exam?
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We recommend a structured approach for the ~33 hours of content. First, master concepts by moving through the Units and Topics. Then, test your knowledge with AP-style quizzes and Unit Exams. Finally, build stamina and assess your readiness by completing the full-length mock exams under timed conditions.
What are the 'science practices' and why are they important?
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The science practices are the analytical skills you'll need to think and work like a biologist. They go beyond memorization to include crucial abilities like developing models, engaging in statistical tests, and mastering experimental design. These skills are integrated into every part of the exam.
What types of Free-Response Questions (FRQs) are on the exam?
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The FRQ section contains two long questions and four short-answer questions. The long questions focus on interpreting and evaluating experimental results and analyzing data. You will often need to formulate a strong argument using the claim-evidence-reasoning (CER) framework to earn full points on these tasks.
Is there math on the exam? Can I use a calculator?
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Yes, you will perform calculations and data analysis, and a four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator is permitted on the entire exam. You will be provided with an official equation sheet for formulas related to topics like population genetics, chi-square analysis, and standard deviation.
How does the course prepare me for lab-based questions?
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Our course prepares you by embedding lab scenarios throughout our practice questions. You will learn to analyze experimental design, identify appropriate controls and variables, and interpret results from data tables and graphs. This ensures you are ready for the data-heavy questions on the official exam.
How much practice is available in this course?
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This course provides extensive practice with 794 AP-style questions and 837 flashcards for content review. To fully prepare for exam day, you can apply your knowledge and timing strategies across 3 full-length mock exams that mirror the format and difficulty of the actual test.
What is the key to success in AP Biology?
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The key is to focus on applying concepts rather than just memorizing facts. Success depends on your ability to use the science practices to analyze novel scenarios. This includes skills like interpreting data tables and graphs, evaluating evidence, and performing basic error analysis to justify conclusions.
How is the AP Biology exam scored?
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Your final score is a composite of the two equally weighted sections, reported on a scale of 1 to 5. The multiple-choice section (50%) and the free-response section (50%) are combined to determine your final score. Strong performance on both data-based and experimental design questions is essential.
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