AP Biology
AP Biology
Quantity
Teacher Info
Class Info
High School
13-18
6-10 students per class
60 mins
8 Units
24 Lessons
Unit 1: Chemistry of Life
1: Chemical Bonds and Functional Groups
This module explores the fundamental principles of chemical bonds and functional groups, delving into their critical role in molecular structure, reactivity, and the biological processes they influence.
2: The Structure and Chemical Properties of Water
In this segment, students will explore the molecular structure and distinctive chemical properties of water, gaining insight into its fundamental role in biological functions and environmental systems.
3: The Composition and Properties of Macromolecules
This section introduces students to the fundamental building blocks of macromolecules, highlighting their structural diversity and essential roles in biological systems.
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function
4: Cellular Components and Their Functions
In this segment, we will explore the key components of a cell, analyzing their distinct roles in essential processes such as energy production, communication, and structural integrity. By understanding how these components interact, students will gain a deeper insight into the organization and functionality of cells.
5: Cellular Components and Their Functions
In this module, we will explore the essential components of a cell, analyzing their specific roles in fundamental processes such as energy production, cellular communication, and structural integrity. By understanding how these components interact and contribute to overall cellular function, students will gain a deeper insight into the organization and operation of living cells.
6: Cell Membrane: Structure, Function, and Transport Mechanisms
In this module, we will explore the intricate relationship between the structure and function of the cell membrane. By examining its composition and various transport mechanisms, we will uncover how the membrane regulates cellular homeostasis and facilitates communication, ensuring the proper functioning of the cell.
7: Water Potential: Principles and Applications
In this module, we will explore the concept of water potential, its calculation, and its critical role in governing water movement across membranes. Through an in-depth examination of osmosis and diffusion, we will uncover the principles of tonicity and its impact on cellular environments, providing a deeper understanding of fluid balance in biological systems.
8: Enzymes: Structure, Function, and Biological Significance
In this section, we will explore the intricate world of enzymes, examining their molecular structure, catalytic mechanisms, and regulatory processes. We will uncover their essential role as biological catalysts, accelerating biochemical reactions that sustain life and drive cellular functions.
Unit 3: Cellular Energetics
9: Cellular Respiration: Energy Production and Metabolic Pathways
In this unit, we will explore the complex processes of cellular respiration, breaking down the biochemical pathways that transform nutrients into ATP—the fundamental energy currency of life. We will examine the roles of both aerobic and anaerobic respiration in energy generation, highlighting their significance in different cellular environments. Additionally, we will investigate the intricate relationship between cellular respiration and broader metabolic processes, providing a comprehensive understanding of how cells harness and utilize energy.
10: Photosynthesis: Harnessing Light for Life
In this in-depth module, we will unravel the complex mechanisms of photosynthesis, breaking down its biochemical pathways and examining the crucial roles of chloroplasts and pigments in capturing solar energy. We will analyze the dynamic interplay between light-dependent and light-independent reactions, exploring how they work together to convert light energy into chemical energy, which serves as the foundation for life on Earth.
Unit 4: Cell Communication and Cell Cycle
11: Cellular Signaling: Communication and Coordination
In this section, we will delve into the intricate world of cellular signaling, uncovering how cells transmit and receive signals to regulate essential biological processes. We will explore key concepts such as signal transduction pathways, receptor-ligand interactions, and the diverse molecular mechanisms that enable cells to communicate, adapt, and respond to external stimuli with precision and efficiency.
12: Mitosis and Cell Division: The Mechanisms of Growth and Reproduction
In this module, we will explore the detailed process of mitosis, examining its phases, molecular mechanisms, and crucial role in cell division. We will uncover how cells meticulously ensure the accurate segregation of genetic material, orchestrating the replication and distribution of chromosomes to maintain genetic integrity, promote cellular growth, and facilitate tissue development.
13: Meiosis: The Foundation of Genetic Diversity and Reproduction
In this unit, we will thoroughly investigate the complex process of meiosis, breaking down its stages, molecular mechanisms, and its vital role in sexual reproduction. We will explore how cells undergo two rounds of division to produce haploid gametes, each contributing to genetic diversity. This process is essential for inheritance and the continuation of species, ensuring that offspring inherit a unique combination of genes from both parents.
Unit 5: Heredity
14: Mendelian Genetics: The Foundations of Heredity
In this module, we will explore the foundational principles of Mendelian genetics, as first discovered by Gregor Mendel. We will examine key concepts such as dominance, segregation, independent assortment, and their profound implications for understanding patterns of inheritance and genetic variation across generations. This knowledge forms the basis for how traits are passed down from one generation to the next and the mechanisms behind genetic diversity.
15: Non-Mendelian Genetics: Beyond Traditional Inheritance
In this section, we will explore the complexities of non-Mendelian genetics, delving into inheritance patterns that extend beyond Mendel’s classic rules. We will examine phenomena such as incomplete dominance, codominance, and polygenic traits, and explore how sex-linked genes are inherited through pedigree analysis. This deeper exploration will enhance our understanding of genetic diversity and the various mechanisms driving inheritance in populations.
Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation
16: DNA Properties & DNA Replication
In this segment, we will explore the essential characteristics of DNA, including its iconic double helix structure, the base pairing rules that underpin genetic encoding, and the vital role of complementary base pairing in preserving genetic information. Furthermore, we will examine the detailed process of DNA replication, investigating its molecular mechanisms, the crucial enzymes involved, and the importance of accuracy to ensure the faithful transmission of genetic material from one generation to the next.
17: RNA Transcription and Translation
In this module, we will thoroughly explore the processes of RNA transcription and translation. We’ll delve into how genetic information encoded in DNA is first transcribed into RNA molecules, which then serve as templates for protein synthesis. We will uncover the molecular mechanisms behind these processes, highlighting the regulatory factors involved, and examining the vital roles of ribosomes, tRNAs, and amino acids in the formation of proteins, ultimately providing a deeper understanding of the central dogma of molecular biology.
18: Mutations, Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Gene Regulation
In this section, we will delve into the fascinating world of mutations, operons, and eukaryotic gene regulation. We’ll explore the various mechanisms through which genetic information can be altered, regulated, and controlled, comparing the strategies employed by prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. By examining the processes that influence gene expression, we will gain a deeper understanding of how organisms adapt and evolve at the molecular level.
19: DNA Technology
In this unit, we will explore the cutting-edge field of DNA technology, focusing on techniques like PCR, DNA sequencing, genetic engineering, and recombinant DNA technology. We will examine their applications in diverse fields such as medicine, agriculture, and forensic science. Additionally, we will highlight how these groundbreaking technologies are propelling scientific research forward and contributing to the resolution of pressing societal challenges, from disease treatment to food security and criminal justice.
Unit 7: Natural Selection
20: Natural Selection
In this module, we will dive into the mechanisms of natural selection and microevolution, exploring how genetic variation within populations, differences in reproductive success, and environmental pressures interact to influence allele frequencies over time. We will examine how these processes drive evolutionary changes and adaptations, allowing species to better survive and thrive in their environments.
21: Macroevolution
In this section, we will broaden our focus to macroevolution, examining the patterns and processes that contribute to the diversification of life over vast geological time periods. We will explore key events such as speciation, adaptive radiation, and the profound influence of major evolutionary transitions, shedding light on how these events have shaped the history of life on Earth.
22: Cladogram and Classification
In this unit, we will explore cladistics and classification, delving into how cladograms illustrate evolutionary relationships among organisms based on common traits. Additionally, we will examine how taxonomic classification systems organize the vast diversity of life into hierarchical categories, offering a structured framework to understand the relationships and evolutionary history of life on Earth.
Unit 8: Ecology
23: Population & Community Ecology
In this module, we will explore population and community ecology, focusing on the dynamics of populations and their interactions within ecological communities. We will investigate topics such as population growth, species interactions, community structure, and the factors that influence biodiversity and ecosystem stability, providing a deeper understanding of the complex relationships that shape life across various organizational levels within ecosystems.
24: Ecosystem
In this section, we will explore ecosystems by examining the intricate interactions between biotic and abiotic components within distinct ecological units. We will analyze energy flow, nutrient cycling, and the resilience of ecosystems to disturbances, providing a comprehensive understanding of the interconnectedness and functioning of natural systems.