AP Biology Exam Notes

Exam Instructions

  • The exam total is 100 points, divided into two parts: multiple choice and non-multiple choice questions.
  • Multiple choice: 60 points
  • Non-multiple choice: 40 points
  • Total time allowed: 3 hours.
  • Use a 2B pencil to shade answers on the answer sheet.
  • All answers must be recorded on the answer sheet; answers written on the exam paper are invalid.
  • Return both the exam paper and answer sheet after the exam ends.

Multiple Choice Questions (60 Points Total)

  • Each question is worth 2 points.
  1. Which of the following is NOT a main function of the cell membrane?
  • A. Substance entry and exit
  • B. Protection of the cell
  • C. Cell division
  • D. Intercellular communication
    Correct Answer: C (Cell division)
  1. Where does the conversion of light energy to chemical energy occur in photosynthesis?
  • A. Mitochondria
  • B. Chloroplasts
  • C. Nucleus
  • D. Cytoplasm
    Correct Answer: B (Chloroplasts)
  1. Which enzyme is essential for DNA replication?
  • A. Restriction enzyme
  • B. Reverse transcriptase
  • C. DNA polymerase
  • D. Nuclease
    Correct Answer: C (DNA polymerase)
  1. Which of the following processes does NOT involve cellular respiration?
  • A. Glycolysis
  • B. Krebs cycle (citric acid cycle)
  • C. Electron transport chain
  • D. Photosynthesis
    Correct Answer: D (Photosynthesis)
  1. Which hormone is secreted by the pancreas?

  • A. Insulin

  • B. Thyroxine

  • C. Adrenaline

  • D. Gonadotropins
    Correct Answer: A (Insulin)

  • … (Other questions omitted for brevity)

  1. Which of the following biotechnologies does NOT involve genetic engineering?
  • A. Gene cloning
  • B. Gene knockout
  • C. Cell culture
  • D. Gene editing
    Correct Answer: C (Cell culture)
  1. Which disease is caused by a genetic mutation?
  • A. Diabetes
  • B. Hypertension
  • C. Cystic fibrosis
  • D. AIDS
    Correct Answer: C (Cystic fibrosis)

Non-Multiple Choice Questions (40 Points Total)

  • Each question is worth 10 points.
  1. Describe the main differences between mitosis and meiosis.
  • Mitosis: Produces two identical diploid daughter cells; involved in growth and repair.
  • Meiosis: Produces four genetically diverse haploid gametes; key for sexual reproduction.
  • Importance of Meiosis: Maintains stable chromosome number across generations by halving the chromosome number during gamete formation.
  1. Explain the role of enzymes in living organisms and how environmental conditions can affect enzyme activity.
  • Enzymes: Biological catalysts speeding up metabolic reactions by lowering activation energy.
  • Factors affecting activity: Temperature, pH, and substrate concentration; extreme conditions can denature enzymes.
  • Example: Increasing temperature generally speeds up reaction rates until a threshold is reached, beyond which enzyme activity decreases due to denaturation.
  1. Describe the process of photosynthesis and its significance to life on Earth.
  • Reactants: Carbon dioxide and water.
  • Sunlight is absorbed by chlorophyll in chloroplasts, driving the conversion of CO2 and H2O into glucose and oxygen.
  • Significance: Primary source of organic compounds for almost all life forms, oxygen production enables aerobic life.
  1. Discuss the potential impacts of gene mutations on organisms and their importance in evolution.
  • Mutations can lead to changes in protein function, promoting diversity in traits.
  • Some mutations may be beneficial, enhancing survival; others could be harmful or neutral.
  • Evolutionary Role: Genetic variation introduced by mutations is critical for natural selection and adaptation to changing environments.