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AP Biology Course Summary
Department: Science
Semester 1
Learning Objective #1
Students will understand the basics of chemistry, the importance of the water molecule, how carbon is unique
and form relates directly to function of molecules.
Targets to Meet Learning Objective #1
 Target 1: Molecules and Cells Chemical Context of Life
o Chemical elements and compounds - matter consists of chemical elements in pure form and
in combinations called compounds - life requires about 25 chemical elements
o Atoms and Molecules - atomic structure determines the behavior of an element -atoms
combine by chemical bonding to form molecules -weak chemical bonds play important roles
in the chemistry of life -a molecules biological function is related to its shape -chemical
reactions make and break chemical bonds
 Target 2: Water and the Fitness of the Environment
o Effects of Water’s Polarity -hydrogen bonding -cohesion and adhesion of water molecules water moderates temperature on Earth -oceans and lakes don’t freeze solid (ice floats) water is the solvent of life
o Dissociation of water molecules -organisms are sensitive to changes in pH -acid
precipitation threatens the fitness of the environment
 Target 3: Carbon and the Molecular Diversity of Life: Structure and Function
o The Importance of Carbon -organic chemistry is the study of carbon compounds -carbon
atoms are versatile building blocks of molecules -variation in carbon skeletons contributes
to the diversity of organic molecules
o Functional Groups-contribute to molecular diversity of life-chem. elements of life (review)
 Target 4: Structure and Function of Macromolecules: Structure and Function
o Polymer Principles-macromolecules are polymers -variety of polymers can be built from
small set of monomers
o Carbohydrates-Fuel and Building Material -sugars serve as fuel and carbon sources –
polysaccharides have storage and structural roles
o Lipids-Diverse Hydrophobic Molecules -store large amounts of energy -phospholipids are
major components of cell membranes -steroids-cholesterol and certain hormones
o Proteins-molecular tools of the cell -polymers of amino acids in a specific sequence function depends on specific conformation
o Nucleic Acids-Information Polymers -store & transmit hereditary information-polymers of
nucleotides-inheritance based on replication of DNA double helix -DNA & proteins
 Target 5: Introduction to Metabolism
o Metabolism, Energy, and Life -metabolic pathways -energy transformation -two laws of
thermodynamics –free energy -ATP powers cell work by endergonic and exergonic reactions
o Enzymes: Regulation –speed up metabolic reactions by lowering energy barriers -substrate
specific -active sites and shape –physical and chemical environment affect enzyme activity
o Control of Metabolism -allosteric regulation -localization of enzymes within a cell helps
order metabolism -emergent properties
Timeline
6 Weeks
© Liberty High School 2011
Learning Objective #2
Students will understand the basics of cell structure and function and its component parts.
Targets to Meet Learning Objective #2
 Target 1: Tour of the Cell
o How We Study Cells -light and electron microscopes -prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell
differences -internal membranes compartmentalize the functions of a eukaryotic cell
o Nucleus and Ribosomes -genetic library -building cell’s proteins
o Endomembrane System -endoplasmic reticulum –Golgi apparatus -lysosomes -vacuoles
o Other Membranous Organelles -Peroxisomes –Mitochondria -Chloroplasts
o Cytoskeleton -structural support, motility, and regulation
o Cell Surfaces and Junctions -cell walls -extracellular matrix functions in support, adhesion,
movement, and development -integrate cells into higher levels of structure and function
 Target 2: Membrane Structure and Function: Science as a Process
o Membrane Structure -regulation of the internal cell environment -membrane models have
evolved: science as a process -fluid mosaic model
o Traffic Across Membranes –selective permeability -passive transport = diffusion -osmosis =
passive transport of water -balancing water uptake and water loss -proteins facilitate
passive transport of selected solutes -active transport = energy and concentration gradients
-ion pumps and voltage across membranes -cotransport –exocytosis and endocytosis
Timeline
1 Week
Learning Objective #3
Students will understand the basics of cellular respiration, cellular energy formation and its interrelationship
to photosynthesis in plants, and plant adaptations.
Targets to Meet Learning Objective #3
 Target 1: Cellular Respiration
o Principles of Energy Harvest -catabolic pathways and energy transfer -ATP recycled for work
-redox reactions release energy when electrons move -electrons fall from organic molecules
to oxygen -fall of electrons ins stepwise, via NAD and the electron transport chain
o Process of Cellular Respiration -glycolysis = glucose to pyruvate = coupled reactions -Kreb’s
cycle = oxidation of organic molecules -Electron Transport Chain = ATP synthesis
o Related Metabolic Processes -Fermentation in absence of oxygen -Glycolysis and
Fermentation connect to many other pathways -feedback mechanisms control cellular
respiration -evolution and the endosymbiotic hypothesis -negative and positive feedback
mechanisms
 Target 2: Photosynthesis: a mechanism of energy transfer
o Photosynthesis in nature -autotrophs = producers -chloroplast anatomy
o Pathways of Photosynthesis -light reactions and ATP, NADPH -Calvin cycle = use of ATP,
NADPH to convert CO2 to sugar -alternative mechanisms of carbon fixation in hot, arid
climates –evolutionary similarities between photosynthesis and cell respiration are stressed
Timeline
2 Weeks
© Liberty High School 2011
Learning Objective #4
Students will understand the basics of cell reproduction, the formation of somatic/gametic cells, genetics and
genetic disorders, regulation of traits and heredity, and gene repair.
Targets to Meet Learning Objective #4
 Target 1: The Cell Cycle
o Roles of Cell Division -reproduction, growth, and repair -identical sets of chromosomes
distributed to daughter cells
o The Mitotic Cycle -interphase -P, M, A, T sequence -cytokinesis -mitosis in eukaryotes may
have evolved from binary fission in bacteria
o Regulation of the Cell Cycle -molecular control system -internal and external cues -cancer
causes and control
 Target 2: Heredity and Evolution Meiosis and Sexual Life Cycles
o Introduction to Heredity -offspring inherit chromosomes -asexual and sexual reproduction
o Role of Meiosis in Sexual Life Cycles -fertilization and meiosis alternate in sexual life cycles chromosome reduction diploid to haploid -gametogenesis
o Origins of Genetic Variation -independent assortment -crossing over -random fertilization evolutionary adaptation
 Target 3: Mendel and the Gene Idea: Continuity and Change
o Eukaryotic chromosome structure vs. Prokaryotic chromosome structure
o Mendel’s Discoveries -law of segregation -law of independent assortment
o Extending Mendelian Genetics -incomplete dominance -codominance -multiple alleles pleiotropy –epistasis -polygenic inheritance -nature vs nurture -polygenic inheritance pedigree analysis –multifactorial disorders
o Genetic Testing and Counseling -carrier recognition -fetal testing -newborn screening
 Target 4: Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance: Continuity and Change
o Relating Mendel to Chromosomes –sex linked traits -crossing over -genetic maps -sex
determination – x inactivation
o Errors and Exceptions in Chromosomal Inheritance -aneuploidy -polyploidy -deletions,
duplications, inversions, translocations
 Target 5: Molecular Basis of Inheritance
o DNA as the genetic material: science as a process -Watson and Crick
o DNA replication and repair -origins of replication, replication forks -elongation, leading and
lagging strands -ligase, primers, SSB’s, helicase
o Proofreading DNA repairing damage -telomeres and the ends of the
Timeline
3 Weeks
© Liberty High School 2011
Learning Objective #5
Students will understand the basics of protein synthesis and how “form equals function” as a continuing
theme of all biology.
Targets to Meet Learning Objective #5
 Target 1: DNA molecule From Gene to Protein
o Transcription –RNA structure, codons, template strand, promoters, transcription factors,
termination
o RNA modification in eukaryotic cells -introns, exons, promoters, TATA box, spliceosome,
ribozymes, leaders, trailers, poly A tail
o Translation -transfer RNA, anticodons, wobble, ribosomal RNA, E, P, A sites, elongation,
termination
o Signal peptides -polypeptide destination -mutations -RNA and the origins of life
Timeline
1 Week
Learning Objective #6
Students will understand the basic comparisons between viruses, bacterial and other single-celled organisms,
gene expression and control of those genes while discovering their relationship to emergent diseases.
Targets to Meet Learning Objective #6
 Target 1: Genetics of Viruses and Bacteria
o Genetics of Viruses -viral shapes, anatomy, and nuclear material -requirement of host cells
and viral reproductive techniques -lytic cycle -lysogenic cycle -viroids and prions
o Genetics of Bacteria -transformation -transduction -conjugation and plasmids -transposons
o Control of Gene Expression -operons: the basic concept -trp operon: synthesis of repressible
enzymes, promoter, operator, regulatory genes, corepressor -lac operon: synthesis of
inducible enzymes, same as above
o Environmental and Social Concerns in Microbiology
Timeline
1 Week
© Liberty High School 2011
Learning Objective #7
Students will understand the basics of molecular biology using gene expression and DNA fingerprinting
techniques, along with testing food products for GMO’s via the use of Thermocyclers, PCR, gel electrophoresis
and RFLP’s technology, and their ethical implications to humankind.
Targets to Meet Learning Objective #7
 Target 1: Organization and Control of Eukaryotic Genomes
o Structure of Chromatin -successive levels of DNA packing
o Genome Organization at the DNA Level -Repetitive DNA and other noncoding sequences –
gene families have evolved by duplication of ancestral genes -gene amplification, loss, or
rearrangement
o Control of Gene Expression -eukaryotes express only a small fraction of their genes -control
can occur at any step in the path from gene to protein -chromatin modifications affect the
availability of genes for transcription
o The Molecular Biology of Cancer -genetic changes -oncogene proteins and tumor
suppressor proteins -multiple mutations
 Target 2: DNA Technology: science, technology, and society
o DNA cloning -restriction enzymes used to make recombinant DNA -polymerase chain
reaction technology
o Analysis of Cloned DNA -restriction fragment analysis detects DNA differences that affect
restriction sites -entire genomes can be mapped at the DNA level
o Practical Applications of DNA technology -reshaping medicine and pharmaceutical industry offers forensic, environmental, and agricultural applications -raises important safety and
ethical questions -societal implications (environmental and social concerns) of DNA
technology
Timeline
2 Weeks
© Liberty High School 2011
Semester 2
Learning Objective #1
Students will understand the basics of Evolutionary Mechanisms, Darwinian Evolution, its theoretical
implications on the evolution of populations, species, and the beginning of life itself.
Targets to Meet Learning Objective #1
 Target 1: Descent With Modification: Darwinian View of Life: Evolution as Foundation
o Historical Context for Evolutionary Theory -western culture resists evolutionary views of life
-Lamarck placed fossils in an evolutionary context
o The Darwinian Revolution -evolution as the foundation of modern biological models and
thought -the occurrence of evolution and natural selection as its mechanism
o Evidence of Evolution -biogeography -the fossil record -comparative anatomy -embryology molecular biology
 Target 2: Evolution of Populations: Continuity and Change
o Population Genetics -genetic structure of a population defined by its allele and genotype
frequencies -Hardy Weinberg theorem describes a non-evolving population
o Microevolution causes-genetic drift, gene flow, mutation, nonrandom mating, nat. selection
o Genetic Variation, the Substrate for Natural Selection -genetic variation occurs within and
between populations -mutation and sexual recombination generate genetic variation diploidy and balanced polymorphism preserve variation
o Natural Selection as the Mechanism of Adaptive Evolution -evolutionary fitness -stabilizing,
directional, or diversifying selection -sexual selection –natural selection cannot fashion
perfect organisms
 Target 3: The Origin of Species
o What is a Species? -the biological species concept emphasizes reproductive isolation prezygotic and postzygotic barriers isolate gene pools
o Modes of Speciation -allopatric speciation: geographic isolation -sympatric speciation discussions of tempo: punctuated equilibrium
o Origin of Evolutionary Novelty -most evolutionary novelties are modified versions of older
structures -genes that control development play a major role in novelty -an evolutionary
trend does not mean that evolution is goal oriented
 Target 4: Tracing Phylogeny
o The Fossil Record and Geologic Time -sedimentary rocks are the richest source of fossils –
absolute dating and radiometric dating -continental drift -history of life punctuated by mass
extinctions followed by adaptive radiations
o Phylogeny and Systematics -taxonomy employs a hierarchical system of classification branching pattern of a phylogenetic tree represents the taxonomic hierarchy -determining
monophyletic taxa is key to classifying organisms according to their evolutionary history molecular biology provides powerful tools for systematics
o The Science of Phylogenetic Systematics -phenetics increased the objectivity of systematic
analysis -cladistic analysis uses novel homologies to define branch points on phylogenetic
trees -phylogenetic systematics relies on both morphology and molecules -evolutionary
trends are stressed
Timeline
4 Weeks
© Liberty High School 2011
Learning Objective #2
Students will understand the basics of Evolutionary history and Biological Diversity.
Targets to Meet Learning Objective #2
 Target 1: Early Earth and the Origin of Life
o Introduction to the History of Life -life originated between 3.5 and 4.0 billion years ago major episodes in the history of life
o Prebiotic Chemical Evolution and the Origin of Life -first cells may have originated by
chemical evolution -abiotic synthesis of organic monomers is a testable hypothesis laboratory simulations of early Earth conditions -protobionts can form self assembly -RNA
was probably the first genetic material = RNA evolution -origin of hereditary material made
Darwinian evolution possible
o The Major Lineages of Life -arranging the diversity of life in the highest taxa is a work in
progress –five kingdom system, eight kingdom system, three domain system
 Target 2: Organisms and Populations Survey of the Diversity of Life
 This task is completed through the anatomy and physiology section of my course -the
anatomy (plant and animal)that I teach is comparative anatomy that begins with processes
such as the acquisition of energy or the exchange of gases and discusses how the various
major classes of organisms meet these requirements -in the plant kingdom it includes
bryophytes, lycophytes, horsetails and vascular plants such as gymnosperms and
angiosperms -fungi and protozoa are included -invertebrates such as porifera, radiata,
platyhelminthes (acoelomates), rotifera and Nematode (pseudocoelomates), mollusks,
annelida, arthropoda (protostomes), echinodermata, chordate (deuterostomes), agnatha,
chondricthyes, osteicthyes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals
 In all the chapters, evolutionary mechanisms are identified and comparisons are made
which show evolutionary processes
Timeline
2 Weeks
© Liberty High School 2011
Learning Objective #3
Students will understand the basics of Plant form and function as it relates to plant nutrition, reproduction
and hormonal control systems through the following:
Targets to Meet Learning Objective #3
 Target 1: Plant Structure and Growth
o The Angiosperm Body -root and shoot systems are evolutionary adaptations -structural
adaptations equip plant cells for specialized functions -dermal, vascular, and ground tissue
systems
o Plant Growth -meristems = apical and lateral
 Target 2: Transport in Plants
o Transport Mechanisms in Plants -selective permeability of membranes –proton pumps differences in water potential -symplast and apoplast -bulk flow
o Absorption of Water and Minerals by Roots -root hairs, mycorrhizae -endodermis as a
selective sentry
o Transport of Xylem Sap -transpiration pull and the physical properties of water -the role of
bulk flow
o Control of Transpiration -guard cells mediate photosynthesis-transpiration compromise xerophyte adaptations
o Translocation of Phloem Sap -sugar sources to sugar sinks -pressure flow
 Target 3: Plant Nutrition
o Nutritional Requirements of Plants -macronutrients and micronutrients
o Role of Soil in Plant Nutrition -soil characteristics -soil conservation
o Nitrogen as a Plant Nutrient -metabolism of soil bacteria
o Symbiosis of Plants and Soil Microbes -nitrogen fixation between roots and bacteria mycorrhizae fungus and roots
o Parasitism and Predation by Plants -parasitic plants –carnivorous plants
 Target 4: Plant Reproduction and Development
o Sexual Reproduction -sporophyte and gametophyte generations -pollination -ovary
development and seed dispersal
o Asexual Reproduction –vegetative propagation in agriculture
 Target 5: Control Systems in Plants
o Plant Hormones -coordinate growth, development, and responses to environmental stimuli
o Plant Movements -tropisms toward or away from stimuli
o Daily and Seasonal Responses -circadian rhythms -photoperiodism
Timeline
4 Weeks
© Liberty High School 2011
Learning Objective #4
Students will understand the basics of Animal “form equals function” as it relates to nutritional needs,
homeostasis, immune defenses mechanisms, endocrine systems, reproduction, development, sensory
responses and motion through the following:
Targets to Meet Learning Objective #4
 Target 1: Animal Nutrition
o Nutritional Requirements -heterotrophs, essential nutrients, carbon skeletons
o Food Processing -ingestion, digestion, absorption, elimination
o Specialized Compartments -oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large
intestine
o Evolutionary Adaptations of Vertebrate Digestive Systems -structural adaptations often
associated with diet -symbiotic microorganisms
 Target 2: Circulation and Gas Exchange
o Circulation in Animals -gastro vascular cavity, diffusion –double circulation evolution arteries, veins, capillaries -transfer of substances between blood and interstitial fluid lymphatic system - blood components and physiology -cardiovascular disease
o Gas Exchange -diffusion, tracheal systems, gills, lungs -diffusion down pressure gradients respiratory pigments and buffering capacity of blood
 Target 3: Body’s Defenses
o Nonspecific Defenses -skin and mucous membranes -phagocytic cells
o How Specific Immunity Arises -antigens
o Immune Responses -cell mediated immune response humoral response
o Immunity in Health and Disease -natural and artificial immunity -self and non self -HIV/AIDS
 Target 4: Controlling the Internal Environment
o Regulation of Body Temperature -ectotherms and endotherms
o Water Balance and Waste Disposal -nitrogenous waste production, osmotic gain and water
loss
o Excretory System -variations on a tubular theme –kidney and nephrons -nervous system
and hormonal feedback -evolution of kidneys in different habitats
 Target 5: Chemical Signal in Animals
o Endocrine System and Nervous System are related
o Chemical Signals and Their Modes of Action -binding to plasma membrane proteins -steroid
hormones, thyroid hormones -hypothalamus, pituitary gland, pineal gland
 Target 6: Nervous System
o Nature of Neural Signals -membrane/action potentials, tetanus -synapses and neural
integration
o Organization of Nervous System -centralization and cephalization -sympathetic and
parasympathetic
o Structure and Function of Vertebrate Brain -major regions and function
 Target 7: Motor Mechanisms
 Movement and Locomotion -skeletons -myosin/actin -calcium ions and regulatory proteins
Timeline
4 Weeks
© Liberty High School 2011
Learning Objective #5
Students will understand the basics of Ecology and the Biosphere as it relates to behavioral biology,
population growth and sustainability, ecosystems and environmental conservation through the following:
Targets to Meet Learning Objective #5
 Target 1: Ecology and the Biosphere: Interdependence in Nature
o Abiotic and Biotic Factors
o Biomes/Trophic Levels
o Energy Flow/Competition/Symbiosis
 Target 2: Population Ecology: Interdependence in Nature
o Characteristics of Populations -density and spacing -life histories -resource limitation
o Population Growth Models -exponential model -logistic model and carrying capacity
o Limiting Factors -density dependence and density independence -human population growth
patterns
o Conservation Biology: Environmental and Social Concerns -water issues -air issues endangered species -cost/benefit analysis
Timeline
2 Weeks
Side Note:
Major Assignments and/or Assessments:
Due to the nature of the AP Bio Exam, AP Central (College Board) requires that AP Students complete the
“dirty dozen” labs, especially in light, that one of the essays always relates to one of the chosen twelve. My
labs are performed onsite during the evening. They typically occur about every two – three weeks
(approximately six during the first semester and six second semester). Additional short labs are performed in
class from time to time. The main labs performed are the following:
 Diffusion and Osmosis
 Enzyme Catalysis
 Mitosis/Meiosis
 Plant Pigments and Photosynthesis
 Cell Respiration
 Molecular Biology
 Genetics of Organisms
 Population Genetics and Evolution
 Transpiration
 Physiology of the Circulatory System
 Animal Behavior
 Dissolved Oxygen and Primary Productivity
© Liberty High School 2011
Student Evaluation
Students are evaluated on their performance on the unit exams, free-response questions, labs, and the
homework they complete. I assign a certain number of points for each assignment students complete for
credit. Their final grade is determined by the percentage of the total points earned during the report period.
Periodicals, Medias & Movies (articles often from) … but not limited to the following:


Scientific American, JAMA, Discover, Nature, National Geographic
Local newspaper, Internet. Movies may include:
o “Lorenzo’s Oil”, “Ghost in Your Genes” – Epigenome, and various other clips on genetics, cell
division, respiration, ecology, etc.
© Liberty High School 2011