AP Bio Unit 6 (Gene Expression) Main Menu

Notes from Mr. W

  • Except for content related to viruses (see the note below), the following menu fully reflects the content in the College Board’s 2025 Course and Exam Description.
  • The sequence differs a bit from the CED. The biggest difference is my separation of prokaryotic gene regulation from eukaryotic gene regulation (see 6.5 – 6.6 below).

1. Topics 6.1 and 6.2: DNA structure and replication

DNA Structure and Replication Student Learning Guide

    1. Topic 6.1: DNA & RNA Structure (Review and Extension)

    2. Topic 6.2: DNA Replication 

2. Topics 6.3 and 6.4: Transcription and Translation

Transcription and Translation Student Learning Guide

    1. Topic 6.3. Transcription

    2. Topic 6.4, Part 1: The Genetic Code

    3. Topic 6.4, Part 2: Translation/Protein Synthesis

    4. Topic 6.4, Part 3 (extension): Protein Targeting to the Rough E.R.

3. Topics 6.5-6.6: Gene Regulation and Expression

Gene Regulation and Expression Student Learning Guide

    1. Topics 6.5 – 6.6, Part 1: Gene Regulation in Bacteria through Operons

    2. Topics 6.5 – 6.6, Part 2: Eukaryotic gene regulation through regulation of chromatin, Epigenetics

    3. Topics 6.5 – 6.6, Part 3: Eukaryotic gene regulation through control of transcription

    4. Topics 6.5 – 6.6, Part 4: Eukaryotic Gene Regulation — Coordinated Control Mechanisms, and microRNAs

    5. Topics 6.5 – 6.6, Part 5: Eukaryotic Gene Regulation and Development

    6. Topics 6.5 – 6.6, Part 6: Eukaryotic gene regulation and evolutionary change in the threespine stickleback

4. Topic 6.7: Viruses, Mutation, and Horizontal Gene Transfer

Note from Mr. W:  With the exception of objectives relating to how retroviruses violate the Central Dogma and horizontal gene transfer through transduction, the College Board’s 2025 Course and Exam Description barely mentions viruses. But in the context of the recent COVID-19 Pandemic (not to mention AIDS, measles, influenza, and other viral diseases), teaching AP Bio without teaching about viruses is, to me, unconscionable. That’s why I’m promoting the structure and content of Topic 6.7 below. But note that most of parts 1, 2, and 3 below are beyond outside the scope of AP Bio, and won’t be tested on the AP Bio exam.

Viruses, Mutation, and Horizontal Gene Transfer Student Learning Guide

    1. Topic 6.7, Part 1: Virus Structure and Viral Life Cycles (Lytic, Lysogenic, and Retroviral)

    2. Topic 6.7, Part 2: SARS-CoV-2 and Covid 19

    3. Topic 6.7 Part 3: mRNA Vaccines and Rapid Antigen Testing

    4. Topic 6.7 Part 4: Mutation

    5. Topic 6.7 Part 5: Horizontal Gene Transfer

6. Topic 6.8: Genetic Engineering

Genetic Engineering Student Learning Guide

    1. Topic 6.8, Part 1: Genetic Engineering through Plasmids

    2. Topic 6.8 Part 2: Gel Electrophoresis, Restriction Fragment Length Analysis, and DNA Fingerprinting

    3. Topic 6.8, Part 3: Amplifying DNA by PCR (the Polymerase Chain Reaction)

    4. Topic 6.8, Part 4: A Few More Genetic Engineering Techniques to Know About: Sequencing and CRISPR

7. Unit 6 Review Page: Objectives, Flashcards, and Quizzes