AP Biology · Unit 1
Chemistry of Life
Begin with scientific investigation, then build from water toward the molecules that store energy, form membranes, carry information, and perform most cellular work.
Learning sequence
Choose a lesson
AP Biology Science Practices
Scientific Method: Design & Controls
Write a testable hypothesis, define the variables that make a comparison fair, and choose controls that make a result interpretable.
AP Biology Science Practices
Scientific Method: Data & Conclusions
Design for reliability, represent data with its uncertainty, and argue from evidence without overclaiming.
Topic 1.1
Water's Unusual Power
Use molecular structure to explain water's emergent properties.
Topics 1.2–1.3
From Elements to Polymers
Build biological molecules through dehydration and hydrolysis.
Topics 1.4–1.5
Carbohydrates & Lipids
Connect molecular structure to energy, storage, and membranes.
Topics 1.6–1.7
Information & Function
Trace how sequence and shape determine nucleic-acid and protein function.
Unit synthesis
Macromolecule Evidence Lab
Identify four unknown samples by selecting tests and defending conclusions.
Topics 1.1–1.7
Unit 1 Assessment
Apply chemistry-of-life concepts to novel diagrams, data, and experiments.