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AP Biology

Dec 13, 2025

138

2 pages

AP Biology Unit 3 Study Guide Notes

M

Madisen Lieberman @madisenlieberman_lqja

Dive into the fascinating world of enzymes, cellular energy, and biochemical processes that power life! This summary covers... Show more

unit 3 Bieviela
Enzyme Structure
11/10/20
oenzymes are macromolecules (proteing), must maintain tertiary structure to function, active site

Enzyme Structure and Function

Enzymes are protein macromolecules that speed up biochemical reactions by lowering activation energy. Their specific tertiary structure creates an active site where the substrate binds. This structure must be maintained for the enzyme to function properly.

Each enzyme is highly specific, facilitating only one type of reaction. Enzymes can catalyze both synthesis and digestion reactions, and they're reusable—not consumed during the reaction. The substrate must be compatible with the enzyme's active site for a reaction to occur.

Environmental factors greatly impact enzyme function. Changes in temperature or pH can cause denaturation—the loss of an enzyme's 3D structure. While increasing temperature initially speeds up reaction rates, continued increases eventually cause denaturation. Reaction rates are also affected by substrate concentration, enzyme concentration, and inhibitors that can bind either at the active site (competitive) or elsewhere (noncompetitive).

Quick Tip Think of enzymes as specialized keys that fit only one lock (substrate). If the key gets bent (denatured), it no longer works!

Cellular Energy and Photosynthesis

All living systems require constant energy input, ultimately from the sun. Life maintains order through energy coupling—linking exergonic energyreleasingenergy-releasing and endergonic energyrequiringenergy-requiring reactions in sequential pathways for efficient energy transfer.

Photosynthesis transforms sunlight energy into sugar. Light-dependent reactions occur when chlorophylls absorb light energy, exciting electrons that establish a proton gradient. This process splits water (producing oxygen), forms ATP through ATP synthase, and reduces NADP+ to NADPH.

The Calvin cycle uses the ATP and NADPH from light-dependent reactions along with CO₂ to create organic products. A key enzyme called RuBisCO fixes carbon dioxide during this process, creating the sugars that fuel nearly all life on Earth.

unit 3 Bieviela
Enzyme Structure
11/10/20
oenzymes are macromolecules (proteing), must maintain tertiary structure to function, active site

Cellular Respiration and ATP Production

Cellular respiration allows organisms to extract energy stored in macromolecules like glucose. This process involves multiple metabolic pathways glycolysis in the cytoplasm, followed by pyruvate oxidation, the Krebs cycle, and electron transport—all occurring in the mitochondria.

The electron transport chain (ETC) is located in the inner mitochondrial membrane and couples reactions to improve efficiency. It accepts high-energy electrons from carriers like NADH and FADH₂, using their energy to pump protons across the membrane. This creates a proton gradient that powers ATP synthesis through ATP synthase—a process called oxidative phosphorylation.

Glycolysis splits glucose into pyruvate while producing some ATP and NADH. The pyruvate is then actively transported into mitochondria, where the Krebs cycle extracts more electrons and transfers them to NADH and FADH₂. When oxygen isn't available, cells can use fermentation to regenerate NAD+ and allow glycolysis to continue, producing either ethanol or lactic acid.

Remember This Your cells are constantly performing these energy transformations—every breath you take delivers oxygen to keep your cellular respiration running!

Biological Fitness

Variation at cellular and molecular levels increases fitness—an organism's ability to survive and reproduce. The diversity in types of molecules within cells contributes to both individual and species fitness.

This molecular variation allows organisms to adapt to changing environments, making biological diversity essential for survival. Your understanding of these cellular processes helps explain why life's incredible diversity exists at every level, from molecules to ecosystems.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

 

AP Biology

138

Dec 13, 2025

2 pages

AP Biology Unit 3 Study Guide Notes

M

Madisen Lieberman

@madisenlieberman_lqja

Dive into the fascinating world of enzymes, cellular energy, and biochemical processes that power life! This summary covers how enzymes catalyze reactions, the energy transformation pathways in photosynthesis and cellular respiration, and how these processes contribute to biological fitness.

unit 3 Bieviela
Enzyme Structure
11/10/20
oenzymes are macromolecules (proteing), must maintain tertiary structure to function, active site

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Enzyme Structure and Function

Enzymes are protein macromolecules that speed up biochemical reactions by lowering activation energy. Their specific tertiary structure creates an active site where the substrate binds. This structure must be maintained for the enzyme to function properly.

Each enzyme is highly specific, facilitating only one type of reaction. Enzymes can catalyze both synthesis and digestion reactions, and they're reusable—not consumed during the reaction. The substrate must be compatible with the enzyme's active site for a reaction to occur.

Environmental factors greatly impact enzyme function. Changes in temperature or pH can cause denaturation—the loss of an enzyme's 3D structure. While increasing temperature initially speeds up reaction rates, continued increases eventually cause denaturation. Reaction rates are also affected by substrate concentration, enzyme concentration, and inhibitors that can bind either at the active site (competitive) or elsewhere (noncompetitive).

Quick Tip: Think of enzymes as specialized keys that fit only one lock (substrate). If the key gets bent (denatured), it no longer works!

Cellular Energy and Photosynthesis

All living systems require constant energy input, ultimately from the sun. Life maintains order through energy coupling—linking exergonic energyreleasingenergy-releasing and endergonic energyrequiringenergy-requiring reactions in sequential pathways for efficient energy transfer.

Photosynthesis transforms sunlight energy into sugar. Light-dependent reactions occur when chlorophylls absorb light energy, exciting electrons that establish a proton gradient. This process splits water (producing oxygen), forms ATP through ATP synthase, and reduces NADP+ to NADPH.

The Calvin cycle uses the ATP and NADPH from light-dependent reactions along with CO₂ to create organic products. A key enzyme called RuBisCO fixes carbon dioxide during this process, creating the sugars that fuel nearly all life on Earth.

unit 3 Bieviela
Enzyme Structure
11/10/20
oenzymes are macromolecules (proteing), must maintain tertiary structure to function, active site

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Cellular Respiration and ATP Production

Cellular respiration allows organisms to extract energy stored in macromolecules like glucose. This process involves multiple metabolic pathways: glycolysis in the cytoplasm, followed by pyruvate oxidation, the Krebs cycle, and electron transport—all occurring in the mitochondria.

The electron transport chain (ETC) is located in the inner mitochondrial membrane and couples reactions to improve efficiency. It accepts high-energy electrons from carriers like NADH and FADH₂, using their energy to pump protons across the membrane. This creates a proton gradient that powers ATP synthesis through ATP synthase—a process called oxidative phosphorylation.

Glycolysis splits glucose into pyruvate while producing some ATP and NADH. The pyruvate is then actively transported into mitochondria, where the Krebs cycle extracts more electrons and transfers them to NADH and FADH₂. When oxygen isn't available, cells can use fermentation to regenerate NAD+ and allow glycolysis to continue, producing either ethanol or lactic acid.

Remember This: Your cells are constantly performing these energy transformations—every breath you take delivers oxygen to keep your cellular respiration running!

Biological Fitness

Variation at cellular and molecular levels increases fitness—an organism's ability to survive and reproduce. The diversity in types of molecules within cells contributes to both individual and species fitness.

This molecular variation allows organisms to adapt to changing environments, making biological diversity essential for survival. Your understanding of these cellular processes helps explain why life's incredible diversity exists at every level, from molecules to ecosystems.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user