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AP Biology Practice Test

Build AP Biology readiness with original cells, genetics, evolution, ecology, data analysis, and experimental reasoning questions.

AP Biology practice sets

This page provides one canonical AP Biology practice hub with five short sets of 10 original questions each. The sets cover chemistry of life, cells, cellular energetics, communication and heredity, gene expression, natural selection, ecology, experimental design, data analysis, and scientific argumentation.

Skills covered

  • Explain biological concepts, processes, and models
  • Analyze visual representations, data tables, graphs, and experimental results
  • Identify questions, methods, controls, variables, and evidence
  • Use quantitative reasoning and statistical evidence in context
  • Develop and justify scientific arguments using relevant biological evidence

AP Biology course and exam scope

College Board organizes AP Biology into eight units: Chemistry of Life, Cells, Cellular Energetics, Cell Communication and Cell Cycle, Heredity, Gene Expression and Regulation, Natural Selection, and Ecology. The course also emphasizes science practices such as concept explanation, visual representations, questions and methods, data analysis, and argumentation.

College Board’s current exam page describes a hybrid digital exam in which students view questions in Bluebook and handwrite free-response answers in paper booklets. Current information also allows approved calculators on both sections, while 2027 calculator guidance limits handheld calculators with storage capabilities. Check the current official policy before test day.

How to use this page

Start with one untimed set to identify a topic gap, then use timed sets to build pacing. For every missed item, name the biological mechanism, inspect the evidence, and write a conclusion that stays within the experimental conditions.

These questions are original supplemental practice. They are not official College Board questions, secure AP Exam content, AP Classroom assignments, a score predictor, or a substitute for current AP policies and course materials.

For current scope and preparation, review the AP Biology course page, the AP Central course overview, the AP Biology exam page, the AP Biology Course and Exam Description, and the AP calculator policy.

For more study options, visit AP Exam Tests or explore College Readiness Tests, High School Course Tests, and Pomodoro.

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AP Biology Practice Questions

A 10-question AP Biology practice set on ap biology: gene expression, regulation, and biotechnology, with answers and explanations.

Read the biological scenario, model, data, or experimental design carefully. Choose the best answer and review the explanation after each response.

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1. QuestionMultiple choice

During transcription, what molecule is produced from a DNA template?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is RNA.

  1. Identify the biological system: Determine the process, structure, evidence, or experimental variable described in the AP Biology prompt.
  2. Apply the concept: Transcription uses DNA information to synthesize an RNA molecule.
  3. Connect evidence: Check that the conclusion matches the model, data, mechanism, or biological level named in the question.

Transcription uses DNA information to synthesize an RNA molecule.

2. QuestionMultiple choice

What is the role of mRNA during translation?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is It carries codon information to the ribosome.

  1. Identify the biological system: Determine the process, structure, evidence, or experimental variable described in the AP Biology prompt.
  2. Apply the concept: mRNA codons guide the order of amino acids at the ribosome.
  3. Connect evidence: Check that the conclusion matches the model, data, mechanism, or biological level named in the question.

mRNA codons guide the order of amino acids at the ribosome.

3. QuestionMultiple choice

What does a tRNA anticodon do?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: C

The correct answer is It pairs with a complementary mRNA codon.

  1. Identify the biological system: Determine the process, structure, evidence, or experimental variable described in the AP Biology prompt.
  2. Apply the concept: Anticodon-codon pairing helps deliver the correct amino acid.
  3. Connect evidence: Check that the conclusion matches the model, data, mechanism, or biological level named in the question.

Anticodon-codon pairing helps deliver the correct amino acid.

4. QuestionMultiple choice

A mutation changes one codon but not the amino acid. What type of mutation is this?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: D

The correct answer is Silent.

  1. Identify the biological system: Determine the process, structure, evidence, or experimental variable described in the AP Biology prompt.
  2. Apply the concept: A synonymous codon change does not alter the encoded amino acid.
  3. Connect evidence: Check that the conclusion matches the model, data, mechanism, or biological level named in the question.

A synonymous codon change does not alter the encoded amino acid.

5. QuestionMultiple choice

What is the purpose of PCR?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is To amplify a targeted DNA sequence.

  1. Identify the biological system: Determine the process, structure, evidence, or experimental variable described in the AP Biology prompt.
  2. Apply the concept: PCR uses cycles of copying to produce many copies of a selected DNA region.
  3. Connect evidence: Check that the conclusion matches the model, data, mechanism, or biological level named in the question.

PCR uses cycles of copying to produce many copies of a selected DNA region.

6. QuestionMultiple choice

What does gel electrophoresis separate?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is DNA fragments primarily by size.

  1. Identify the biological system: Determine the process, structure, evidence, or experimental variable described in the AP Biology prompt.
  2. Apply the concept: Smaller charged DNA fragments generally move farther through the gel.
  3. Connect evidence: Check that the conclusion matches the model, data, mechanism, or biological level named in the question.

Smaller charged DNA fragments generally move farther through the gel.

7. QuestionMultiple choice

Why can cells with the same genome have different functions?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: C

The correct answer is They express different sets of genes.

  1. Identify the biological system: Determine the process, structure, evidence, or experimental variable described in the AP Biology prompt.
  2. Apply the concept: Differential gene expression creates cell-specific proteins and functions.
  3. Connect evidence: Check that the conclusion matches the model, data, mechanism, or biological level named in the question.

Differential gene expression creates cell-specific proteins and functions.

8. QuestionMultiple choice

What is an operon?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: D

The correct answer is A regulated group of genes transcribed together in some organisms.

  1. Identify the biological system: Determine the process, structure, evidence, or experimental variable described in the AP Biology prompt.
  2. Apply the concept: An operon coordinates expression of related genes under shared control.
  3. Connect evidence: Check that the conclusion matches the model, data, mechanism, or biological level named in the question.

An operon coordinates expression of related genes under shared control.

9. QuestionMultiple choice

What does a restriction enzyme do in biotechnology?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is It cuts DNA at specific recognition sequences.

  1. Identify the biological system: Determine the process, structure, evidence, or experimental variable described in the AP Biology prompt.
  2. Apply the concept: Restriction enzymes recognize and cleave particular DNA sequences.
  3. Connect evidence: Check that the conclusion matches the model, data, mechanism, or biological level named in the question.

Restriction enzymes recognize and cleave particular DNA sequences.

10. QuestionMultiple choice

Which evidence best supports that a gene is expressed in a tissue?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is Detecting the gene’s RNA or protein product in that tissue.

  1. Identify the biological system: Determine the process, structure, evidence, or experimental variable described in the AP Biology prompt.
  2. Apply the concept: Expression is supported by evidence that the gene product is being produced.
  3. Connect evidence: Check that the conclusion matches the model, data, mechanism, or biological level named in the question.

Expression is supported by evidence that the gene product is being produced.

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Frequently asked questions about AP Biology Practice Tests

What topics are included on this AP Biology practice page?

The page covers cells, energetics, communication, heredity, gene expression, evolution, ecology, experimental design, data analysis, and scientific argumentation.

Are these official College Board questions?

No. These are original supplemental questions. Use AP Classroom, Bluebook previews, AP Central, and current College Board course materials for official preparation.

Is the AP Biology exam digital?

College Board’s current exam page describes a hybrid digital exam, with questions in Bluebook and handwritten free-response answers in paper booklets.

Can I use a calculator on AP Biology?

Current College Board policy allows approved calculators on both sections, but students should check the latest device restrictions and 2027 updates.

How should I answer a biology data question?

Identify the variables and trend, cite the relevant evidence, connect it to a biological mechanism, and limit the conclusion to the tested conditions.