AP BIOLOGY

UNIT 6
Gene Expression
and Regulation

12–16%
AP EXAM WEIGHTING

~18–21
CLASS PERIODS
Remember to go to AP Classroom
to assign students the online
Personal Progress Check for
this unit.
Whether assigned as homework or
completed in class, the Personal
Progress Check provides each
student with immediate feedback
related to this unit’s topic and skills.

Personal Progress Check 6

Multiple-choice: ~25 questions
Free-response: 2 questions
§§ Interpreting and Evaluating
Experimental Results
§§ Analyze Model or Visual
Representation
 UNIT

6 12–16% AP EXAM WEIGHTING ~18–21 CLASS PERIODS

Gene Expression
and Regulation

Developing Understanding
BIG IDEA 3 Progressing from the continuity of life to gene expression, in Unit 6 students gain
Information Storage in-depth knowledge about nucleic acids and their role in gene expression. Students
and Transmission  IST receive a finer focus on the comparison between the structures of DNA and RNA. This unit
§§ How does gene highlights how an individual’s genotype is physically expressed through that individual’s
regulation relate to the phenotype. Understanding protein synthesis (transcription and translation) is vital to
continuity of life? answering essential questions about gene expression. Regulation of gene expression
and cell specialization are instrumental in ensuring survival within an individual and across
§§ How is a species’
populations. Unit 7 moves on to cover natural selection.
genetic information
diversified from
generation to Building Science Practices Preparing for the AP Exam
generation? 1.C 2.B.b 2.C 6.A 6.B 6.D 6.E.a
Students often do not understand the
The ability to describe, analyze, and create difference between a gene and an allele.
models and representations to explain and/ Gene expression occurs at many levels, all of
or illustrate biological processes and make which are crucial in producing an organism’s
predictions about them is an important phenotype. Students can use the lac operon
skill for students to master. The primary in E. coli to help them understand the
learning goal in this unit is to create or use significance of positive gene regulation.
a representation/model to communicate
Often on the exam, students fail to provide
biological phenomena, use the model to
reasoning connecting a change on the
solve a problem, and refine the model or
molecular level (e.g., a mutation) to a change
representation to analyze situations or
in phenotype (e.g., an increase or decrease in
solve problems.
protein levels). Students should understand
Throughout the course, students should that the location of a mutation in the codon
have had multiple opportunities that involve can affect the structure and function of a
making a claim, supporting it with evidence, protein. Common errors include stating
and providing reasoning to support the that mutations result in the denaturation
claim. In this unit and throughout the course, of a protein or that point mutations cause
students should become proficient in frameshift mutations. Students also tend to
argumentation by predicting the causes or describe all mutations as having negative
effects of a change in, or disruption to, one or effects; exposure to examples of mutations
more components in a biological system. that have no impact on phenotype can help
prevent this misunderstanding.

AP Biology Course and Exam Description Course Framework V.1 | 109

 UNIT

6 Gene Expression and Regulation

UNIT AT A GLANCE
Understanding

Class Periods
Enduring

Topic Suggested Skill ~18–21 CLASS PERIODS

6.1 D
 NA and RNA Structure 1.C  Explain biological concepts, processes, and/or
models in applied contexts.

6.2 R
 eplication 2.B.b  Explain relationships between different
characteristics of biological concepts, processes, or
models represented visually in applied contexts.

6.3 T
 ranscription and RNA 2.B.b  Explain relationships between different
IST-1

Processing characteristics of biological concepts, processes, or

models represented visually in applied contexts.

6.4 T
 ranslation 2.D.b  Represent relationships within biological
models, including diagrams.

6.E.a  Predict the causes or effects of a change in, or

disruption to, one or more components in a biological
system based on biological concepts.

6.5 R
 egulation of Gene 6.A  Make a scientific claim.
Expression
IST-2

6.6 G
 ene Expression and Cell 6.B  Support a claim with evidence from biological
Specialization principles, concepts, processes, and/or data.

6.7 M
 utations 2.C  Explain how biological concepts or processes
IST-2, IST-4

represented visually relate to larger biological

principles, concepts, processes, or theories.

3.D  Make observations or collect data from

representations of laboratory setups or results.

6.8 B
 iotechnology 6.D  Explain the relationship between experimental
IST-1

results and larger biological concepts, processes, or

theories.

Go to AP Classroom to assign the Personal Progress Check for Unit 6.

Review the results in class to identify and address any student misunderstandings.

110 | Course Framework V.1 AP Biology Course and Exam Description

 UNIT
Gene Expression and Regulation
6
SAMPLE INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES
The sample activities on this page are intended to give you ideas of ways to incorporate
varied instructional approaches in the teaching of this course. You do not need to use
these activities or approaches and are free to alter or edit them in any way you choose. The
following examples were developed in partnership with teachers from the AP community
to share ways that they approach teaching some of the topics in this unit. Please refer to
the Instructional Approaches section beginning on p. 171 for more examples of activities
and strategies.

Activity Topic Sample Activity

1 6.2 Misconception Check

Using diagrams of nucleotides that can be found on the internet and photocopied, students
can model the process of replication, explaining what is happening as they go. You can easily
assess their understanding by observing the results of replication that students produce.

2 6.3 Think-Pair-Share
Students build a model of transcription using pool noodles that can be purchased at
a dollar store. Using everyday materials, such as tape, colored paper, yarn (or string),
and markers, they identify the promoter region, TATA box, transcription start site, and
terminal sequence. They describe the process of transcription from the initial binding of
the transcription factors to the production of the transcript. This can be introduced or
de-briefed using a Think-Pair-Share approach.

3 6.4 Construct an Argument

Students develop a skit to demonstrate the process of translation. Once they have an
understanding of the process, challenge them to act out what might happen if there were a
change in the DNA sequence or if one of the needed components was unavailable. Debrief
by having students explain the rationale for the modifications they made in their skit.

Unit Planning Notes

Use the space below to plan your approach to the unit. Consider how you want to pace your course and
your methods of instruction and assessment.

AP Biology Course and Exam Description Course Framework V.1 | 111

 UNIT

6 Gene Expression and Regulation

SUGGESTED SKILL
Concept Explanation
TOPIC 6.1
1.C
Explain biological concepts,
processes, and/or models
DNA and
in applied contexts.
RNA Structure

AVAILABLE RESOURCES
§§ Classroom Resources >
Required Course Content
From Gene to
Protein—A Historical
Perspective
§§ Classroom Resources > ENDURING UNDERSTANDING
Rosalind Franklin:
IST-1
She’s Worth Another
Look Heritable information provides for continuity of life.

LEARNING OBJECTIVE ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE

IST-1.K IST-1.K.1
Describe the structures DNA, and in some cases RNA, is the primary
involved in passing hereditary source of heritable information.
information from one IST-1.K.2
generation to the next.
Genetic information is transmitted from one
generation to the next through DNA or RNA—
a. Genetic information is stored in and
passed to subsequent generations through
DNA molecules and, in some cases,
RNA molecules.
b. Prokaryotic organisms typically have circular
chromosomes, while eukaryotic organisms
typically have multiple linear chromosomes.
IST-1.K.3
Prokaryotes and eukaryotes can contain
plasmids, which are small extra-chromosomal,
double-stranded, circular DNA molecules.

IST-1.L IST-1.L.1
Describe the characteristics DNA, and sometimes RNA, exhibits specific
of DNA that allow it to be nucleotide base pairing that is conserved
used as the hereditary through evolution: adenine pairs with thymine
material. or uracil (A-T or A-U) and cytosine pairs with
guanine (C-G)—
a. Purines (G and A) have a double
ring structure.
b. Pyrimidines (C, T, and U) have a single
ring structure.

112 | Course Framework V.1 AP Biology Course and Exam Description

 UNIT
Gene Expression and Regulation
6
TOPIC 6.2 SUGGESTED SKILL
Visual

Replication
Representations
2.B.b
Explain relationships
between different
characteristics of biological
concepts, processes, or
models represented visually
in applied contexts.

Required Course Content AVAILABLE RESOURCES

§§ Classroom Resources >
From Gene to
Protein—A Historical
ENDURING UNDERSTANDING Perspective

IST-1
Heritable information provides for continuity of life.

LEARNING OBJECTIVE ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE

IST-1.M IST-1.M.1
Describe the mechanisms DNA replication ensures continuity of
by which genetic information hereditary information—
is copied for transmission a. DNA is synthesized in the 5’ to 3’ direction.
between generations.
b. Replication is a semiconservative
process—that is, one strand of DNA
serves as the template for a new strand
of complementary DNA.
c. Helicase unwinds the DNA strands.
d. Topoisomerase relaxes supercoiling in front
of the replication fork.
e. DNA polymerase requires RNA primers to
initiate DNA synthesis.
f. DNA polymerase synthesizes new strands of
DNA continuously on the leading strand and
discontinuously on the lagging strand.
g. Ligase joins the fragments on the
lagging strand.

X EXCLUSION STATEMENT—The names of the

steps and particular enzymes involved—beyond
DNA polymerase, ligase, RNA polymerase,
helicase, and topoisomerase—are beyond the
scope of the course and the AP Exam.

AP Biology Course and Exam Description Course Framework V.1 | 113

 UNIT

6 Gene Expression and Regulation

SUGGESTED SKILL
Visual
TOPIC 6.3
Transcription and
Representations
2.B.b
Explain relationships
between different
characteristics of biological
concepts, processes, or
RNA Processing
models represented visually
in applied contexts.

AVAILABLE RESOURCES
Required Course Content
§§ Classroom Resources >
From Gene to
Protein—A Historical
Perspective ENDURING UNDERSTANDING
IST-1
Heritable information provides for continuity of life.

LEARNING OBJECTIVE ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE

IST-1.N IST-1.N.1
Describe the mechanisms The sequence of the RNA bases, together with
by which genetic information the structure of the RNA molecule, determines
flows from DNA to RNA RNA function—
to protein. a. mRNA molecules carry information from
DNA to the ribosome.
b. Distinct tRNA molecules bind specific amino
acids and have anti-codon sequences that
base pair with the mRNA. tRNA is recruited to
the ribosome during translation to generate
the primary peptide sequence based on the
mRNA sequence.
c. rRNA molecules are functional building
blocks of ribosomes.
IST-1.N.2
Genetic information flows from a sequence
of nucleotides in DNA to a sequence of bases
in an mRNA molecule to a sequence of amino
acids in a protein.
IST-1.N.3
RNA polymerases use a single template strand
of DNA to direct the inclusion of bases in the
newly formed RNA molecule. This process is
known as transcription.

continued on next page

114 | Course Framework V.1 AP Biology Course and Exam Description

 UNIT
Gene Expression and Regulation
6
LEARNING OBJECTIVE ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE
IST-1.N IST-1.N.4
Describe the mechanisms The DNA strand acting as the template strand
by which genetic information is also referred to as the noncoding strand,
flows from DNA to RNA minus strand, or antisense strand. Selection
to protein. of which DNA strand serves as the template
strand depends on the gene being transcribed.
IST-1.N.5
The enzyme RNA polymerase synthesizes
mRNA molecules in the 5’ to 3’ direction by
reading the template DNA strand in the 3’ to 5’
direction.
IST-1.N.6
In eukaryotic cells the mRNA transcript
undergoes a series of enzyme-regulated
modifications—
a. Addition of a poly-A tail.
b. Addition of a GTP cap.
c. Excision of introns and splicing and retention
of exons.
d. Excision of introns and splicing and retention
of exons can generate different versions of
the resulting mRNA molecule; this is known
as alternative splicing.

AP Biology Course and Exam Description Course Framework V.1 | 115

 UNIT

6 Gene Expression and Regulation

SUGGESTED SKILLS
Argumentation
TOPIC 6.4
6.E.a
Predict the causes or effects
of a change in, or disruption
Translation
to, one or more components
in a biological system based
on biological concepts.

Visual
Representations
2.D.b
Represent relationships
within biological models,
including diagrams. Required Course Content

ENDURING UNDERSTANDING
AVAILABLE RESOURCES
IST-1
§§ Classroom Resources >
From Gene to Heritable information provides for continuity of life.
Protein—A Historical
Perspective

LEARNING OBJECTIVE ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE

IST-1.O IST-1.O.1
Explain how the phenotype of Translation of the mRNA to generate a
an organism is determined by polypeptide occurs on ribosomes that are
its genotype. present in the cytoplasm of both prokaryotic
and eukaryotic cells and on the rough
endoplasmic reticulum of eukaryotic cells.
IST-1.O.2
In prokaryotic organisms, translation of the mRNA
molecule occurs while it is being transcribed.
IST-1.O.3
Translation involves energy and many
sequential steps, including initiation, elongation,
and termination.
X EXCLUSION STATEMENT—The details and
names of the enzymes and factors involved in each
of these steps are beyond the scope of the course
and the AP Exam.

IST-1.O.4
The salient features of translation include—
a. Translation is initiated when the rRNA in the
ribosome interacts with the mRNA at the start
codon.
b. The sequence of nucleotides on the mRNA is
read in triplets called codons.

continued on next page

116 | Course Framework V.1 AP Biology Course and Exam Description

 UNIT
Gene Expression and Regulation
6
LEARNING OBJECTIVE ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE
IST-1.O c. Each codon encodes a specific amino acid,
Explain how the phenotype of which can be deduced by using a genetic
an organism is determined by code chart. Many amino acids are encoded
its genotype. by more than one codon.
d. Nearly all living organisms use the same
genetic code, which is evidence for the
common ancestry of all living organisms.
e. tRNA brings the correct amino acid to the
correct place specified by the codon on the
mRNA.
f. The amino acid is transferred to the growing
polypeptide chain.
g. The process continues along the mRNA until
a stop codon is reached.
h. The process terminates by release of the
newly synthesized polypeptide/protein.
X EXCLUSION STATEMENT—Memorization of
the genetic code is beyond the scope of the course
and the AP Exam.

IST-1.O.5
Genetic information in retroviruses is a special
case and has an alternate flow of information:
from RNA to DNA, made possible by reverse
transcriptase, an enzyme that copies the
viral RNA genome into DNA. This DNA
integrates into the host genome and becomes
transcribed and translated for the assembly of
new viral progeny.
X EXCLUSION STATEMENT—The names of the
steps and particular enzymes involved—beyond
DNA polymerase, ligase, RNA polymerase,
helicase, and topoisomerase—are beyond the
scope of the course and the AP Exam.

AP Biology Course and Exam Description Course Framework V.1 | 117

 UNIT

6 Gene Expression and Regulation

SUGGESTED SKILL
Argumentation
TOPIC 6.5
6.A
Make a scientific claim. Regulation of
Gene Expression

AVAILABLE RESOURCES
§§ Classroom Resources >
Required Course Content
From Gene to
Protein—A Historical
Perspective
ENDURING UNDERSTANDING
IST-2
Differences in the expression of genes account for some of the phenotypic
differences between organisms.

LEARNING OBJECTIVE ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE

IST-2.A IST-2.A.1
Describe the types of Regulatory sequences are stretches of DNA
interactions that regulate that interact with regulatory proteins to
gene expression. control transcription.
IST-2.A.2
Epigenetic changes can affect gene expression
through reversible modifications of DNA or histones.
IST-2.A.3
The phenotype of a cell or organism is determined
by the combination of genes that are expressed
and the levels at which they are expressed—
a. Observable cell differentiation results
from the expression of genes for tissue-
specific proteins.
b. Induction of transcription factors during
development results in sequential
gene expression.

IST-2.B IST-2.B.1
Explain how the location of Both prokaryotes and eukaryotes have groups
regulatory sequences relates of genes that are coordinately regulated—
to their function. a. In prokaryotes, groups of genes called
operons are transcribed in a single mRNA
molecule. The lac operon is an example of an
inducible system.
b. In eukaryotes, groups of genes may be
influenced by the same transcription factors
to coordinately regulate expression.

118 | Course Framework V.1 AP Biology Course and Exam Description

 UNIT
Gene Expression and Regulation
6
TOPIC 6.6 SUGGESTED SKILL
Argumentation

Gene Expression and 6.B

Support a claim with
evidence from biological

Cell Specialization principles, concepts,

processes, and/or data.

Required Course Content AVAILABLE RESOURCES

§§ Classroom Resources >
From Gene to
Protein—A Historical
Perspective
ENDURING UNDERSTANDING
IST-2
Differences in the expression of genes account for some of the phenotypic
differences between organisms.

LEARNING OBJECTIVE ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE

IST-2.C IST-2.C.1
Explain how the binding Promoters are DNA sequences upstream of the
of transcription factors to transcription start site where RNA polymerase
promoter regions affects and transcription factors bind to initiate
gene expression and/or the transcription.
phenotype of the organism. IST-2.C.2
Negative regulatory molecules inhibit gene
expression by binding to DNA and blocking
transcription.

IST-2.D IST-2.D.1
Explain the connection Gene regulation results in differential gene
between the regulation expression and influences cell products and
of gene expression and function.
phenotypic differences in IST-2.D.2
cells and organisms.
Certain small RNA molecules have roles in
regulating gene expression.

AP Biology Course and Exam Description Course Framework V.1 | 119

 UNIT

6 Gene Expression and Regulation

SUGGESTED SKILLS
Visual
TOPIC 6.7
Mutations
Representations
2.C
Explain how biological
concepts or processes
represented visually relate to
larger biological principles,
concepts, processes, or
theories.

Questions and
Methods
3.D
Make observations Required Course Content
or collect data from
representations of
laboratory setups
or results.
ENDURING UNDERSTANDING
IST-2
Differences in the expression of genes account for some of the phenotypic
differences between organisms.
AVAILABLE RESOURCES
§§ Classroom Resources >
From Gene to
Protein—A Historical LEARNING OBJECTIVE ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE
Perspective IST-2.E IST-2.E.1
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES Describe the various types of Changes in genotype can result in changes in
IST-2.E.1 mutation. phenotype—
§§ Mutations in the CFTR a. The function and amount of gene products
gene disrupt ion determine the phenotype of organisms.
transport and result in
i. The normal function of the genes and
cystic fibrosis.
gene products collectively comprises the
§§ Mutations in the MC1R
gene give adaptive
normal function of organisms.
melanism in pocket ii. Disruptions in genes and gene products
mice. cause new phenotypes.
IST-4.B.1 IST-2.E.2
§§ Antibiotic resistance
Alterations in a DNA sequence can lead to
mutations
changes in the type or amount of the protein
§§ Pesticide resistance produced and the consequent phenotype. DNA
mutations
mutations can be positive, negative, or neutral
§§ Sickle cell disorder and based on the effect or the lack of effect they
heterozygote advantage have on the resulting nucleic acid or protein and
the phenotypes that are conferred by the protein.

continued on next page

120 | Course Framework V.1 AP Biology Course and Exam Description

 UNIT
Gene Expression and Regulation
6
ENDURING UNDERSTANDING
IST-4
The processing of genetic information is imperfect and is a source of genetic variation.

LEARNING OBJECTIVE ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE

IST-4.A IST-4.A.1
Explain how changes in Errors in DNA replication or DNA repair
genotype may result in mechanisms, and external factors, including
changes in phenotype. radiation and reactive chemicals, can cause
random mutations in the DNA—
a. Whether a mutation is detrimental, beneficial, or
neutral depends on the environmental context.
b. Mutations are the primary source of
genetic variation.
IST-4.A.2
Errors in mitosis or meiosis can result in
changes in phenotype—
a. Changes in chromosome number often result
in new phenotypes, including sterility caused by
triploidy, and increased vigor of other polyploids.
b. Changes in chromosome number often
result in human disorders with developmental
limitations, including Down syndrome/
Trisomy 21 and Turner syndrome.

IST-4.B IST-4.B.1
Explain how alterations in Changes in genotype may affect phenotypes
DNA sequences contribute to that are subject to natural selection. Genetic
variation that can be subject changes that enhance survival and reproduction
to natural selection. can be selected for by environmental
conditions—
a. The horizontal acquisitions of genetic
information primarily in prokaryotes via
transformation (uptake of naked DNA),
transduction (viral transmission of genetic
information), conjugation (cell-to-cell
transfer of DNA), and transposition
(movement of DNA segments within and
between DNA molecules) increase variation.
b. Related viruses can combine/recombine genetic
information if they infect the same host cell.
c. Reproduction processes that increase genetic
variation are evolutionarily conserved and are
shared by various organisms.

AP Biology Course and Exam Description Course Framework V.1 | 121

 UNIT

6 Gene Expression and Regulation

SUGGESTED SKILL
Argumentation
TOPIC 6.8
6.D
Explain the relationship
between experimental
Biotechnology
results and larger biological
concepts, processes,
or theories.

AVAILABLE RESOURCES
§§ AP Biology Lab Manual >
Required Course Content
Gel Electrophoresis
Lab
§§ AP Biology Lab Manual >
Transformation Lab ENDURING UNDERSTANDING
§§ Classroom Resources > IST-1
Visualizing Information
Heritable information provides for continuity of life.
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES
§§ Amplified DNA
fragments can be
used to identify LEARNING OBJECTIVE ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE
organisms and perform IST-1.P IST-1.P.1
phylogenetic analyses.
Explain the use of genetic Genetic engineering techniques can be used to
§§ Analysis of DNA can engineering techniques in analyze and manipulate DNA and RNA—
be used for forensic
analyzing or manipulating a. Electrophoresis separates molecules
identification.
DNA. according to size and charge.
§§ Genetically modified
organisms include b. During polymerase chain reaction (PCR),
transgenic animals. DNA fragments are amplified.
§§ Gene cloning allows c. Bacterial transformation introduces DNA into
propagation of bacterial cells.
DNA fragments. d. DNA sequencing determines the order of
nucleotides in a DNA molecule.
X EXCLUSION STATEMENT—The details of these
processes are beyond the scope of this course. The
focus should be on the conceptual understanding
of the application of these techniques.

122 | Course Framework V.1 AP Biology Course and Exam Description