Many candidates struggle with the AP Biology & Study Guide because it focuses heavily on decision-making rather than simple recall. This practice test helps bridge that gap by giving you questions that reflect real exam scenarios. As you go through each section, pay attention to how questions are structured and what they are really asking. Over time, this will improve both your speed and accuracy. Consistent practice combined with review is the key to achieving a strong score.
Updated for 2026: This guide provides a structured approach to help you prepare effectively, understand key concepts, and practice real exam-level questions.
How to Use This Practice Test
- Start by reviewing key concepts before attempting questions
- Take the test in a timed environment
- Analyze your mistakes and revisit weak areas
Why This Practice Test Matters
This practice test is designed to simulate the real exam environment and help you identify knowledge gaps, improve accuracy, and build confidence.
| Exam Name | AP Biology Practice Exam |
|---|---|
| Exam Provider | College Board |
| Exam Type | Advanced Placement (AP) High School Exam |
| Total Practice Questions | 140+ Practice Questions (Updated for 2026) |
| Coverage Topics | • Cell Structure & Function • Cellular Energetics (Photosynthesis & Respiration) • Genetics & Gene Expression • Evolution & Natural Selection • Ecology & Environmental Systems • Biological Systems & Homeostasis |
| Question Format | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) – Conceptual + Data-Based |
| Difficulty Level | Intermediate to Advanced (Aligned with Real AP Biology Exam) |
| Study Tips | • Focus on understanding concepts, not memorization • Practice data interpretation and graphs • Review key processes (DNA, photosynthesis, respiration) • Master experimental design and analysis |
| Best For | High school students preparing for AP Biology exam (Score 4–5 target) |
| Updated | 2026 Latest Version |
1.
Which organelle is responsible for ATP production?
A. Nucleus
B. Ribosome
C. Mitochondrion
D. Golgi apparatus
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The mitochondrion is the site of cellular respiration, where glucose is broken down to produce ATP through processes like the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation.
2.
What is the function of ribosomes?
A. DNA replication
B. Protein synthesis
C. Lipid storage
D. Waste removal
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Ribosomes translate mRNA into proteins by linking amino acids according to the genetic code.
3.
Which molecule carries genetic information?
A. Protein
B. Lipid
C. DNA
D. Carbohydrate
Correct Answer: C
4.
Which phase includes DNA replication?
A. G1
B. S
C. G2
D. M
Correct Answer: B
5.
Which process produces gametes?
A. Mitosis
B. Meiosis
C. Binary fission
D. Budding
Correct Answer: B
6.
Which structure controls cell entry and exit?
A. Nucleus
B. Cell membrane
C. Cytoplasm
D. Ribosome
Correct Answer: B
7.
Which transport requires energy?
A. Diffusion
B. Osmosis
C. Active transport
D. Facilitated diffusion
Correct Answer: C
8.
Which is the monomer of proteins?
A. Nucleotide
B. Amino acid
C. Fatty acid
D. Monosaccharide
Correct Answer: B
9.
Which process converts glucose into energy?
A. Photosynthesis
B. Respiration
C. Transcription
D. Translation
Correct Answer: B
10.
Which gas is used in photosynthesis?
A. Oxygen
B. Nitrogen
C. Carbon dioxide
D. Hydrogen
Correct Answer: C
11.
Which stage separates sister chromatids?
A. Prophase
B. Metaphase
C. Anaphase
D. Telophase
Correct Answer: C
12.
Which enzyme unwinds DNA?
A. Ligase
B. Polymerase
C. Helicase
D. Amylase
Correct Answer: C
13.
Which macromolecule stores energy long-term?
A. Protein
B. Carbohydrate
C. Lipid
D. Nucleic acid
Correct Answer: C
14.
Which is a product of photosynthesis?
A. CO₂
B. H₂O
C. Glucose
D. Nitrogen
Correct Answer: C
15.
Which structure is found in plant cells only?
A. Ribosome
B. Mitochondria
C. Chloroplast
D. Nucleus
Correct Answer: C
16.
Which is the basic unit of life?
A. Atom
B. Molecule
C. Cell
D. Tissue
Correct Answer: C
17.
Which process makes RNA from DNA?
A. Translation
B. Transcription
C. Replication
D. Mutation
Correct Answer: B
18.
Which is the correct base pairing?
A. A–C
B. G–T
C. A–T
D. C–A
Correct Answer: C
19.
Which organelle modifies proteins?
A. Ribosome
B. Golgi apparatus
C. Lysosome
D. Nucleus
Correct Answer: B
20.
Which is a polysaccharide?
A. Glucose
B. Starch
C. Amino acid
D. Fatty acid
Correct Answer: B
21.
Which is part of natural selection?
A. Equal survival
B. Variation
C. No adaptation
D. Random death only
Correct Answer: B
22.
Which process moves water across membrane?
A. Diffusion
B. Osmosis
C. Active transport
D. Endocytosis
Correct Answer: B
23.
Which structure stores DNA?
A. Cytoplasm
B. Ribosome
C. Nucleus
D. Membrane
Correct Answer: C
24.
Which is diploid?
A. Gametes
B. Somatic cells
C. Bacteria
D. Viruses
Correct Answer: B
25.
Which is a producer?
A. Animal
B. Plant
C. Fungi
D. Bacteria
Correct Answer: B
26.
Which is function of enzymes?
A. Slow reactions
B. Speed reactions
C. Store energy
D. Carry oxygen
Correct Answer: B
27.
Which is dominant allele?
A. Hidden
B. Expressed
C. Recessive
D. Mutated
Correct Answer: B
28.
Which is ecosystem factor?
A. DNA
B. Cell
C. Environment
D. Protein
Correct Answer: C
29.
Which is product of respiration?
A. Oxygen
B. CO₂
C. Nitrogen
D. Hydrogen
Correct Answer: B
30.
Which level is highest?
A. Cell
B. Tissue
C. Organ
D. System
Correct Answer: D
31.
Which macromolecule includes enzymes?
A. Carbohydrates
B. Lipids
C. Proteins
D. Nucleic acids
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Enzymes are proteins that act as biological catalysts. Their specific 3D shape allows them to bind substrates and lower activation energy, speeding up biochemical reactions without being consumed.
32.
Which bond holds amino acids together?
A. Hydrogen bond
B. Peptide bond
C. Ionic bond
D. Covalent bond
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Peptide bonds form between amino acids during protein synthesis, linking them into polypeptide chains through a dehydration reaction.
33.
Which structure is fluid mosaic?
A. Nucleus
B. Membrane
C. Ribosome
D. Cytoskeleton
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The fluid mosaic model describes the cell membrane as a dynamic structure composed of lipids and proteins that move laterally, maintaining flexibility and functionality.
34.
Which molecule is hydrophobic?
A. Water
B. Glucose
C. Lipid
D. Protein
Correct Answer: C
35.
Which phase prepares for mitosis?
A. G1
B. S
C. G2
D. M
Correct Answer: C
36.
Which is haploid?
A. Skin cells
B. Gametes
C. Muscle cells
D. Neurons
Correct Answer: B
37.
Which process increases genetic variation?
A. Mitosis
B. Crossing over
C. Binary fission
D. Budding
Correct Answer: B
38.
Which enzyme builds DNA?
A. Helicase
B. Ligase
C. Polymerase
D. Amylase
Correct Answer: C
39.
Which is complementary to G?
A. A
B. T
C. C
D. U
Correct Answer: C
40.
Which organelle digests waste?
A. Golgi
B. Lysosome
C. Ribosome
D. Nucleus
Correct Answer: B
41.
Which is autotroph?
A. Animal
B. Plant
C. Fungi
D. Virus
Correct Answer: B
42.
Which process uses oxygen?
A. Fermentation
B. Aerobic respiration
C. Photosynthesis
D. Diffusion
Correct Answer: B
43.
Which stage aligns chromosomes?
A. Prophase
B. Metaphase
C. Anaphase
D. Telophase
Correct Answer: B
44.
Which molecule is RNA?
A. Double-stranded
B. Contains thymine
C. Single-stranded
D. Contains lipids
Correct Answer: C
45.
Which is phenotype?
A. Genes
B. Traits
C. DNA
D. Alleles
Correct Answer: B
46.
Which is genotype?
A. Physical traits
B. Genetic makeup
C. Behavior
D. Environment
Correct Answer: B
47.
Which process produces ATP in cytoplasm?
A. Krebs cycle
B. Glycolysis
C. ETC
D. Photosynthesis
Correct Answer: B
48.
Which is electron carrier?
A. ATP
B. NADH
C. DNA
D. RNA
Correct Answer: B
49.
Which structure is in prokaryotes?
A. Nucleus
B. Mitochondria
C. Ribosome
D. Golgi
Correct Answer: C
50.
Which is primary consumer?
A. Plant
B. Herbivore
C. Carnivore
D. Decomposer
Correct Answer: B
51.
Which is trophic level?
A. Atom
B. Energy level
C. Cell
D. Gene
Correct Answer: B
52.
Which is mutation?
A. DNA change
B. Protein change
C. Cell division
D. Energy use
Correct Answer: A
53.
Which is transcription location?
A. Cytoplasm
B. Nucleus
C. Membrane
D. Ribosome
Correct Answer: B
54.
Which is translation location?
A. Nucleus
B. Ribosome
C. Golgi
D. Lysosome
Correct Answer: B
55.
Which is codon?
A. 2 bases
B. 3 bases
C. 4 bases
D. 5 bases
Correct Answer: B
56.
Which is stop codon function?
A. Start protein
B. End protein
C. Change gene
D. Build DNA
Correct Answer: B
57.
Which is natural selection outcome?
A. No change
B. Adaptation
C. Mutation only
D. Extinction only
Correct Answer: B
58.
Which is homologous structure?
A. Same function
B. Same origin
C. Same size
D. Same color
Correct Answer: B
59.
Which is energy source for ecosystem?
A. Water
B. Sun
C. Soil
D. Air
Correct Answer: B
60.
Which is highest organization level?
A. Cell
B. Tissue
C. Organ
D. Organism
Correct Answer: D
61.
Which structure increases surface area in the small intestine?
A. Alveoli
B. Villi
C. Nephrons
D. Axons
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Villi are finger-like projections in the small intestine that greatly increase surface area, enhancing nutrient absorption efficiency. Each villus contains capillaries and lacteals for transport.
62.
Which process converts pyruvate to acetyl-CoA?
A. Glycolysis
B. Link reaction
C. Krebs cycle
D. ETC
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The link reaction connects glycolysis to the Krebs cycle by converting pyruvate into acetyl-CoA, releasing CO₂ and producing NADH in the process.
63.
Which part of chloroplast captures light?
A. Stroma
B. Thylakoid
C. Matrix
D. Cytoplasm
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Thylakoid membranes contain chlorophyll and are the site of light-dependent reactions, where light energy is converted into chemical energy.
64.
Which cycle fixes carbon?
A. Krebs cycle
B. Calvin cycle
C. Glycolysis
D. ETC
Correct Answer: B
65.
Which enzyme breaks hydrogen peroxide?
A. Amylase
B. Catalase
C. Polymerase
D. Ligase
Correct Answer: B
66.
Which molecule stores genetic info in viruses?
A. Protein
B. DNA or RNA
C. Lipid
D. Carbohydrate
Correct Answer: B
67.
Which is feedback inhibition?
A. Product activates enzyme
B. Product inhibits enzyme
C. Enzyme speeds reaction
D. Substrate blocks enzyme
Correct Answer: B
68.
Which hormone regulates blood sugar?
A. Insulin
B. Adrenaline
C. Thyroxine
D. Melatonin
Correct Answer: A
69.
Which is ecological succession start?
A. Climax
B. Pioneer species
C. Consumers
D. Decomposers
Correct Answer: B
70.
Which is limiting factor?
A. Unlimited resource
B. Resource shortage
C. Population growth
D. Mutation
Correct Answer: B
71.
Which process forms RNA primer?
A. Ligase
B. Primase
C. Helicase
D. Polymerase
Correct Answer: B
72.
Which is mutation type?
A. Translation
B. Substitution
C. Replication
D. Transcription
Correct Answer: B
73.
Which structure moves cell?
A. Ribosome
B. Flagella
C. Nucleus
D. Golgi
Correct Answer: B
74.
Which is endosymbiotic theory evidence?
A. DNA replication
B. Mitochondria have own DNA
C. Protein synthesis
D. Photosynthesis
Correct Answer: B
75.
Which is coenzyme?
A. Protein
B. Vitamin-derived molecule
C. DNA
D. Lipid
Correct Answer: B
76.
Which molecule is energy currency?
A. DNA
B. ATP
C. RNA
D. NADH
Correct Answer: B
77.
Which is dominant allele expression?
A. Hidden
B. Expressed
C. Silent
D. Mutated
Correct Answer: B
78.
Which is gene regulation?
A. DNA replication
B. Turning genes on/off
C. Translation
D. Mutation
Correct Answer: B
79.
Which is operon model?
A. DNA replication
B. Gene regulation in bacteria
C. Protein synthesis
D. Mutation
Correct Answer: B
80.
Which is transcription factor?
A. Enzyme
B. Protein controlling gene expression
C. DNA
D. RNA
Correct Answer: B
81.
Which is epigenetics?
A. DNA mutation
B. Gene expression change without DNA change
C. Protein synthesis
D. Cell division
Correct Answer: B
82.
Which is population genetics?
A. Cell study
B. Gene frequency
C. DNA replication
D. Ecology
Correct Answer: B
83.
Which is Hardy-Weinberg condition?
A. Mutation
B. Large population
C. Selection
D. Migration
Correct Answer: B
84.
Which is genetic drift?
A. Natural selection
B. Random change
C. Mutation
D. Migration
Correct Answer: B
85.
Which is speciation?
A. Mutation
B. New species formation
C. Evolution
D. Adaptation
Correct Answer: B
86.
Which is ecological niche?
A. Habitat
B. Role of organism
C. Population
D. Community
Correct Answer: B
87.
Which is symbiosis?
A. Competition
B. Interaction
C. Mutation
D. Evolution
Correct Answer: B
88.
Which is mutualism?
A. One benefits
B. Both benefit
C. None benefit
D. One harmed
Correct Answer: B
89.
Which is parasitism?
A. Both benefit
B. One benefits, one harmed
C. None benefit
D. Equal
Correct Answer: B
90.
Which is commensalism?
A. Both benefit
B. One benefits, one unaffected
C. Both harmed
D. One harmed
Correct Answer: B
91.
Which structure contains digestive enzymes?
A. Golgi apparatus
B. Lysosome
C. Ribosome
D. Nucleus
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Lysosomes contain hydrolytic enzymes that break down macromolecules, damaged organelles, and waste. They maintain cellular cleanliness and recycling processes essential for cell survival.
92.
Which process produces the most ATP?
A. Glycolysis
B. Krebs cycle
C. Electron transport chain
D. Fermentation
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The electron transport chain produces the majority of ATP during cellular respiration through oxidative phosphorylation, using a proton gradient to drive ATP synthase.
93.
Which structure is site of Krebs cycle?
A. Cytoplasm
B. Mitochondrial matrix
C. Ribosome
D. Nucleus
Correct Answer: B
94.
Which process uses ATP to move molecules?
A. Diffusion
B. Osmosis
C. Active transport
D. Facilitated diffusion
Correct Answer: C
95.
Which molecule is used directly in protein synthesis?
A. DNA
B. tRNA
C. Lipid
D. Glucose
Correct Answer: B
96.
Which is start codon?
A. UAA
B. AUG
C. UGA
D. UAG
Correct Answer: B
97.
Which structure synthesizes lipids?
A. Rough ER
B. Smooth ER
C. Ribosome
D. Golgi
Correct Answer: B
98.
Which is result of meiosis?
A. 2 identical cells
B. 4 haploid cells
C. 2 haploid cells
D. 4 identical cells
Correct Answer: B
99.
Which phase reduces chromosome number?
A. Mitosis
B. Meiosis I
C. Meiosis II
D. Interphase
Correct Answer: B
100.
Which process creates variation?
A. Replication
B. Crossing over
C. Translation
D. Diffusion
Correct Answer: B
101.
Which is recessive allele?
A. Expressed always
B. Hidden unless homozygous
C. Dominant
D. Mutated
Correct Answer: B
102.
Which is heterozygous?
A. AA
B. aa
C. Aa
D. BB
Correct Answer: C
103.
Which is ecosystem?
A. Cell
B. Population
C. Community + environment
D. Organ
Correct Answer: C
104.
Which is producer?
A. Carnivore
B. Herbivore
C. Plant
D. Decomposer
Correct Answer: C
105.
Which is decomposer?
A. Plant
B. Animal
C. Fungi
D. Producer
Correct Answer: C
106.
Which cycle involves nitrogen fixation?
A. Carbon cycle
B. Nitrogen cycle
C. Water cycle
D. Oxygen cycle
Correct Answer: B
107.
Which process removes CO₂ from atmosphere?
A. Respiration
B. Combustion
C. Photosynthesis
D. Decomposition
Correct Answer: C
108.
Which is mutualism example?
A. Parasite-host
B. Bee-flower
C. Predator-prey
D. Competition
Correct Answer: B
109.
Which is predator-prey relationship?
A. Mutualism
B. Competition
C. One eats another
D. Symbiosis
Correct Answer: C
110.
Which is carrying capacity?
A. Max population environment supports
B. Growth rate
C. Birth rate
D. Death rate
Correct Answer: A
111.
Which is logistic growth?
A. Unlimited growth
B. S-shaped curve
C. Linear growth
D. Decline
Correct Answer: B
112.
Which is exponential growth?
A. S curve
B. J curve
C. Linear
D. Decline
Correct Answer: B
113.
Which is adaptation?
A. Random change
B. Trait increasing survival
C. Mutation only
D. Extinction
Correct Answer: B
114.
Which is natural selection?
A. Random survival
B. Survival of fittest
C. No variation
D. Equal survival
Correct Answer: B
115.
Which is evolution?
A. Individual change
B. Population change over time
C. Cell growth
D. Mutation only
Correct Answer: B
116.
Which is homologous structure example?
A. Wings of birds and insects
B. Human arm and whale flipper
C. Fish fins only
D. Leaves only
Correct Answer: B
117.
Which is analogous structure?
A. Same origin
B. Same function, different origin
C. Same DNA
D. Same species
Correct Answer: B
118.
Which is speciation type?
A. Allopatric
B. Diffusion
C. Respiration
D. Translation
Correct Answer: A
119.
Which is reproductive isolation?
A. Same population
B. No interbreeding
C. Same genes
D. Same habitat
Correct Answer: B
120.
Which is biodiversity?
A. Single species
B. Variety of life
C. Same genes
D. Mutation
Correct Answer: B
121.
Which molecule directly powers cellular work?
A. DNA
B. ATP
C. RNA
D. Glucose
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: ATP is the immediate energy currency of the cell. Its high-energy phosphate bonds release energy when broken, driving processes like muscle contraction, active transport, and biosynthesis.
122.
Which structure is responsible for detoxification?
A. Ribosome
B. Smooth ER
C. Nucleus
D. Golgi
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The smooth endoplasmic reticulum detoxifies harmful substances, especially in liver cells, and also plays a role in lipid synthesis.
123.
Which phase of mitosis involves chromosome condensation?
A. Prophase
B. Metaphase
C. Anaphase
D. Telophase
Correct Answer: A
124.
Which molecule carries amino acids to ribosomes?
A. mRNA
B. tRNA
C. rRNA
D. DNA
Correct Answer: B
125.
Which is an example of passive transport?
A. Active transport
B. Endocytosis
C. Diffusion
D. Exocytosis
Correct Answer: C
126.
Which molecule is produced in light reactions?
A. Glucose
B. ATP
C. CO₂
D. Oxygen only
Correct Answer: B
127.
Which is function of stomata?
A. Water absorption
B. Gas exchange
C. Photosynthesis
D. Transport
Correct Answer: B
128.
Which is dominant phenotype?
A. Hidden trait
B. Expressed trait
C. Recessive
D. Mutated
Correct Answer: B
129.
Which process involves mRNA?
A. Replication
B. Transcription
C. Translation
D. Mutation
Correct Answer: C
130.
Which structure controls cell activities?
A. Membrane
B. Cytoplasm
C. Nucleus
D. Ribosome
Correct Answer: C
131.
Which is part of central dogma?
A. DNA → RNA → Protein
B. RNA → DNA → Protein
C. Protein → DNA
D. DNA → Protein → RNA
Correct Answer: A
132.
Which is genetic variation source?
A. Mitosis
B. Mutation
C. Diffusion
D. Respiration
Correct Answer: B
133.
Which is abiotic factor?
A. Plant
B. Animal
C. Water
D. Bacteria
Correct Answer: C
134.
Which is biotic factor?
A. Soil
B. Air
C. Plant
D. Water
Correct Answer: C
135.
Which is symbiotic relationship?
A. Competition
B. Mutualism
C. Isolation
D. Mutation
Correct Answer: B
136.
Which is trophic level example?
A. Cell
B. Organ
C. Producer
D. Gene
Correct Answer: C
137.
Which process uses sunlight?
A. Respiration
B. Photosynthesis
C. Fermentation
D. Digestion
Correct Answer: B
138.
Which is protein structure level?
A. Primary
B. Secondary
C. Tertiary
D. All of these
Correct Answer: D
139.
Which is enzyme specificity?
A. Works on any substrate
B. Specific substrate only
C. No function
D. Random action
Correct Answer: B
140.
Which is homeostasis?
A. Growth
B. Stable internal condition
C. Reproduction
D. Evolution
Correct Answer: B
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is this AP Biology & Study Guide practice test compared to the real exam?
Yes, this practice test is designed to reflect real exam patterns, structure, and difficulty level to help you prepare effectively.
How can I study effectively with this AP Biology & Study Guide practice test?
Take the test in a timed setting, review your answers carefully, and focus on improving weak areas after each attempt.
Can I retake this AP Biology & Study Guide practice test multiple times?
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Is this AP Biology & Study Guide suitable for beginners?
This practice test is suitable for both beginners and retakers who want to improve their understanding and performance.