Laboratory investigations are a major component of AP Biology. They’re not just classroom activities — they form the foundation for many FRQ questions and experimental design problems on the exam.
In this guide, we’ll cover all 13 AP Biology labs, the skills you need to master, and how to apply them to both the multiple-choice and free-response sections.
1. Why Labs Matter on the AP Biology Exam
- Labs reinforce core concepts in the AP Biology Curriculum Framework.
- AP exam questions often reference lab setups, data tables, or graphs.
- Mastery of lab skills helps with experimental design FRQs — a high-scoring opportunity.
2. The 13 AP Biology Labs – Overview
Here are the official College Board–endorsed labs you should know:
- Artificial Selection – Investigating changes in a population over time
- Mathematical Modeling: Hardy–Weinberg – Applying population genetics formulas
- Comparing DNA Sequences – Using bioinformatics to explore evolutionary relationships
- Diffusion and Osmosis – Modeling membrane transport
- Photosynthesis – Measuring the rate using floating leaf disks or sensors
- Cellular Respiration – Measuring oxygen consumption or CO₂ production
- Mitosis and Meiosis – Observing and calculating phases
- Bacterial Transformation – Introducing foreign DNA into bacteria
- Restriction Enzyme Analysis – Using gel electrophoresis to visualize DNA fragments
- Energy Dynamics – Measuring biomass and energy flow in ecosystems
- Transpiration – Measuring water loss in plants under different conditions
- Animal Behavior – Observing choice and movement in response to stimuli
- Enzyme Activity – Measuring reaction rates under different conditions
3. Experimental Design Essentials
Every lab-based FRQ will expect you to know:
- Independent variable → The factor you change (e.g., light intensity)
- Dependent variable → The result you measure (e.g., rate of photosynthesis)
- Control variables → Factors kept constant (e.g., temperature, pH)
- Control group → A baseline setup to compare results
4. Common Data Analysis Skills Tested
You should be ready to:
- Calculate means, medians, and standard deviations
- Interpret line and bar graphs
- Identify trends and patterns in experimental data
- Apply the Chi-square test for statistical significance
- Use the Hardy–Weinberg equation to calculate allele frequencies
5. Applying Labs to FRQs
Example from the Transpiration Lab:
A plant species is grown in two conditions — high humidity and low humidity. Students measure water loss over time.
Possible FRQ prompts:
- Explain the physiological mechanism behind observed differences.
- Predict results under a third condition (e.g., wind).
- Design a follow-up experiment to test another factor.
6. Time-Saving Exam Strategy
- Memorize one example per concept (e.g., know one enzyme experiment in detail, one respiration setup, etc.).
- Use clear labels when drawing apparatus diagrams.
- Always connect your explanation back to the biological concept (e.g., "osmosis occurs because water moves from low solute concentration to high solute concentration").
RevisionDojo Pro Tip
When studying, keep a Lab Summary Sheet for each investigation:
- Title of the lab
- Key concept tested
- Variables and controls
- Expected results and explanations
- Real-world applications
This one-page format makes review before the exam much faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to memorize every single procedure?
A: No — but you must understand the purpose, variables, and expected outcomes for each lab.
Q: Can labs appear in multiple-choice questions?
A: Yes — data tables and experimental setups often appear in MCQs, requiring interpretation.
Q: Will I have to design a completely new experiment?
A: Possibly — but you can adapt concepts from the official labs to answer those questions.
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