AP® Biology is an advanced, college-level course taught at the high school level that prepares students for introductory biology in college. The curriculum is organized into 8 units: Chemistry of Life, Cell Structure and Function, Cellular Energetics, Cell Communication and the Cell Cycle, Heredity, Gene Expression and Regulation, Natural Selection, and Ecology. This cluster focuses on the first 3 units, which form the biochemical and cellular foundation for all other topics in the course: Unit 1: Chemistry of life — explores the chemical principles and properties of molecules essential for life, including water, macromolecules, and the relationship between molecular structure and function. Unit 2: Cell structure and function — examines the organization of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, the role of organelles, and the importance of membranes in maintaining homeostasis. Unit 3: Cellular energetics — investigates how cells transform energy, covering topics such as enzymes, photosynthesis, and cellular respiration. Throughout these units, students engage in inquiry-based investigations from the AP® Biology Lab Manual, practicing essential laboratory skills and applying their knowledge to solve real-world biological problems. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, data analysis, and application-based assessments that mirror the rigor of college-level coursework. Soon, we’ll be adding a new enzyme lab investigation to this cluster, allowing learners to further explore these essential interactions in biology. Stay tuned! AP® is a registered trademark of the College Board, which has not reviewed this resource.