AP Biology Graphing FRQ Practice
84 Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results with Graphing questions written in the AP format. Pick one, read the full question, and write your response. Fiveable scores each Graphing FRQ response part by part on the AP rubric.
Your first scored response is included. A plan unlocks unlimited scoring.
84 questions
sorted by unit
Chaperone proteins stabilizing bacterial protein structure
Unit 1: Chemistry of Life
Bacteria rely on specific proteins to maintain homeostasis and carry out metabolic processes (see Figure 2). Protein A is a critical metabolic enzyme found in the cytoplasm of E. coli bacteria. The three-dimensional structure of Protein A is essential for its function.
To investigate the role of a chaperone protein (Chap1) in maintaining the structure of Protein A, scientists engineered a strain of E. coli lacking the gene for Chap1 (Mutant). They compared this to the Wild Type strain, which expresses Chap1. Both strains were incubated at various temperatures for 30 minutes. The scientists then measured the percent of Protein A that remained in its native, functional conformation. The results are shown in Table 1.
Proteins can denature (unfold) when exposed to heat. Chap1 functions by binding to exposed hydrophobic regions of unfolded polypeptides, preventing them from aggregating and allowing them to refold correctly (Table 1). The mechanism of this interaction is shown in Figure 2.
Table 1. Percent of Functional Protein A (native conformation) in Wild Type and Chap1-Deletion Mutant E. coli After 30 Minutes at Each Temperature (mean ± 2SE)
Figure 2. Mechanistic model: Chap1 binds exposed hydrophobic regions on unfolded Protein A to promote refolding into the native functional conformation
The tertiary structure of Protein A is stabilized by interactions between R-groups. Describe the chemical property of the R-groups of the amino acids that are typically found in the core of a cytoplasmic protein like Protein A.
Using the template in the space provided for your response, construct an appropriate type of graph that represents the data in Table 1. Your graph should be appropriately plotted and labeled.
Based on the data in Table 1, determine the temperature at which the absence of Chap1 has the greatest effect on the stability of Protein A.
Based on Table 1, identify the lowest temperature at which the percent of functional Protein A in the Mutant strain is less than 50%.
Based on Table 1, predict the effect of a mutation that changes the amino acids in the Nonpolar Binding Surface of Chap1 to charged amino acids.
Scientists claim that the survival of E. coli during fever-like conditions in a host (approximately 40 degrees C) depends on the presence of functional Chap1. Additionally, a new antibiotic called HydroBlock has been developed. HydroBlock is a small nonpolar molecule that can enter the bacterial cell.
Use evidence from the information provided to support the scientists' claim.
Based on Table 1, explain how the antibiotic HydroBlock might reduce the effectiveness of Chap1.
What the Graphing FRQ asks
This is FRQ 2 on the AP Biology exam, one of the two long FRQs. You get a research scenario with a data table, build a graph from the data, and answer parts about the results and the researchers’ claims.
- 25 min
- suggested writing time
- 9 points
- across parts A to D
- 50%
- of your score, for all six FRQs
Part A: Biology concept
Describe a concept or process behind the experiment
1 pt
Part B: Graph
Construct, plot, and label a graph from the data table, then read a result
4 pts
Part C: Data analysis
Identify a value in the data and predict an effect
2 pts
Part D: Claims
Support a claim with evidence and explain a result
2 pts
Graphing FRQ skill sheet
Every rubric point on one page: what earns it, what to do and what to avoid. Tap the sheet to see it full size.
How Graphing FRQ practice works
Each question follows the exam’s format, from the full prompt to a score on every part.
Read the full question
The research scenario, the data table, and all four parts, A through D, laid out the way the exam shows them.
Write on a 25-minute timer
The time to plan for on exam day. Pause it or turn it off, and your response saves as you go.
Submit for a score out of 9
Your response is scored against the scoring guidelines written for that question. Your first score is included.
Feedback on every part
A summary at the top tells you what to work on next. Below it, each part shows whether you earned the point and what the scoring guidelines were looking for.
Detailed Feedback
Part A: 1/1 point
The student correctly identifies the snails as primary consumers that eat the Spartina producer, earning this point. The mention of the second trophic level is an added bonus.
Part B(i-B1): 1/1 point
The student describes constructing a bar graph, which is the appropriate graph type for comparing two categorical treatment groups. This point is earned.
Part B(i-B2): 0/1 point
The student explicitly states 'I did not include error bars on the bars.' Error bars representing ±2SE are required to earn this point. Point not awarded.
Questions about the Graphing FRQ
How many responses can I get scored?
You can read every question without a plan. Your first scored response is included. A plan unlocks unlimited scoring.
How do I make the graph?
Use the drawing tool, which can add axes and a grid, or switch the editor to handwrite, draw your graph on paper, and add a photo of your page.
What makes a graph earn its points?
The right type for the data, labeled axes with units, a scale that uses the grid, and accurately plotted values. Bar graphs fit categories and line graphs fit continuous data.
How is FRQ 2 different from FRQ 1?
Both give you an experiment with data and the same four parts. FRQ 2 asks you to build the graph yourself. FRQ 1 gives you figures to read.
Do I have to write in complete sentences?
Yes. On the exam, outlines and bulleted lists alone aren’t scored, so write each part in full sentences.
More AP Biology practice
Experimental Results FRQ practice
Long FRQs with a research scenario, its figures, and all four parts.
Scientific Investigation FRQ practice
Short FRQs on experimental design, with the scenario and all four parts.
Conceptual Analysis FRQ practice
Short FRQs on a process and a disruption, with all four parts.
Data Analysis FRQ practice
Short FRQs with a graph or table of results and all four parts.
See the Graphing FRQ rubric points students miss most, from responses scored on Fiveable.
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Teaching AP Biology? Assign these Graphing FRQs to your class