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(Subject Test) GRE Subject Test Notes For Biology

GRE Subject Test Notes For Biology

  • The test consists of approximately 200 five-choice questions, a number of which are grouped in sets toward the end of the test and are based on descriptions of laboratory and field situations, diagrams, or experimental results.

  • The content of the test is organized into three major areas: cellular and molecular biology, organismal biology, and ecology and evolution. Approximately equal weight is given to each of these three areas. In addition to the total score, a subscore in each of these subfield areas is reported. Subject area subdivisions indicated by Arabic numerals may not contain equal numbers of questions.

The approximate distribution of questions by content category is shown below.

I. CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY — 33-34%

  • Fundamentals of cellular biology, genetics, and molecular biology are addressed.

  • Major topics in cellular structure and function include metabolic pathways and their regulation, membrane dynamics, cell surfaces, organelles, cytoskeleton, and cell cycle.

  • Major areas in genetics and molecular biology include chromatin and chromosomal structure, genomic organization and maintenance, and the regulation of gene expression.

  • The cellular basis of immunity, the mechanisms of antigen-antibody interactions, and cell-pathogen interactions are included.

  • Distinctions between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells are considered where appropriate.

  • Attention is also given to experimental methodology.

A. Cellular Structure and Function — 16-17%

1. Biological compounds

  • Macromolecular structure and bonding

  • Abiotic origin of biological molecules

2. Enzyme activity, receptor binding, and regulation

3. Major metabolic pathways and regulation

  • Respiration, fermentation, and photosynthesis

  • Synthesis and degradation of macromolecules

  • Hormonal control and intracellular messengers

4. Membrane dynamics and cell surfaces

  • Transport, endocytosis, and exocytosis

  • Electrical potentials and neurotransmitters

  • Mechanisms of cell recognition, cell junctions, and plasmodesmata

  • Cell wall and extracellular matrix

5. Organelles: structure, function, and targeting

6. Cytoskeleton, motility, and shape

  • Actin-based systems

  • Microtubule-based systems

  • Intermediate filaments

  • Bacterial flagella and movement

7. Cell cycle, growth, division, and regulation

B. Genetics and Molecular Biology — 16-17%

1. Genetic foundations

  • Mendelian inheritance; Pedigree analysis

  • Prokaryotic genetics (transformation, transduction, and conjugation)

  • Genetic mapping

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Courtesy : Greexplorer.com