GRE Subject Tests- Biology

For Test Takers For InstitutionsETS Home > GRE Home > Subject Tests > About the Tests > Test Content and Structure Biology Test Overview The test consists of approximately 190 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. In addition to the total score, a subscore in each of these subfield areas is reported. Content Specifications 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 prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, metabolic pathways and their regulation, membrane dynamics and cell surfaces, organelles, cytoskeleton, and cell cycle. Major areas in genetics and molecular biology include viruses, chromatin and chromosomal structure, genomic organization and maintenance, and the regulation of gene expression. The cellular basis of immunity and the mechanisms of antigen-antibody interactions are included. 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 Genetics and Molecular Biology (16–17%) 1. division. 3. fluorescence) Separation (e. Cell cycle: growth. Methods Microscopy (e. and targeting Nucleus.. fluorescence-activated cell sorting [FACS]) Immunological (e. Cytoskeleton: motility and shape Actin-based systems Microtubule-based systems Intermediate filaments Bacterial flagella and movement 7. Major metabolic pathways and regulation Respiration.g. Genetic foundations .. and photosynthesis Synthesis and degradation of macromolecules Hormonal control and intracellular messengers 4. centrifugation. Membrane dynamics and cell surfaces Transport. mitochondria.. and plastids Endoplasmic reticulum and ribosomes Golgi apparatus and secretory vesicles Lysosomes. intercellular transport and communication Cell wall and extracellular matrix 5. fermentation. gel filtration. light. Organelles: structure. synthesis. and exocytosis Electrical potentials and transmitter substances Mechanisms of cell recognition. electron. PAGE. immunohistochemistry. peroxisomes.g. endocytosis. immunofluorescence) B. function.g. Western Blotting. and regulation (including signal transduction) 8. and vacuoles 6. transduction and conjugation) Genetic mapping 2. Chromatin and chromosomes Nucleosomes Karyotypes Chromosomal aberrations Polytene chromosomes 3. microarrays) Regulation of gene expression by RNAi (e. Genome sequence organization Introns and exons Single-copy and repetitive DNA Transposable elements 4. Mendelian inheritance Pedigree analysis Prokaryotic genetics (transformation.g. siRNA) Epigenetics .. Gene expression and regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes: mechanisms The operon Promoters and enhancers Transcription factors RNA and protein synthesis Processing and modifications of both RNA and protein 6.. Gene expression and regulation: effects Control of normal development Cancer and oncogenes Whole genome expression (e.g. Genome maintenance DNA replication DNA mutation and repair 5. Recombinant DNA methodology Restriction endonucleases Blotting and hybridization Restriction fragment length polymorphisms DNA cloning. A. and assembly Virus-host cell interactions 9. and reproduction in autotrophic and heterotrophic organisms. Animal Structure. Immunobiology Cellular basis of immunity Antibody diversity and synthesis Antigen-antibody interactions 8. control mechanisms and effectors. Bacteriophages. regulation of fluids. and analysis Polymerase chain reaction II. 7. and plant viruses Viral genomes. Major distinguishing characteristics and phylogenetic relationships of organisms are also covered. physiology. Topics covered include nutrient procurement and processing. Function and Organization (10%) . gas exchange. internal transport. ORGANISMAL BIOLOGY (33–34%) The structure. behavior and development of organisms are addressed. Examples of developmental phenomena range from fertilization through differentiation and morphogenesis. animal viruses. replication. sequencing. Responses to environmental stimuli are examined as they pertain to organisms. Function. 1. Water transport. Organs.g. Behavior (communication. and instinct) 6. Plant Structure.. Metabolic rates (temperature. and water exchange Gas exchange Energy 2. Internal transport and exchange Circulatory. Plant Reproduction. excretory.. and hydrostatic) Movement systems (flagellar.g. Plant energetics (e. Support and movement Support systems (external. body size. differentiation. Early development (e. Exchange with environment Nutrient. gametogenesis. tissue systems. and digestive systems 3. and activity) B. and fertilization 3. Reproductive structures 2. cleavage. Growth.g. and muscular) 4. including absorption and transpiration 3. Phloem transport and storage 4. polarity. Developmental processes (e.g. photoperiod) C. respiration and photosynthesis) D. and Development. ciliary. morphogenesis.. Meiosis. respiratory. with Emphasis on Flowering Plants (7%) 1. learning. External control mechanisms (e. induction. and gastrulation) 4. and tissues 2. Mineral nutrition 5. orientation. and metamorphosis) 5. and Organization. salt. Integration and control mechanisms Nervous and endocrine systems 5. determination. Animal Reproduction and Development (6%) 1. internal.. with Emphasis on Flowering Plants (5%) . other heterotrophic Protista (slime molds and Oomycota). Protista Protozoa. disease) 4. Bacteria Morphology.. physiology. growth. Diversity of Life (6%) 1. morphogenesis. pathology. and autotrophic Protista Major distinguishing characteristics Phylogenetic relationships Importance (e. Reproductive structures 2. Meiosis and sporogenesis 3. and identification 2. and tropisms) E... Animalia with emphasis on major phyla Major distinguishing characteristics Phylogenetic relationships 6. and differentiation 6. and pathogenicity) Lichens 5. Control mechanisms (e. and identification 3. photoperiod. Plantae with emphasis on major phyla Alternation of generations Major distinguishing characteristics Phylogenetic relationships .g. 1. Archaea Morphology.g. Gametogenesis and fertilization 4. Meristems.g. Embryogeny and seed development 5. asexual and sexual reproduction) Generalized life cycles Importance (e. biodegradation. eutrophication. hormones. Fungi Distinctive features of major phyla (vegetative. physiology. antibiotics. decomposition. Population ecology Population dynamics/regulation Demography and life history strategies 4. Evolution is considered at the molecular. Ecology (16–17%) 1. Environment/organism interaction Biogeographic patterns Physiological ecology Temporal patterns (e. Ecological topics range from physiological adaptations to the functioning of ecosystems. emphasizing biological principles at levels above the individual are addressed. some questions may consider applications to current environmental problems. Although principles are emphasized. seasonal fluctuations) 2.g. Some quantitative skills. Behavioral ecology Habitat selection Mating systems Social systems Resource acquisition 3. A. Community ecology Direct and indirect interspecific interactions Community structure and diversity Change and succession 5. ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION (33–34%) The interactions of organisms and their environment.III. including the interpretation of simple mathematical models. individual. population and higher levels. Ecosystems Productivity and energy flow Chemical cycling B. may be required. Evolution (16–17%) . Topics in evolution range from genetic foundations through evolutionary processes and to their consequences.. and extinction Coevolution 4. recombination.. polymorphism and heritability) Spatial patterns (e. Evolutionary consequences Fitness and adaptation Speciation Systematics and phylogeny Convergence. nonsynonymous nucleotide ratios 3. and chromosomal alterations) Levels (e. divergence. History of life Origin of life Fossil record Paleontology and paleoecology Lateral transfer of genetic sequences Download the Practice Book < Back to: Test Content .. Genetic variability Origins (mutations. individual and group) Trade-offs and genetic correlations Natural selection and genome evolution Synonymous vs.g. Macroevolutionary and microevolutionary processes Gene flow and genetic drift Natural selection and its dynamics Levels of selection (e. clines and ecotypes) Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium 2. linkage..g.g. 1. Check them out today. Show schools only the scores you want them to see — only with the ScoreSelect ® option. ETS — Measuring the Power of Learning. . We offer free practice tests and tips to help you prepare for your GRE Subject Test. All trademarks are property of their respective owners. All rights reserved. ® Copyright © 2017 by Educational Testing Service.Ready to take a GRE ® Subject Test? Register Now > Send Only Your Best Scores. Official Test Prep from ETS Nobody knows our tests better than we do.