What is the test pattern for GRE Biology
No. of Questions 190
Each question contains 5 choices
Syllabus & Question Paper Pattern
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.
Cellular Structure and Function (16–17%)
Biological compounds
Macromolecular structure and bonding
Abiotic origin of biological molecules
Enzyme activity, receptor binding, and regulation
Major metabolic pathways and regulation
Respiration, fermentation, and photosynthesis
Synthesis and degradation of macromolecules
Hormonal control and intracellular messengers
Membrane dynamics and cell surfaces
Transport, endocytosis, and exocytosis
Electrical potentials and transmitter substances
Mechanisms of cell recognition, intercellular transport and communication
Cell wall and extracellular matrix
Organelles: structure, function, synthesis, and targeting
Nucleus, mitochondria, and plastids
Endoplasmic reticulum and ribosomes
Golgi apparatus and secretory vesicles
Lysosomes, peroxisomes, and vacuoles
Cytoskeleton: motility and shape
Actin-based systems
Microtubule-based systems
Intermediate filaments
Bacterial flagella and movement
Cell cycle: growth, division, and regulation (including signal transduction)
Methods
Microscopy (e.g., electron, light, fluorescence)
Separation (e.g., centrifugation, gel filtration, PAGE, fluorescence-activated cell sorting [FACS])
Immunological (e.g., Western Blotting, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence)
Genetics and Molecular Biology (16–17%)
Genetic foundations
Mendelian inheritance
Pedigree analysis
Prokaryotic genetics (transformation, transduction and conjugation)
Genetic mapping
Chromatin and chromosomes
Nucleosomes
Karyotypes
Chromosomal aberrations
Polytene chromosomes
Genome sequence organization
Introns and exons
Single-copy and repetitive DNA
Transposable elements
Genome maintenance
DNA replication
DNA mutation and repair
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
Gene expression and regulation: effects
Control of normal development
Cancer and oncogenes
Whole genome expression (e.g., microarrays)
Regulation of gene expression by RNAi (e.g., siRNA)
Epigenetics
Immunobiology
Cellular basis of immunity
Antibody diversity and synthesis
Antigen-antibody interactions
Bacteriophages, animal viruses, and plant viruses
Viral genomes, replication, and assembly
Virus-host cell interactions
Recombinant DNA methodology
Restriction endonucleases
Blotting and hybridization
Restriction fragment length polymorphisms
DNA cloning, sequencing, and analysis
Polymerase chain reaction
II. ORGANISMAL BIOLOGY (33–34%)
The structure, physiology, behavior and development of organisms are addressed. Topics covered include nutrient procurement and processing, gas exchange, internal transport, regulation of fluids, control mechanisms and effectors, and reproduction in autotrophic and heterotrophic organisms. Examples of developmental phenomena range from fertilization through differentiation and morphogenesis. Responses to environmental stimuli are examined as they pertain to organisms. Major distinguishing characteristics and phylogenetic relationships of organisms are also covered.
Animal Structure, Function and Organization (10%)
Exchange with environment
Nutrient, salt, and water exchange
Gas exchange
Energy
Internal transport and exchange
Circulatory, respiratory, excretory, and digestive systems
Support and movement
Support systems (external, internal, and hydrostatic)
Movement systems (flagellar, ciliary, and muscular)
Integration and control mechanisms
Nervous and endocrine systems
Behavior (communication, orientation, learning, and instinct)
Metabolic rates (temperature, body size, and activity)
Animal Reproduction and Development (6%)
Reproductive structures
Meiosis, gametogenesis, and fertilization
Early development (e.g., polarity, cleavage, and gastrulation)
Developmental processes (e.g., induction, determination, differentiation, morphogenesis, and metamorphosis)
External control mechanisms (e.g., photoperiod)
Plant Structure, Function, and Organization, with Emphasis on Flowering Plants (7%)
Organs, tissue systems, and tissues
Water transport, including absorption and transpiration
Phloem transport and storage
Mineral nutrition
Plant energetics (e.g., respiration and photosynthesis)
Plant Reproduction, Growth, and Development, with Emphasis on Flowering Plants (5%)
Reproductive structures
Meiosis and sporogenesis
Gametogenesis and fertilization
Embryogeny and seed development
Meristems, growth, morphogenesis, and differentiation
Control mechanisms (e.g., hormones, photoperiod, and tropisms)
Diversity of Life (6%)
Archaea
Morphology, physiology, and identification
Bacteria
Morphology, physiology, pathology, and identification
Protista
Protozoa, other heterotrophic Protista (slime molds and Oomycota), and autotrophic Protista
Major distinguishing characteristics
Phylogenetic relationships
Importance (e.g., eutrophication, disease)
Fungi
Distinctive features of major phyla (vegetative, asexual and sexual reproduction)
Generalized life cycles
Importance (e.g., decomposition, biodegradation, antibiotics, and pathogenicity)
Lichens
Animalia with emphasis on major phyla
Major distinguishing characteristics
Phylogenetic relationships
Plantae with emphasis on major phyla
Alternation of generations
Major distinguishing characteristics
Phylogenetic relationships
III. ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION (33–34%)
The interactions of organisms and their environment, emphasizing biological principles at levels above the individual are addressed. Ecological topics range from physiological adaptations to the functioning of ecosystems. Although principles are emphasized, some questions may consider applications to current environmental problems. Topics in evolution range from genetic foundations through evolutionary processes and to their consequences. Evolution is considered at the molecular, individual, population and higher levels. Some quantitative skills, including the interpretation of simple mathematical models, may be required.
Ecology (16–17%)
Environment/organism interaction
Biogeographic patterns
Physiological ecology
Temporal patterns (e.g., seasonal fluctuations)
Behavioral ecology
Habitat selection
Mating systems
Social systems
Resource acquisition
Population ecology
Population dynamics/regulation
Demography and life history strategies
Community ecology
Direct and indirect interspecific interactions
Community structure and diversity
Change and succession
Ecosystems
Productivity and energy flow
Chemical cycling
Evolution (16–17%)
Genetic variability
Origins (mutations, linkage, recombination, and chromosomal alterations)
Levels (e.g., polymorphism and heritability)
Spatial patterns (e.g., clines and ecotypes)
Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium
Macroevolutionary and microevolutionary processes
Gene flow and genetic drift
Natural selection and its dynamics
Levels of selection (e.g., individual and group)
Trade-offs and genetic correlations
Natural selection and genome evolution
Synonymous vs. nonsynonymous nucleotide ratios
Evolutionary consequences
Fitness and adaptation
Speciation
Systematics and phylogeny
Convergence, divergence, and extinction
Coevolution
History of life
Origin of life
Fossil record
Paleontology and paleoecology
Lateral transfer of genetic sequences
