What to expect in this Test?

In this section, the Test contents comprise three near-equal categories. You are expected to answer roughly 200 questions. These are 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 three major areas are cellular and molecular biology, organismal biology, and ecology and evolution. Near equal weightage is given to each of the three areas. In addition to the total score, a sub-score in each of these categories is reported.
The overall 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%
B. Genetics and Molecular Biology — 16-17%


II. Organismal Biology — 33-34%

• The structure, physiology, behavior, and development of plants and animals 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.
• Perceptions and responses to environmental stimuli are examined as they pertain to both plants and animals.
• Major distinguishing characteristics and phylogenetic relationships of selected groups from the various kingdoms are also covered

A. Animal Structure, Function, and Organization — 9-10%
B. Animal Reproduction and Development — 5-6%
C. Plant Structure, Function, and Organization, with Emphasis on Flowering Plants — 6-7%
D. Plant Reproduction, Growth, and Development, with Emphasis on Flowering Plants — 4-5%
E. Diversity of Life — 6-7%


III. Ecology and Evolution — 33-34%
• Interactions of organisms and their environment, emphasizing biological principles at levels above the individual.
• Ecological and evolutionary topics are given equal weight.
• Ecological questions range from physiological adaptations to the functioning of ecosystems.
• Although principles are emphasized, some questions may consider applications to current environmental problems.
• Questions in evolution range from its genetic foundations through evolutionary processes to their consequences.
• Evolution is considered at the molecular, individual, population, and higher levels.
• Principles of ecology, genetics, and evolution are interrelated in many questions.
• Some questions may require quantitative skills, including the interpretation of simple mathematical models.

A. Ecology — 16-17%
B. Evolution — 16-17%