GRE Subject Test Facts:
The 8 different GRE Subject Tests differ based on number of questions, types of questions, and types of material to study. The following is a list of facts and topics to study for each GRE Subject Test.
Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology:
- Approximately 180 questions.
- 36% of the Exam is Biochemistry, 28% Cell Biology, 36% Molecular Biology and Genetics.
- There is an overall score and a score for each subsection.
- Questions may include material on laboratory situations, diagrams, or experimental results.
- Questions may involve Problem-Solving skills (including mathematical calculations without a calculator) and content knowledge.
- Questions on methodology and data interpretation for all sections.
- Questions assess knowledge from undergraduate courses and ability to perform in graduate field work.
- Biochemistry topics include:
- Chemical and Physical Foundations
- Biomolecules: Structure, Assembly, Organization, and Dynamics
- Catalysis and Binding
- Major Metabolic Pathways
- Bioenergetics (including respiration and photosynthesis)
- Regulation and Integration of Metabolism
- Methodology.
- Cell Biology topics include:
- Cellular Compartments of Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes: Organization, Dynamics, and Functions
- Cell Surface and Communication
- Cytoskeleton, Motility, and Shape
- Protein Synthesis and Processing
- Cell Division, Differentiation, and Development
- Molecular Biology and Genetic topics include:
- Genetic Foundations
- Chromatin and Chromosomes
- Genomics
- Genome Maintenance
- Gene Expression
- Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes
- Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes
- Bacteriophages and Animal and Plant Viruses
- Methodology
- Each topic for each subsection includes subtopics. See GRE Subject Study Guide or visit the GRE website.
Biology:
- Approximately 200 questions.
- There are questions on laboratory and field situations, diagrams, or experimental results.
- 33-34% of the Exam is Cellular and Molecular Biology, 33-34% Organismal Biology, 33-34% Ecology and Evolution.
- Cellular and Molecular Biology is divided into Cellular Structure and Function, which is 16-17% of the questions, and Genetics and Molecular Biology, which is 16-17% of the questions.
- Cellular Structure and Function topics include:
- Biological Compounds
- Enzyme Activity, Receptor Binding, and Regulation
- Major Metabolic Pathways and Regulation
- Membrane Dynamics and Cell Surfaces
- Organelles: Structure, Function, and Targeting
- Cytoskeleton, Motility, and Shape
- Cell Cycle, Growth, Division, and Regulation
- Genetics and Molecular Biology topics include:
- Genetic Foundations
- Chromatin and Chromosomes
- Genome Sequence Organization
- Genome Maintenance
- Gene Expression and Regulation in Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes: Mechanisms
- Gene Expression and Regulation: Effects
- Immunobiology
- Bacteriophages, Animal Viruses, and Plant Viruses
- Recombinant DNA Methodology
- Organismal Biology is divided into:
- Animal Structure, Function, and Organization - 9-10%
- Exchange with Environment
- Internal Transport and Exchange
- Support and Movement
- Integration and Control Mechanisms
- Behavior (Communication, Orientation, Learning, and Instinct)
- Metabolic Rates (Temperature, Body Size, and Activity)
- Animal Reproduction and Development - 5-6%
- 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 - 6-7%
- Tissues, Tissue Systems, and Organs
- 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 - 4-5%
- 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 - 6-7%
- Archaebacteria Morphology, Physiology, and Identification
- Eubacteria (including Cyanobacteria)
- Protista
- Fungi
- Animalia with emphasis on Major Phyla
- Plantae with emphasis on Major Phyla
- Animal Structure, Function, and Organization - 9-10%
- Ecology topics, which makes up 16-17% of the questions, include:
- Environment/Organism Interaction
- Behavioral Ecology
- Population Structure and Function
- Communities
- Ecosystems
- Evolution topics, which make up 16-17% of the questions, include:
- Genetic Variability
- Evolutionary Processes
- Evolutionary Consequences
- History of Life
- Many topics include subtopics, which can be acquired through a GRE Study Guide or the main GRE website.
- Some questions may require you to use simple mathematics.
To study for a GRE Subject test, purchase a study guide and utilize it for several months before the exam. Additionally, it is recommended that you go over your notes and textbooks from relevant courses taken during your undergraduate years. You are not expected to know every topic. Visit the GRE website for more information.
