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Introduction
ABOUT THIS BOOK
This book provides you with an accurate and complete representation of the GRE Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Subject Test. REA’s two full-length
practice tests are based on the latest editions of the exam. Our subject reviews are designed to prepare you for the very kind of material you are most likely to encounter when taking the actual test. Our sample tests have been carefully calibrated to match the GRE Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Subject Test’s level of difficulty, its format, and, of course, the type and proportional representation of its content. Following
each practice test you will find an answer key along with detailed step-by-step explanations designed to help you master the relevant material and score high.
ABOUT REA’S TEST EXPERTS
To aid us in meeting our objective of providing you with the best possible study guide for the GRE Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Test, REA’s test experts have carefully prepared our topical reviews and practice exams. Our authors come armed with specific knowledge of the GRE Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Test. They have thoroughly examined and researched the mechanics of the GRE Biochemistry, Cell
and Molecular Biology Test to ensure that our model tests accurately depict the exam and appropriately challenge the student. Our experts are highly regarded in the educational community. They have taught and conducted scientific research at competitive institutions. They have an in-depth knowledge of the subjects presented in the book and provide accurate questions that will put you in a position to do your very best on the exam.
ABOUT THE TEST
The GRE Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Test is taken by students applying to graduate programs in biochemistry. Most programs require that applicants submit scores for both the GRE General Test and the GRE Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology
Test; together with other undergraduate records, they are part of the highly competitive admission process to graduate school. Both tests are offered by Educational Testing Service (ETS) and administered throughout the United States and abroad. You can obtain a test registration booklet from your college or by contacting ETS directly. To determine if you should take the GRE Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Test, contact the universities you are applying to for admission. For questions pertaining to GRE Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology policies, contact:
Graduate Record Examinations
Educational Testing Service
P.O. Box 6000
Princeton, NJ 08541-6000
Phone: (866) 473-4373
Fax: 1-610-290-8975
Website: www.gre.org
SSD ACCOMMODATIONS FOR
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Many students qualify for extra time to take the GRE Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Test. For information on how ETS meets disability needs, contact:
ETS Disability Services
Educational Testing Service
P.O. Box 6054
Princeton, NJ 08541–6054
Phone: 1-866-387-8602 (toll free)
Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Eastern Time (New York)
TTY: 1-609-771-7714
Fax: 1-973-735-1892
E-mail: stassd@ets.org
FORMAT OF THE GRE BIOCHEMISTRY, CELL
AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY TEST
The test is usually given three times a year and contains approximately 180 multiple-choice questions, which you must answer in 2 hours and 50 minutes. Each of the 180 questions is worth one point. There is a penalty for wrong answers, which serves to correct for “guessing.” For each wrong answer, one-quarter of a point is deducted from your score. Unanswered questions don’t count for or against you.
ABOUT THE REVIEW
REA’s targeted subject review concisely and systematically summarizes the main areas tested on the GRE Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Test. We have prepared it to help you better grasp concepts that your textbook explores in far greater detail.
By studying our review, your chances of scoring well on the actual exam will be greatly increased. It affords you a kind of master checklist for everything you need to know. After thoroughly studying the material presented in the review, you should go on to take
the practice tests. Used in combination, the review and practice tests will enhance your test-taking skills and give you the confidence needed to obtain a high score.
THE GRE BIOCHEMISTRY, CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
SUBJECT TEST AT A GLANCE
Subject and Percent
Biochemistry: 36%
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: 28%
Cellular Compartments of Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes:
Organization, Dynamics, and Functions
Cell Surface and Communication
Cytoskeleton, Motility, and Shape Action-Based Systems
(Including Muscle Contraction)
Protein Synthesis and Processing
Cell Division, Differentiation, and Development
Molecular Biology and Genetics: 36%
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
HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE GRE BIOCHEMISTRY, CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY TEST
“Don’t worry.” Easier said than done, but rest assured that this book will help you assess yourself as well as the test. As with other GRE subject tests, the GRE Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Test gauges knowledge that you have gained throughout your academic career. Most of what’s tested on the GRE Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Test will require you to make use of information you learned in your General Biochemistry courses in college.
We at REA believe the best way to prep for the GRE Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Test is to replicate the complete GRE test-taking experience. Toward that end, we provide two full-length exams that accurately reflect this subject test in terms of format, content, and degree of difficulty. Our practice exams mirror the latest GRE Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Test forms and include every type of question that you can expect to encounter when you take the exam. Following each of our practice
exams is an answer key complete with detailed explanations and solutions. Designed specifically to clarify the material for the student, the explanations not only provide the correct answers, but also explain why the answer to a particular question is indeed the
best choice. By completing both practice exams and studying the explanations that follow, you will isolate your strengths and weaknesses. This, in turn, will enable you to concentrate on attacking the sections of the exam you find to be toughest.
Participate in Study Groups
