BS Nursing Entry Test Biology Syllabus

Biology syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for Biology in BS Nursing Entry Test, not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Cell Biology

   4 topics

   • Cell Structure and Organelles
   • Biomolecules
   • Enzymes
   • Cell Cycle and Division
2. 2

   Human Physiology

   6 topics

   • Digestive System
   • Circulatory System
   • Respiratory System
   • Excretory System
   • Nervous System
   • Endocrine System
3. 3

   Support and Movement

   3 topics

   • Skeletal System
   • Muscular System
   • Bone Disorders
4. 4

   Reproduction

   5 topics

   • Male Reproductive System
   • Female Reproductive System
   • Gametogenesis
   • Fertilization and Development
   • Menstrual Cycle
5. 5

   Genetics

   4 topics

   • Mendelian Inheritance
   • DNA and RNA
   • Protein Synthesis
   • Genetic Disorders
6. 6

   Microbiology and Immunity

   4 topics

   • Bacteria
   • Viruses
   • Immune System
   • Vaccination
7. 7

   Biological Classification

   4 topics

   • Five Kingdom System
   • Kingdom Monera and Protista
   • Kingdom Fungi
   • Kingdom Plantae and Animalia
8. 8

   Evolution and Ecology

   4 topics

   • Theories of Evolution
   • Ecosystem and Biomes
   • Food Chains and Energy Flow
   • Environmental Pollution

Biology flashcards for BS Nursing Entry Test

22 of 53 cards from the Biology deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. What are the three main components common to all cells according to the cell theory?

   All cells contain a plasma (cell) membrane, cytoplasm, and genetic material (DNA). The cell theory also states that all living organisms are made of cells and that cells arise only from pre-existing cells.

2. Which organelle is called the 'powerhouse of the cell' and why?

   The mitochondrion, because it produces ATP through aerobic respiration (oxidative phosphorylation). It has a double membrane, with inner folds called cristae, and contains its own DNA and ribosomes.

3. What is the function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) versus the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER)?

   RER (studded with ribosomes) synthesizes and processes proteins. SER (no ribosomes) synthesizes lipids and steroids, detoxifies drugs, and stores calcium ions.

4. What is the role of the Golgi apparatus?

   It modifies, sorts, packages, and ships proteins and lipids received from the ER into vesicles for secretion or delivery to other organelles. It also forms lysosomes.

5. What do lysosomes contain and what is their function?

   Lysosomes contain hydrolytic (digestive) enzymes that break down worn-out organelles, food particles, and pathogens. They are involved in intracellular digestion and autophagy.

6. What is the key structural difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

   Prokaryotic cells lack a membrane-bound nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; their DNA lies free in the cytoplasm (nucleoid). Eukaryotic cells have a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

7. What are the four major classes of biomolecules?

   Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

8. What is the monomer (building block) of proteins, and what bond links them?

   The monomer is the amino acid, and amino acids are joined by peptide bonds (formed by condensation/dehydration synthesis).

9. What is the general formula of a carbohydrate and the monomer of polysaccharides?

   The general formula is (CH2O)n. The monomer is the monosaccharide (e.g., glucose); polysaccharides like starch, glycogen, and cellulose are polymers of glucose.

10. What are the building blocks (monomers) of a nucleic acid?

    Nucleotides, each made of a nitrogenous base, a pentose sugar (ribose or deoxyribose), and a phosphate group.

11. Why are lipids not considered true polymers, and what is a triglyceride made of?

    Lipids are not made of repeating identical monomers. A triglyceride consists of one glycerol molecule bonded to three fatty acid chains via ester bonds.

12. What is an enzyme and what type of biomolecule is it usually?

    An enzyme is a biological catalyst that speeds up reactions by lowering activation energy without being consumed. Most enzymes are proteins (some are RNA, called ribozymes).

13. Explain the 'lock and key' versus 'induced fit' models of enzyme action.

    Lock and key: the substrate fits the rigid active site exactly like a key in a lock. Induced fit: the active site changes shape slightly to fit the substrate more snugly upon binding.

14. How do temperature and pH affect enzyme activity?

    Each enzyme has an optimum temperature and pH for maximum activity. Beyond these, the enzyme denatures (loses its 3D shape and active site), reducing or stopping activity.

15. What is the difference between competitive and non-competitive enzyme inhibition?

    Competitive inhibitors bind the active site, competing with the substrate. Non-competitive inhibitors bind elsewhere (allosteric site), changing the active site's shape so the substrate cannot bind effectively.

16. What is a cofactor versus a coenzyme?

    A cofactor is a non-protein helper needed for enzyme activity; if inorganic (e.g., Mg2+, Zn2+) it is simply a cofactor, and if organic (e.g., vitamins, NAD+) it is called a coenzyme.

17. What are the main phases of the cell cycle?

    Interphase (G1, S, and G2 phases) followed by the M phase (mitosis and cytokinesis). G0 is a resting/non-dividing phase.

18. What happens during the S phase of interphase?

    DNA replication occurs, so each chromosome is duplicated into two sister chromatids joined at the centromere.

19. List the four stages of mitosis in order.

    Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase (often remembered as PMAT).

20. How does mitosis differ from meiosis in terms of products?

    Mitosis produces 2 genetically identical diploid (2n) daughter cells. Meiosis produces 4 genetically different haploid (n) cells through two divisions, enabling sexual reproduction.

21. What is crossing over and in which phase of meiosis does it occur?

    Crossing over is the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes, increasing genetic variation. It occurs during Prophase I of meiosis at the chiasmata.

22. What is the role of the enzyme amylase (ptyalin) in digestion?

    Salivary amylase, secreted in the mouth, begins the digestion of starch into maltose (a disaccharide).

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