DPT Admission 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 DPT Admission Test, not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Cell Structure and Function

   4 topics

   • Cell Membrane and Transport
   • Cell Organelles
   • Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Cells
   • Cell Cycle and Division
2. 2

   Biological Molecules

   5 topics

   • Carbohydrates
   • Proteins and Amino Acids
   • Lipids
   • Nucleic Acids (DNA and RNA)
   • Water and Its Importance
3. 3

   Enzymes

   3 topics

   • Structure and Mechanism of Action
   • Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity
   • Enzyme Inhibition
4. 4

   Bioenergetics

   2 topics

   • Photosynthesis
   • Respiration
5. 5

   Human Physiology

   5 topics

   • Digestive System
   • Circulatory System
   • Respiratory System
   • Nervous System and Coordination
   • Homeostasis and the Kidney
6. 6

   Reproduction and Development

   3 topics

   • Human Reproductive System
   • Gametogenesis
   • Embryonic Development
7. 7

   Genetics and Inheritance

   4 topics

   • Mendelian Inheritance
   • Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance
   • Gene Expression and Mutations
   • Linkage and Crossing Over
8. 8

   Biotechnology

   3 topics

   • Genetic Engineering
   • Recombinant DNA Technology
   • Applications in Medicine
9. 9

   Microbiology and Immunity

   3 topics

   • Bacteria and Viruses
   • Immune System
   • Infectious Diseases
10. 10

    Evolution and Ecology

    3 topics

    • Theories of Evolution
    • Ecosystems and Biodiversity
    • Nutrient Cycles

Biology flashcards for DPT Admission Test

22 of 55 cards from the Biology deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. What are the three main components of the fluid mosaic model of the cell membrane?

   A phospholipid bilayer, embedded proteins (integral and peripheral), and carbohydrates (glycoproteins and glycolipids); cholesterol is also present in animal membranes.

2. Differentiate between passive transport and active transport across the cell membrane.

   Passive transport moves substances down their concentration gradient without ATP (diffusion, osmosis, facilitated diffusion). Active transport moves substances against the gradient and requires ATP.

3. What is the role of the sodium-potassium pump and how many ions does it move per ATP?

   It actively pumps 3 Na+ out of the cell and 2 K+ into the cell per molecule of ATP, maintaining the resting membrane potential and ion gradients.

4. Define osmosis.

   Osmosis is the net movement of water molecules from a region of higher water potential (dilute solution) to a region of lower water potential (concentrated solution) across a selectively permeable membrane.

5. Compare endocytosis and exocytosis.

   Endocytosis brings material into the cell by engulfing it in vesicles (phagocytosis for solids, pinocytosis for liquids). Exocytosis expels material out of the cell as vesicles fuse with the plasma membrane. Both are bulk transport requiring ATP.

6. What is the function of mitochondria and why are they called the 'powerhouse of the cell'?

   Mitochondria carry out aerobic respiration, producing ATP via oxidative phosphorylation in their inner membrane (cristae). They have their own DNA and a double membrane.

7. What are the functions of the rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum?

   Rough ER (studded with ribosomes) synthesizes and processes proteins. Smooth ER synthesizes lipids and steroids, detoxifies drugs, and stores calcium ions.

8. What is the role of the Golgi apparatus?

   It modifies, sorts, packages, and secretes proteins and lipids received from the ER, and forms lysosomes and secretory vesicles.

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

   Lysosomes contain hydrolytic (digestive) enzymes that break down worn-out organelles, food particles, and foreign material (autophagy and intracellular digestion).

10. What is the function of ribosomes and what are they made of?

    Ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis (translation). They are made of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins, consisting of a large and a small subunit.

11. List the main structural differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

    Prokaryotes lack a true (membrane-bound) nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, have a single circular DNA, and 70S ribosomes. Eukaryotes have a true nucleus, membrane-bound organelles, linear DNA, and 80S ribosomes.

12. Which ribosome type is found in prokaryotes versus eukaryotes?

    Prokaryotes have 70S ribosomes; eukaryotes have 80S ribosomes (though their mitochondria and chloroplasts contain 70S ribosomes).

13. What is the chemical composition of the bacterial cell wall?

    The bacterial cell wall is made of peptidoglycan (murein), a polymer of sugars and amino acids.

14. Name the two broad domains/groups of prokaryotes and give a key difference.

    Bacteria (Eubacteria) and Archaea (Archaebacteria). Archaea differ in their membrane lipids and cell wall chemistry and often live in extreme environments.

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

    Interphase (G1, S, and G2) followed by the mitotic (M) phase. DNA replication occurs in the S phase.

16. What happens during the S phase of the cell cycle?

    DNA replication occurs, doubling the genetic material so each chromosome has two sister chromatids.

17. List the four stages of mitosis in order.

    Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase (followed by cytokinesis).

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

    Mitosis produces two genetically identical diploid daughter cells. Meiosis produces four genetically distinct haploid cells (halving the chromosome number).

19. What is crossing over and during which stage of meiosis does it occur?

    Crossing over is the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes; it occurs during prophase I of meiosis and increases genetic variation.

20. What is apoptosis?

    Apoptosis is programmed cell death, a controlled process that removes damaged, unwanted, or potentially harmful cells without causing inflammation.

21. What is the general molecular formula for carbohydrates?

    (CH2O)n, meaning carbohydrates contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, with hydrogen and oxygen typically in a 2:1 ratio.

22. Classify carbohydrates into their three main groups with one example of each.

    Monosaccharides (e.g. glucose), disaccharides (e.g. sucrose), and polysaccharides (e.g. starch).

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