ETEA Medical 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 ETEA Medical Test, not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Cell Biology

   3 topics

   • Cell Structure and Function
   • Cell Organelles
   • Cell Cycle
2. 2

   Biological Molecules

   5 topics

   • Carbohydrates
   • Proteins and Amino Acids
   • Lipids
   • Nucleic Acids
   • Water and Its Importance
3. 3

   Enzymes

   3 topics

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

   Bioenergetics

   2 topics

   • Photosynthesis
   • Respiration
5. 5

   Kingdom and Diversity

   4 topics

   • Five Kingdom Classification
   • Viruses
   • Kingdom Monera and Protista
   • Kingdom Fungi
6. 6

   Coordination and Control

   3 topics

   • Nervous System
   • Endocrine System
   • Receptors and Effectors
7. 7

   Support and Movement

   3 topics

   • Human Skeleton
   • Muscles and Contraction
   • Joints
8. 8

   Reproduction

   3 topics

   • Sexual and Asexual Reproduction
   • Human Reproductive System
   • Reproductive Health
9. 9

   Inheritance and Genetics

   4 topics

   • Mendelian Inheritance
   • Chromosomes and Genes
   • Genetic Disorders
   • Gene Linkage and Crossing Over
10. 10

    Evolution and Biotechnology

    3 topics

    • Theories of Evolution
    • Genetic Engineering
    • Recombinant DNA Technology
11. 11

    Circulation and Immunity

    3 topics

    • Blood and Blood Groups
    • Heart and Circulatory System
    • Immune System

Biology flashcards for ETEA Medical Test

22 of 56 cards from the Biology deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. What is the cell theory, and who proposed its three main principles?

   The cell theory states: (1) all living organisms are composed of cells, (2) the cell is the basic structural and functional unit of life, and (3) all cells arise from pre-existing cells. It was developed by Schleiden, Schwann, and Virchow (who added the third principle).

2. What are the key differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

   Prokaryotes lack a true membrane-bound nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, have a single circular DNA molecule, 70S ribosomes, and are smaller (1-10 micrometres). Eukaryotes have a true nucleus, membrane-bound organelles, linear DNA with histones, 80S ribosomes, and are larger (10-100 micrometres).

3. What is the fluid mosaic model of the plasma membrane?

   Proposed by Singer and Nicolson (1972), it describes the membrane as a phospholipid bilayer in which proteins are embedded and float like a mosaic. 'Fluid' refers to the lateral movement of phospholipids and proteins; 'mosaic' refers to the scattered protein pattern.

4. What are the three main components of the cell membrane and their approximate functions?

   Phospholipids (form the bilayer with hydrophilic heads outward and hydrophobic tails inward), proteins (transport, receptors, enzymes, structural support), and carbohydrates (cell recognition as glycoproteins/glycolipids). Cholesterol also stabilizes membrane fluidity.

5. What is the difference between the cell walls of plants, fungi, and bacteria?

   Plant cell walls are made of cellulose, fungal cell walls of chitin, and bacterial cell walls of peptidoglycan (murein). Animal cells lack a cell wall.

6. Compare passive transport and active transport across membranes.

   Passive transport moves substances down a concentration gradient without energy (diffusion, osmosis, facilitated diffusion). Active transport moves substances against the gradient and requires ATP (e.g., sodium-potassium pump).

7. What is the function of the nucleus and the nucleolus?

   The nucleus controls cell activities and stores genetic information (DNA) in chromosomes; it is bounded by a double nuclear envelope with pores. The nucleolus, found within the nucleus, synthesizes ribosomal RNA and assembles ribosome subunits.

8. What is the structure and function of mitochondria?

   Mitochondria are double-membraned organelles; the inner membrane folds into cristae enclosing the matrix. They are the site of aerobic respiration and ATP production, so they are called the 'powerhouse of the cell.' They contain their own DNA and 70S ribosomes.

9. Compare rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum.

   Rough ER has ribosomes on its surface and synthesizes and transports proteins. Smooth ER lacks ribosomes and is involved in lipid and steroid synthesis, detoxification, and calcium ion storage.

10. What are the functions of the Golgi apparatus (Golgi complex)?

    The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, packages, and secretes proteins and lipids received from the ER. It also forms lysosomes and synthesizes some polysaccharides for secretion in vesicles.

11. What are lysosomes and what is their main function?

    Lysosomes are membrane-bound vesicles containing hydrolytic (digestive) enzymes. They digest worn-out organelles (autophagy), foreign particles, and engulfed material; they are sometimes called 'suicide bags' because they can self-destruct the cell (autolysis).

12. Compare the structure of ribosomes in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

    Prokaryotes have smaller 70S ribosomes (30S + 50S subunits). Eukaryotes have larger 80S ribosomes (40S + 60S subunits) in the cytoplasm, but their mitochondria and chloroplasts contain 70S ribosomes. Ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis.

13. What is the structure and function of chloroplasts?

    Chloroplasts are double-membraned organelles containing stacks of thylakoids (grana) suspended in a fluid stroma. They contain chlorophyll and are the site of photosynthesis. They have their own DNA and 70S ribosomes.

14. What is the function of the centrioles?

    Centrioles are paired cylindrical structures made of microtubules (9 triplets arranged in a 9+0 pattern). They organize the spindle fibres during cell division and form the basal bodies of cilia and flagella. Found mainly in animal cells.

15. Compare the vacuoles of plant and animal cells.

    Plant cells typically have one large central vacuole (up to 90% of cell volume) that maintains turgor pressure and stores cell sap. Animal cells have small, numerous vacuoles or none, used for temporary storage and transport.

16. List the phases of the cell cycle in order.

    The cell cycle consists of interphase (G1 - growth, S - DNA synthesis/replication, G2 - growth and preparation for division) followed by the M phase (mitosis and cytokinesis).

17. What are the four stages of mitosis in order, and what happens in each?

    Prophase (chromosomes condense, spindle forms, nuclear envelope breaks down), Metaphase (chromosomes align at the equator/metaphase plate), Anaphase (sister chromatids separate to opposite poles), Telophase (chromosomes decondense, nuclear envelopes reform). Cytokinesis then divides the cytoplasm.

18. What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis in terms of outcome?

    Mitosis produces 2 genetically identical diploid daughter cells (for growth and repair). Meiosis produces 4 genetically different haploid daughter cells (gametes) via two divisions, and includes crossing over which creates genetic variation.

19. What happens during the S phase of interphase?

    During the S (synthesis) phase, DNA replication occurs, so each chromosome becomes two identical sister chromatids joined at a centromere. The amount of DNA in the cell is doubled.

20. What is the general molecular formula of carbohydrates and which elements compose them?

    The general formula is (CH2O)n, meaning carbohydrates contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, with hydrogen and oxygen usually in a 2:1 ratio (as in water).

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

    Monosaccharides (single sugars, e.g., glucose, fructose, galactose), disaccharides (two monosaccharides, e.g., sucrose, maltose, lactose), and polysaccharides (many monosaccharides, e.g., starch, glycogen, cellulose).

22. What monosaccharides make up sucrose, maltose, and lactose?

    Sucrose = glucose + fructose; maltose = glucose + glucose; lactose = glucose + galactose. Each is formed by a condensation (dehydration) reaction with the loss of a water molecule.

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