One-fourth of the test is dedicated to molecules and cells. This section is composed of three main subjects: the chemistry of life, cells and cellular energetics. You will need to understand what chemicals sustain life -- water, enzymes, free energy changes and organic molecules in organisms. Questions in the cells section include the definition and difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, membranes, the cell cycle and its regulation, and subcellular organization. The cellular energetics section includes questions on photosynthesis, fermentation and cellular respiration, and couple reactions.
Heredity and evolution are one-fourth of the test. This section is composed of questions on heredity, molecular genetics and evolutionary biology. Heredity topics include meiosis and gametogenesis, eukaryotic chromosomes and inheritance patterns. Molecular genetics questions include RNA and DNA structure and function, viral structure and replication, gene regulation, mutation, and nucleic acid technology and applications. Evolutionary biology questions are composed of subjects such as the early evolution of life and the evidence and mechanisms that support evolution.
This category takes up half of the test and can be divided into three sections: diversity of organisms, structure and function of plants and animals, and ecology. You must understand evolutionary patterns and relationships, the diversity of life and phylogenetic classification to score well in the diversity of organisms section. The structure and function of plants and animals is the largest section on the test -- reproduction, growth and development, adaptations including structural, physiological and behavioral, and how plants and animals respond to the environment are required knowledge. The ecology portion of this section is composed of questions on population dynamics, communities and ecosystems, and global issues.
To prepare for the test, answer the sample multiple-choice and free-response questions on the web (see Resources). When answering the free-response questions, make sure to answer every part of each question. Many questions will have a part a, b, c and d, each of which requires its own answer. You will be given credit for each part of the answer, so don't abandon the entire question because you are unsure of one part of the question. Answer all free-response questions clearly and neatly. The examiner must be able to clearly read and understand your answer and what steps you took to arrive at that answer. The examiner may also give partial credit if your answer provides a partial solution but isn't exactly correct.