GRE Subject Test: Biology : Plantae
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Subject Test: Biology
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Plant Evolution
What is a distinct feature of a C4 plant?
Closed stomata during the day
Carbon fixation
Light independent reactions
Bundle-sheath cells
Bundle-sheath cells
Carbon fixation converts inorganic carbon dioxide into organic carbon compounds, such as glucose and cellulose. This is a characteristic function of both C3 and C4, and is a primary purpose of light independent reactions.
Closed stomata during the day is a characteristic of CAM plants, which allows for the conservation of water that is usually lost during photorespiration.
Bundle-sheath cells are a characteristic of C4 plants. The presence of bundle-sheath cells isolates rubisco, preventing rubisco from binding to oxygen during photorespiration.
Example Question #3 : Understand Inputs And Outputs, Purpose
Some organisms, such as green plants, are capable of obtaining energy directly from photosynthesis. These organisms are termed __________.
autotrophs
homotrophs
herbivores
primary consumers
heterotrophs
autotrophs
Autotrophs are organisms that produce complex organic compounds from substances present in the surroundings. These organisms may do this through the use of energy from light or from inorganic chemical reactions.
In contrast, heterotrophs require organic input in order to generate biological compounds and are unable to use light or inorganic materials for energy.
Example Question #3 : Plant Biology
Which of the following refers to the principle of alternation of generations in plants?
The need for external pollinators
A life cycle that includes a multicellular haploid stage
A life cycle which includes a unicellular haploid stage
Gamete-producing sporophytes
The differences between a tree and a seed
A life cycle that includes a multicellular haploid stage
Plants have a multicellular haploid stage called the gametophyte. Gametophytes (
Example Question #1 : Plantae
Fill in the blanks.
The __________ generation is dominant in the bryophyte life cycles, and the __________ generation is dominant in seedless vascular plants.
sporophyte . . . gametophyte
gametophyte . . . gametophyte
gametophyte . . . sporophyte
sporophyte . . . sporophyte
gametophyte . . . sporophyte
Bryophytes are nonvascular plants, such as mosses. Gametophytes are species that have haploid cells during their mature lives, while sporophytes are predominantly diploid during their adult phases.
Bryophytes have the gametophyte generation as dominant, with the sporophytes relying on the parental gametophyte. Starting with the evolution of seedless vascular plants, the gametophytes become reduced and are no longer the dominant life cycle. By the formation of angiosperms (seed plants), the gametophytes have become dependent on the parental sporophyte.
Example Question #2 : Plant Biology
Which of the following structures would be found in a tracheophyte, but not in a bryophyte?
Cell walls
Chloroplasts
Plasmids
Xylem
Xylem
All plants can be classified as either bryophytes or tracheophytes. Plants that contain transport vessels (xylem and phloem) are tracheophytes, while those without transport vessels are bryophytes. All plants contain cell walls and chloroplasts, but only a tracheophyte would contain xylem. Plasmids are structures that are almost exclusively found in bacteria or protozoans.
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