GRE Subject Test: Biology : Divisions of Life and Viruses

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Subject Test: Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Fungi

Which of the following compounds is incorporated into the fungal cell wall?

Possible Answers:

Phospholipids

Chitin

Peptidoglycan

Cellulose

Correct answer:

Chitin

Explanation:

Fungi, bacteria, and plants all use cell walls to protect cells and maintain cell structure. The composition of the cell wall varies between kingdoms. Fungi use chitin as the primary component of cell wall structure. Plants use cellulose and bacteria use peptidoglycan.

All cells use phospholipids to construct the cell membrane, which is located interior to the cell wall.

Example Question #1 : Fungi

What characteristic do both all plants and fungi have in common?

Possible Answers:

Both use photosynthesis for energy production

Both use spores to propagate

They have nothing in common

Both use chitin primarily in their cell walls

Both consist of eukaryotic cells

Correct answer:

Both consist of eukaryotic cells

Explanation:

Both plants and fungi consist of eukaryotic cells. Their cells contain membrane-enclosed nuclei and organelles which is a defining characteristic of eukaryotic cells.

Fungi do not photosynthesize. While seedless plants and fungi use spores, this trait is not common to all plants. Plant cell walls are composed of collagen, while fungi use chitin.

Example Question #2 : Fungi

An antifungal cream advertises to chemically attack the fungal cells without harming the skin. The antifungal chemical most likely acts on which of the following?

Possible Answers:

Chitin

There is not enough information provided

Eukaryotic membranes

The nucleus

Mitochondria

Correct answer:

Chitin

Explanation:

The antifungal compound is likely specific to chitin, as it is a common material of many fungi cell wall structures. Chitin is resistant to breakdown, and is actually found in insect exoskeletons. The incorrect answers are found in skin cells as well as fungal cells, and would harm the skin if the chemical attacked these structures.

Example Question #1 : Fungi

Fungal hyphae form a mesh of tissue that infiltrates food sources and absorbs nutrients. This tissue structure is called __________.

Possible Answers:

Mycelium

Fungal roots

None of these

Gametangia

Zygospores

Correct answer:

Mycelium

Explanation:

Congregation of hyphae form mycelium, the tissue that allows fungi to absorb nutrients from surrounding food sources. Often, the majority of mycelium mass is not visible to the observer. "Fungal roots" is a misleading answer, even though mycelium looks similar to root structures of plants. Gametangia is where gametes are produced in the fungus.

Example Question #3 : Fungi

Fungi can reproduce in all of the following manners except __________.

Possible Answers:

by sexual spores

by binary fission

by axsexual spores

vegetatively

Correct answer:

by binary fission

Explanation:

Binary fission occurs in prokaryotes and is a form of asexual reproduction. Fungi are considered haploid eukaryotes and undergo reproduction through processes like asexual spore release, vegetative reproduction, and sexual spore release. Asexual spores do not have DNA mixing, while sexual spores do have DNA mixing. Vegetative reproduction is when part of the fungus breaks off and forms a new fungus.

Example Question #4 : Fungi

The life cycle of most fungi is best described by which of the following statements?

Possible Answers:

None of these

Fungi only reproduce asexually

Fungi only reproduce sexually

Fungi have both sexual and asexual portions of their life cycle

Fungi are unique and have different mechanisms of reproduction

Correct answer:

Fungi have both sexual and asexual portions of their life cycle

Explanation:

Most fungi have a life cycle that consists of both sexual and asexual periods. Spores can be produced sexually or asexually, depending on the availability of male or female gametes. This has provided an advantage to fungi to be able to spread and propagate in a variety of environments.

Example Question #1 : Fungi

A scientist is interested in genetically engineering a fungus that has a limited reproductive process so that it does not accidentally cross breed with other fungi in the laboratory. Which process should be disrupted to hinder fungal reproduction?

Possible Answers:

Mycelium formation

Septa formation

Nutrient absorption

None of these

Spore formation

Correct answer:

Spore formation

Explanation:

Most fungi reproduce by creating microscopic spores, which are reproductive cells than can be dispersed by wind, water, or animals. Spores can be generated sexually or asexually. If the scientist disrupts spore formation, the fungus will not be able to spread spores to other areas of the laboratory.

Inhibition of spore formation would limit the fungus's ability to reproduce over distance, however fungi have multiple methods of reproduction and would still be able to generate progeny even if spore production is disabled.

Example Question #2 : Fungi

Which statement is true concerning spores?

Possible Answers:

Fungi cannot produce spores

Neither fungal spores nor bacterial endospores are reproductive structures

Both fungal spores and bacterial endospores are reproductive structures

Fungal spores are reproductive structures, while bacterial endospores are not

Bacterial endospores are reproductive structures, while fungal spores are not

Correct answer:

Fungal spores are reproductive structures, while bacterial endospores are not

Explanation:

Fungal spores are reproductive structures produced by fruiting bodies. They are usually asexual, and are often produced in huge numbers, however, fungal spores can also be sexual. In contrast, bacterial endospores are non-reproductive survival structures that certain bacteria can adopt in order to survive through difficult times.

Example Question #1 : Plant Evolution

What is a distinct feature of a C4 plant?

Possible Answers:

Closed stomata during the day

Carbon fixation

Light independent reactions

Bundle-sheath cells

Correct answer:

Bundle-sheath cells

Explanation:

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 __________.

Possible Answers:

autotrophs

homotrophs

herbivores

primary consumers

heterotrophs

Correct answer:

autotrophs

Explanation:

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.

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