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The Biochemistry Graduate Record Examination (GRE) covers biochemistry, cell biology, and molecular biology and genetics, with emphasis on problem-solving skills and content knowledge. The test includes questions on eukaryotes and prokaryotes and reflects typical undergraduate curriculum. The exam can help distinguish a candidate as serious and knowledgeable about academic subject matter.
The Biochemistry Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a test of approximately 175 questions and consists of three areas: Biochemistry, Cell Biology, and Molecular Biology and Genetics. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology are worth 36% of the test taker’s overall score, while Cell Biology is worth 28%. The test taker will receive a report including an overall score and a sub-score in each of the three areas. The Biochemical GRE includes questions involving eukaryotes and prokaryotes because the three areas tested are fundamental to the study of all organisms.
The biochemistry section of the GRE Biochemistry tests several areas of knowledge. Chemical and physical fundamentals include questions about thermodynamics and kinetics, chemical interactions and bonds, and chemical reaction mechanisms. Structural biology, catalysis and binding, and bioenergetics are other areas reflected in this part of the test. Questions about major metabolic pathways, regulation and integration of metabolism, and methods such as separation techniques and biophysical approaches may also be included.
Another section in GRE biochemistry is cell biology. The contents of this part may cover the cell compartments of prokaryotes and eukaryotes, as well as cell surface and communication, and cell division, development, and differentiation. Other possible topics include cytoskeleton and motor function, translocation across membranes, and protein turnover.
Molecular biology and genetics is the final area tested in GRE biochemistry. The test taker will demonstrate knowledge of genetic fundamentals, chromatin and chromosomes, as well as genomics and genome maintenance. Regulation of genes and viruses are possible additional topics for questions. A methods section may include sequencing and analysis, cloning, and transgenic organisms.
The Biochemical GRE emphasizes issues that require problem-solving skills and content knowledge. All three sections include questions about data interpretation and methodology. Some questions can be grouped together and based on diagrams, experimental results or descriptions of laboratory situations. As the sections are interrelated, some questions may require knowledge of more than one area to answer.
The test reflects the course content that forms the typical undergraduate curriculum. Not all examinees have taken all of the majors reflected on the exam. As a result, no one should expect to be able to answer every question. Test takers should refer to the GRE Biochemistry Practice Handout before taking the exam.
A revised version of the general GRE will become standard after August 1, 2011. New question types will be added to the quantitative and verbal reasoning sections. The subject’s GRE tests, such as the GRE biochemistry, will not change. Taking the GRE biochemistry may not be an admissions requirement, but the exam can help a candidate distinguish himself by being serious and knowledgeable about academic subject matter.
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