Biology CLEP Exam Preparation Flashcards

A set of flashcards covering both the administrative details of the CLEP program and the core scientific concepts found in the Biology Examination Guide, including molecular biology, genetics, and ecology.

What is the credit-granting score recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE) for most CLEP subjects?

A scaled score of $50$.

What are the three major areas of biological science covered in the Biology examination?

Molecular and Cellular Biology ($33\%$), Organismal Biology ($34\%$), and Population Biology ($33\%$).

How many questions are on the Biology CLEP exam and what is the time limit for the test?

Approximately $115$ questions to be answered in $90$ minutes.

According to the Biology test description, what percentage of the exam focuses on Molecular and Cellular Biology?

$33\%$.

In the context of energy transformations, what are the three major pathways involved in cellular respiration?

Glycolysis, cellular respiration, and aerobic and anaerobic pathways.

Which organelle is most likely to be abundant in cells of the heart muscle due to their energy needs?

Mitochondria.

According to the sample questions, what is the initial event in the light-capturing reactions of photosynthesis?

The excitation of electrons in chlorophyll by light energy.

If the mRNA codon for an amino acid is $5'CAU3'$, what is the complementary DNA sequence?

$3'GTA5'$.

In a population at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, if $49\%$ of the population has only type $\text{M}$ alleles ($p^2 = 0.49$), what percentage is expected to be heterozygous ($2pq$)?

$42\%$.

What is the correct sequence of events in the synthesis of a protein molecule?

$\text{DNA} \rightarrow \text{mRNA} \rightarrow \text{tRNA} \rightarrow \text{formation of polypeptide}$.

Which factor is critical in limiting the size to which an animal cell may grow?

The ratio of cell surface to cell volume.

What is the primary role of platelets in human blood?

To initiate the clotting process.

The forelimbs of horses and frogs are considered homologous structures because they share what characteristic?

A common embryological origin.

What effect does the stimulation of the parasympathetic nerve fibers of the vagus nerve have on the heart?

It causes a decrease in the heartbeat rate.

Which class of vertebrates includes animals that use moist skin as the primary organ for gas exchange as adults?

Amphibians.

In the life cycle of an angiosperm, where are microspores specifically formed?

The anther.

What is the primary function of ribosomes within a cell?

Protein synthesis.

Which term describes the relationship where a protozoan digests wood in the gut of a termite?

Mutualism.

What is the purpose of a 'testcross' in Mendelian genetics?

To determine an unknown genotype by crossing an individual with a recessive phenotype ($\text{A?} \times \text{aa}$).

What is the scaled score range for CLEP examinations?

Between $20$ and $80$.

Is there a penalty for guessing on a CLEP multiple-choice exam?

No, there is no penalty for incorrect answers; scores are based only on the number of questions answered correctly.

What are the three main areas listed under the Population Biology section of the exam?

Principles of ecology, principles of evolution, and principles of behavior.

In the context of the Biology exam's chemical composition section, what are the four major types of organic molecules mentioned?

Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Which type of plant cell is specified as being dead at functional maturity?

Xylem vessel element.

According to the guide, what happens to an exam administration if a test-taker violates the CLEP retest policy by taking it within the wait period?

The administration is considered invalid, the score is canceled, and any test fees are forfeited.