MTEL Biology Test Breakdown

Scientific Inquiry has seven subareas with a total of 17 to 19 questions.

Procedures for gathering, organizing, interpreting, evaluating and communicating data using graphs, charts and reports to explain and present facts, theories and conclusions.
Principles and procedures for Experimental Design to test hypotheses using control groups while making note of variables in all phases of the process.
The Proper Use and Storage of tools, equipment, materials and living organisms in a safe manner that prevents accidents.
The Historical and Social Aspects of the study of biology including the different cultures, eras and people who were integral to its development.
The Interrelationship between biology, society, technology and various disciplines and how they impact each other.
Ability to Analyze scientific thought and inquiry using empirical data and logic to reach verifiable conclusions.
The Decision-Making Process as it relates to issues in the biological sciences.

Cells and Cell Theory has four subareas with a total of 10 to 12 questions.

Cell Structure and Functions: how they impact each other, the differences between animal and plant cells, the relationship between various types of cells and basic cell theory.
The Chemical Components and Characteristics of Living Systems and the basic principles of Biochemistry.
Physiological Process of cells: protein synthesis, photosynthesis and respiration and the role of enzymes.
Cell Growth, Division and Differentiation: mitosis and meiosis, mitotic and meiotic divisions and the differentiation in cell development.

Characteristics of Organisms has four subareas with a total of 10 to 12 questions.

Principles of Taxonomy and Classification: hierarchy, relationships, concept of species, five-kingdom system and the relationship between both living and extinct organisms.
Life Cycles of Living Organisms: characteristics and advantages and disadvantages of sexual and asexual reproduction and development of embryos.
The structures and processes living organisms to obtain, store and use Energy.
Anatomical structures and Physiological processes that permit organisms to perform specific life functions.

Human Biology has six subareas with a total of 15 to 17 questions.

Skeletal, Muscular and Integumentary systems: joint movement, muscle contraction and skin and the most common diseases that affect these systems.
Circulatory and Immune systems: structure and processes, characteristics and relationships and common diseases of these systems.
Respiratory and Excretory systems: surface area and volume, exchange of materials and gases, kidney function and the common diseases that affect these systems.
Nutrition and the Digestive system: role of water, vitamins, carbohydrates and lipids, importance and functions of the pancreas and liver, and common diseases that affect these systems.
Nervous and Endocrine systems: central and peripheral nervous systems, nerve impulses, function and importance of hormones, feedback mechanisms, and common diseases of these systems.
Reproductive systems and Embryonic development: male and female reproductive systems, role of hormones, fertilization, factors that influence the development of the embryo, and the common diseases that affect reproduction and development of the fetus.

Principles of Heredity and the Evolution of Life has five subareas with a total of 12 to 14 questions.

Mendelian and Non-Mendelian genetics: inherited characteristics, role of chromosomes, genotype and phenotype, sex-linked characteristics and basic genetic principles.
DNA, RNA and Protein: relationship of molecular structure to replication, transcription and translation and a basic understanding of the genetic code.
Genes, Chromosome and changes in Genetic Material: structure, function, mutation and relationships and the positive and negative effects of environment and genetic engineering.
Natural Selection and its impact on populations, specie adaptation, and biological fitness and the survival of various species.
Theory of Evolution: history, research methods, relationship between and among various species and knowledge of how the theories of evolution developed.

Matter and Energy in Ecosystems has four subareas with a total of 10 to 12 questions;

Populations and Communities: basic requirements, factors that influence size and patterns of development, relationships and dependence between and among species and how it affects food chains and food webs.
Types and Characteristics of Ecosystems: relationships and dependence between and among species and how it affects the ecosystem, flora and fauna, biotic and abiotic factors and ecological succession.
Cycling of Materials through an ecosystem: biochemical cycles and the affect of organisms on the processes and knowledge of limiting factors.
Effects of Human Activity on the environment: population growth, food production and distribution, pollution, pollution control and conservation.