NMAT Reviewer 2019

BIOLOGY

1. Forelimbs:
- Flippers: swimming
- Wings: flying
- No limbs: crawling.
2. Cardiac muscle cells are connected by regions of intercalated discs which contain the gap
junctions and the
A. T tubule: permit rapid transmission of the action potential into the cell & also play an
important role in regulating cellular calcium concentration
B. Sarcomere: functional unit of striated muscle; found between two Z lines in a muscle fiber
C. Desmosome: structure by which two adjacent cells are attached
D. Cardiac myofibril: made up of sarcomeres which are the functional units of muscle; cardiac=
heart
3. Structure and function of lipids: Assembled from smaller molecules such as glycerol by
dehydration reactions; thus they can store large amounts of energy.
a. DNA- they have an amino acid sequence that is programmed by unit of inheritance known
as gene; thus, they can store & transmit hereditary information.
b. Carbohydrates- they include polymers, generally w/ molecular formula that are multiples of
the unit CH2O; this, they can serve as fuel & building material.
c. Proteins- they have many structures, resulting in a wide range of functions; thus, they can
serve as structures for support, storage, transport, & cellular signaling; & defense against
foreign substances.
4. Contribute to the speciation of an organism
- Speciation: Formation of new & distinct species in the course of evolution
- Genetic drift: Mechanism of evolution in which allele frequencies of a population change
over generations d/t chance; its effect is stronger in small population
- Gene flow: Transfer of genetic material from one population to another
- Mutation: Permanent alteration in the DNA sequence that makes up a gene; sequence
differs from what is found in most organism
5. Sx include low energy level & fatigue; slow wound healing; poor concentration & trouble
learning; & muscle, bone, & joint pain. Pt is most likely suffering from deficiency in
A. Carbohydrate deficiency sx- ketosis, excessive breakdown of protein; digestive system
breaks down carbs into glucose & pancreas secretes hormone called insulinto help glucose
move from the blood into cells; fatigue, decr’d energy level. CARBOHYDRATES ARE THE
BODY’S MOST PREFFERED SOURCE OF ENERGY.
B. Nucleic acids deficiency sx- immunodeficiency; accumulation of uric acid; make up genetic
information, basic instructions for living things; code for making proteins
C. Proteins deficiency sx- low energy level & fatigue, slow wound healing, poor concentration
& trouble learning, muscle, bone, & joint pain; structure, function

1 “Ask and it will be given. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened. For
everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door
will be opened.”
 NMAT Reviewer 2019
D. Lipid deficiency sx- scaly dermatitis, alopecia, thrombocytopenia, dry skin; lipid as source of
oil, fats.
6. Passive transport system does not require ATP molecules, while active transport system does.
7. Products of light-dependent reactions which are used in the light-independent reactions to
produce glucose
- ATP & NADPH
- Light-dependent reaction- takes place in the chloroplast; sugars are made from carbon
dioxide; reactants- ATP & NADPH, products- RuBP (5-carbon sugar) & oxygen; final product
is glucose
8. Prokaryotic cell: Ribosomes, circular DNA & no distinct nucleus.
Eukaryotic cell: Ribosomes, other organelles, DNA arranged in double helices, & distinct helices.
9. Anticodons: UACCGAGGAGCUUUUGGA
Nucleotide sequence of the DNA chain complementary to the DNA chain
- Purines: Thymine (Uracil) & cytosine (one-carbon nitrogen ring bases)
- Pyrimidines: Adenine & Guanine (two-carbon nitrogen ring bases)
- A-T; C-G; A-U
- Uracil is less expensive to produce than thymine (found in RNA)
10. Mitosis & meiosis: Both processes are forms of division of the nucleus in eukaryotic cells; Mitosis
produced two diploid daughter cells while meiosis produces four haploid daughter cells.
11. Photosynthesis is an anabolic reaction.
Cellular respiration is catabolic reaction.
A. Anabolic: involves the joining of smaller molecules together to form larger, more complex
molecules; occurs through dehydration synthesis reactions; require energy; reduction
 Examples: Glycerol reacts w/ fatty acids to make lipids; simple sugars combine to form
disaccharides of water
B. Catabolic: breaks large complex molecules into smaller simple ones; release energy;
oxidation
 Examples: Hydrogen peroxide decomposes into water & oxygen; exercise
C. Exergonic: releases free energy; spontaneous
 Examples: Making of salt (mixing sodium & chlorine); combustion; temp of surrounding
increases; cellular respiration
D. Endergonic: energy is absorbed; non-spontaneous
 Examples: temperature of surrounding decreases; photosynthesis
12. Mechanism of arrest:
A. Rb activity- tumor suppressor protein that is dysfunctional in several major CA; prevent
excessive cell growth by inhibiting cell cycle progression until a cell is ready to divide;
inhibition of this could cause CA & allow excessive cell proliferation.
B. E2F- directs the cell cycle-dependent expression of genes that induce or regulate the cell
division process; overproduction of it will cause more cell division; thus, more cell
production.

2 “Ask and it will be given. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened. For
everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door
will be opened.”
 NMAT Reviewer 2019
C. DNA polymerase- responsible for forming new copies of DNA, in the form of nucleic acid
molecules; inhibition of this would cause formation of new copies of DNA to be stopped, not
specific to the mechanism of G1 phase arrest.
D. G1 cyclin transcription- G1 is the point at which cells are committed to divide; G1/S cyclin
initiates DNA replication
13. During calvin cycle: NADP+ is produced since NADPH is already oxidized by the light-
independent reaction.
14. Binding of certain free ribosomes to the outer surface of the endoplasmic reticulum to complete
protein synthesis is important to prevent the possibility that synthesis of certain proteins will be
completed in the cytoplasm.
15. Generates highest yield of ATP molecules
A. Glycolysis: 2 ATP, 2 NADH, 2 pyruvate molecules
B. Krebs cycle: 2 ATP, 6 NADH, 2 FADH2, 4 CO2
C. Chemiosmosis: 34 ATP yield; synthesizes ATP using electrochemical gradient; ATP synthase;
oxidative phosphorylation
D. Glycogenolysis: glycogen is broken down into glucose to provide immediate energy & to
maintain blood glucose levels during fasting.
16. Diseases that are most probably caused by both heredity & environment: Asthma, CA, HTN.
Environment-caused dz: Asthma, cardiovascular dz, diarrhoeal dz, LRI, CA, COPD
Hereditary dz: Tay-sachs, Sickle-cell anemia, DS, hemophilia, cystic fibrosis
17. Genetics. Punnett square. Affected son married a carrier daughter; the chances of having a nml
child is 25%; chances of having affected offspring is 75%.
18. Microevolution:
A. Artificial selection- by the humans
B. Natural selection- only the organisms best adapted to their environment tend to survive &
transmit their genetic characters in increasing numbers to succeeding generations while
those less adapted tend to be eliminated.
C. Genetic drift- happens in small population. Usually just like in the example of diaphroase.
D. Gene flow- the transfer of one gene from one population to another.
19. Enzymes:
A. Permease: catalyzes the transport of another substance across a cell membrane
B. DNA ligase: forms phosphodiester bond, reaction between 3’-OH group & 5’-
monophosphate; connects two strands of DNA – deoxyribose of one DNA fragment & the
PO4 of another DNA fragment
C. Endonuclease: aka restriction enzyme; cleaves DNA at specific sites along the molecule
D. tRNA synthetase: attaches appropriate amino acid onto its tRNA
20. Process of gene transfer: DNA is transferred through the donor that is temporarily joined to the
recipient. What must be present in the donor for the process to occur?
A. Temperate phage: bacteriophage which may become a prophage by integrating w/ the host
DNA or being extrachromosomal & establishing lysogeny.

3 “Ask and it will be given. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened. For
everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door
will be opened.”
 NMAT Reviewer 2019
B. Lambda phage: bacteriophage that infects the bacterial species E. coli
C. R plasmid: plasmid containing an abx resistance gene
D. F plasmid: correct answer; plasmid that contains genes necessary for fertility; horizontal
gene transfer via tra operan; contains genes that allow plasmids DNA to be transferred
between cells.
E. Bacteriophage: bacterial virus
 Viral replication
a. Lytic- viral RNAs proliferate to become fully functional viruses in each cell until a cell
ruptures/lyses & the army of virus will be released into the environment.
b. Lysogeny- viruses combine w/ host’s genetic information; host can’t tell that the
virus is there; prophage; cont to replicate until the virus becomes active & be
released to the environment.
21. DNA ligase was added to allow the gene of interest to get inserted into the bacterial plasmid.
22. Genetics:
A. Incomplete dominance: one allele for a specific trait is not completely expressed over its
paired allele; results to 3rd phenotype in which the expressed physical trait is a combination
of the phenotypes of both alleles; PINK FLOWERS from Genetics class hehe
B. Codominance: AB blood type; both A allele & B allele are equally expressed
C. Sex-influenced inheritance: a traits affected by the sex of an individual (male baldness)
D. Sex-linked inheritance: traits associated w/ genes found on sex chromosomes; x-linked
(color blindness)& y-linked traits (maleness)
23. Root hairs, Lenticels, Pneumatophores: Exchange of gases.
24. Ecological succession: Most of the organisms will be gone or displaced since the new ecosystem
is not the same as the previous one. New organisms will invade the place.
25. Stage of early mammalian development shows that cells can be removed w/o damaging the
development of the embryo:
A. Fetal stage: stage between embryonic stage & birth
B. Neurulation stage: neural plate bends up & later fuses to form the hollow tube that will
eventually differentiate into brain & the spinal cord of the central nervous system
C. Gastrulation stage: formation of the 3 primary germ layers
D. Pre-gastrulation stage: correct answer.
26. Trisomy 21: Down syndrome.
- The child will experience lag in growth & development.
- The child will reach puberty; however, viability has no assurance
- Trisomy 18: Edwards syndrome; Trisomy 13: Patau syndrome; Monosomy X: Turner
syndrome; 5p minus: Cri du chat syndrome (cries like a cat)
27. Which of the following developmental stages in annual plants is characterized by fruits & seeds
formation? ?Ripening
A. Reproductive: mature plants; capable of commencing production
B. Ripening: characterized by fruits & seeds formation

4 “Ask and it will be given. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened. For
everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door
will be opened.”
 NMAT Reviewer 2019
C. Senescence: process of aging in plants; degenerative process
D. Vegetative: period between germination & flowering; foliage & truly flourishes.
28. Dx’d w/ pituitary tumor; to which hormone pt is deficient?
A. Insulin: anabolic hormone; produced by pancreas to help cells absorb glucose from blood
stream; deficiency- DM
B. Glucocorticoids: fights inflammation; deficiency- glucose formation from protein is
depressed; blood sugar level falls; hyponatremia, hyperpigmentation
C. Growth hormone: aka somatotropin; stimulates growth, cell production & cell regeneration;
produced by pituitary gland; regulate body composition, body fluids, muscle & bone growth;
deficiency- physically “immature”; short stature & weak bones
D. Insulin-like growth factor 1: aka Somatomedin; stimulate growth but also has some ability to
decr blood glucose level
29. What happens to the stomach of a person who refuses to eat regularly?
- Ulcers are formed because gastric juices digest the stomach lining.
30. An antigen is any substance which provokes an immune response in the body, resulting in the
production of antibodies.
31. Why is cigarette smoking bad for one’s overall health?
- When the alveoli of the lungs get damaged by tar & carcinogenic chemicals, the exchange of
oxygen & carbon dioxide cannot take place anymore?
32. Lipids are hard to digest because they are water insoluble & must be emulsified before
absorption by the body.
33. Damaged cerebellum: Loss of coordination of motor movement.
34. Skin conditions:
A. Acne: follicles become plugged w/ oil & dead skin cells
B. Warts: cause by human papilloma virus; small, hard, benign growth on the skin
C. Rosacea: blush or flush more easily than other people; can cause more than redness
D. Psoriasis: Autoimmune dz that causes raised, red, scaly patches to appear on the skin; cells
have an abnml growth rate hence the older layers only pile up instead of sloughing off.
35. Because of incr’d external temperature, blood vessels dilated, allowing rush of blood to the skin
36. When body temperature becomes higher than nml
- Sweat is produced
37. Modes of transmission of HIV:
- Contact w/ infected sexual fluids
- An infected mother who breastfeeds
38. Skin dz: (search for images para mas ma-describe yung condition)
A. Eczema: patches of skin become rough & inflamed, w/ blisters; flaky, skin crack, etc.;
overactive response by body’s immune system to an irritant
B. Impetigo: contagious; honey-colored crusts; caused by bacteria, infection

5 “Ask and it will be given. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened. For
everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door
will be opened.”
 NMAT Reviewer 2019
C. Psoriasis: Autoimmune dz that causes raised, red, scaly patches to appear on the skin; cells
have an abnml growth rate hence the older layers only pile up instead of sloughing off;
hyperproliferation of keratinocytes
D. Urticaria: aka hives; swollen, pale, red bumps or plaques on ksin that appears suddenly;
reaction to allergen
39. Folic acid daily before conception & during early pregnancy can prevent neural tube defect
(brain & spinal cord).
a. Microcephaly- head circumference is smaller than nml; can be caused by genetic
abnormalities, drugs, alcohol, certain viruses & toxins
b. Beta thalassemia- mutation in the hemoglobin beta (HBB) gene; can be prevented by regular
blood transfusions to lessen amount of stress on the heart
c. Congenital coronary heart dz- can be prevented by avoiding alcohol or takingmedication
40. Eats food rich in carbohydrates but lack regular exercise:
- Liver might fail to function; thus, digestion of fast could be affected
41. Shortening of sarcomeres in muscle fibrils is caused by conformational odifications of the
trypomyosin-troponin complex w/in the muscle fiber (study mechanism of muscle contraction)
42. Cerebellar lesion is suspected in a pt w/ h/o traumatic brain injury. Which of the following tests
could NOT initially verify this condition?
A. Gait test: analysis for locomotion.
B. Finger to nose test: pt w/ dysmetria is unable to touch the tip of his/her nose w/ his/her
index finger (w/ tremors; lack of coordination)
C. Babinski reflex test: Occurs after the sole of foot has been firmly stroked; causing extension
of big toe while fanning the other toes; used to determine adequacy of higher central
nervous system
D. Rapid alternating finger movements test: test for upper extremity
- Cerebellar lesion will cause motor deficits; ataxia, unsteadiness or incoordination of limbs,
posture, & gait. Also, loss of coordination of motor movement (asynergia), inability to judge
distance & when to stop (dysmetria), inability to perform rapid alternating movements
(adiadochokinesia), movement tremors; ataxi gait.
43. Homologous structures of male & female reproductive system (diagrams)
A. Ovaries-Testes
B. Clitoris-Glans penis
C. Bartholin’s glands-Bulbourethral glands (accessory glands)
D. Labia majora-Scrotum
E. Labia minora-Spongy urethra
F. Clitoral hood-Foreskin
G. Skene’s gland-Prostate gland
H. Crura-crus of penis
44. Hormones & its function:

6 “Ask and it will be given. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened. For
everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door
will be opened.”
 NMAT Reviewer 2019
- Oxytocin : “cuddle hormone”, “love hormone” because it is released when people snuggle
up or bond socially; stimulates uterine muscles to contract during child birth
- Luteneizing hormone: regulating the function of the testes in men & ovaries in women
- Estrogen: sex hormone that women have
- Progesterone: plays a role in menstrual cycle; sex hormone
45. Statements on contractions of a skeletal muscle is false: A nerve impulse is transmitted from the
brain to the muscle; should be from motor neuron
These are true statements:
a. Muscle fibers has many mitochondria
b. Acetylcholine us released at the end of the motor neuron
c. ATP is used to make a thin filament slide across the thick filaments of the sarcomeres;
thereby causing them to contract
46. Graph, illustration, etc. interp
- Industrialization has bad effects to the environment
47. Environmental impact includes possible effects caused by development, industrial, or
infrastructural project or by release of substance in the environment
48. Decomposers. Energy flow.
- Producers -> primary consumer -> secondary consumer -> decomposers
49. Mortality rate is low for the young. Understand/analyze graphs.
50. Best support evidence from paleontology about evolutionary relationships among species
A. Ecological genetics: genetics in natural field populations; between & w/in species; between
organism & environment
B. Molecular genetics: Structure & function of genes at a molecular level
C. Molecular biology: study of biology at molecular level; cellular molecules.
D. Population genetics: provides deepest & clearest understanding of how evolutionary change
occurs as per Science direct 
E. Paleontology: branch of science that deals w/ fossil animals & plants

7 “Ask and it will be given. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened. For
everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door
will be opened.”
 NMAT Reviewer 2019

8 “Ask and it will be given. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened. For
everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door
will be opened.”