🧠 Top 10 Biology Questions on the DAT (and How to Tackle Them)
If you're studying for the DAT, you already know Biology can feel like a whirlwind of facts — from cellular respiration to ecology. But some topics always come up. Below are 10 high-yield biology questions you’re likely to see on test day — and how to master them.
🔟 Which organelle is the site of ATP synthesis during oxidative phosphorylation?
Answer: Mitochondria
Tip: Know the function of every organelle cold. Mitochondria = the powerhouse for a reason.
9️⃣ During aerobic respiration, what happens to pyruvate after glycolysis?
Answer: It is transported into the mitochondria and converted into Acetyl-CoA.
Trap: Some students confuse this with fermentation or skip the conversion step.
8️⃣ What’s the function of the Golgi apparatus?
Answer: Modifies, packages, and ships proteins.
Memory Trick: Golgi = the Amazon warehouse of the cell.
7️⃣ Which process increases genetic variation during meiosis?
Answer: Crossing over in prophase I
Watch for: Students often pick anaphase — but that’s when chromosomes are pulled apart.
6️⃣ What is the product of nondisjunction?
Answer: Gametes with an abnormal number of chromosomes
DAT Tip: Be able to recognize this in a diagram — Down syndrome = trisomy 21.
5️⃣ What’s the difference between innate and adaptive immunity?
Answer: Innate = non-specific, fast. Adaptive = specific, slower, memory-based.
Bonus: Know B-cells (antibodies) vs. T-cells (cytotoxic help).
4️⃣ Which hormone is secreted by the posterior pituitary?
Answer: ADH and oxytocin
Note: The posterior pituitary stores hormones made by the hypothalamus.
3️⃣ What happens during the S phase of the cell cycle?
Answer: DNA replication
DAT Tip: Expect a question on checkpoints or timing — S phase = DNA synthesis.
2️⃣ Which taxonomic level is more specific than class but more general than family?
Answer: Order
Mnemonic: Dear King Philip Came Over For Good Soup
1️⃣ Which evolutionary mechanism results from chance events?
Answer: Genetic drift
Memory Trick: Think of bottlenecks or founder effects — randomness, not natural selection.
💡 How to Master DAT Biology
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Focus on high-yield areas like cell biology, genetics, and physiology.
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Use tools like Dr. Romano’s Dynamite Biology Review Book to break it down clearly.
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And for real DAT-style practice? 👉 The DAT Destroyer Biology Section has helped thousands of students crush this exam.
📘 Bonus Freebie
You can download Dr. Romano’s Biology Review PDF for FREE inside our
🎓 DAT Destroyer Facebook Study Group → check the Files tab!
🧬 Want more in-depth review? Check out the Dr. Jim Romano Biology Review — packed with explanations to strengthen your DAT science foundation.