SEMMELWEIS UNIVERSITY
Entrance Exam
Medicine Biology
Official Practice Exam | 2026/2027 Edition
QUESTIONS MINUTES PASSING SCORE RECERTIFICATION
100 90 80% Annual
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1: Cell Biology & Molecular Biology (25 Questions)
Section 2: Human Anatomy & Physiology (29 Questions)
Section 3: Genetics & Evolution (20 Questions)
Section 4: Microbiology & Immunology (15 Questions)
Section 5: Ecology & Environmental Biology (11 Questions)
Answer Key
Instructions
This practice exam contains 100 multiple-choice questions divided across 5 content sections. Each question has four
answer choices with one correct answer. Read each scenario carefully before selecting your response. A rationale
is provided after each question to support learning and review. You have 90 minutes to complete the exam. A score
of 80% or higher (80 correct out of 100) is required to pass. Good luck!
Semmelweis Entrance Exam -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 1 of 52
,Section 1: Cell Biology & Molecular Biology | 2026/2027
Q1 Question 1 of 100
Q1. A 19-year-old student examines a cell under a microscope and observes a large
membrane-bound organelle containing genetic material with a prominent nucleolus. The cell was
taken from a human liver biopsy specimen. This organelle is responsible for which primary
function?
A. Producing ATP through oxidative phosphorylation and the electron transport chain for cellular energy
metabolism.
B. Storing genetic information and coordinating gene expression through transcription and
ribosomal RNA synthesis in the nucleolus.
C. Modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.
D. Digesting cellular waste and foreign material through hydrolytic enzymes in an acidic compartment.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The nucleus houses the cell's genetic material and coordinates gene expression, including ribosomal RNA synthesis in
the nucleolus. Mitochondria produce ATP, the Golgi modifies and packages proteins, and lysosomes digest cellular
waste.
Q2 Question 2 of 100
Q2. A researcher places red blood cells into a hypertonic saline solution and observes that the cells
shrink and become crenated. A second sample of red blood cells is placed into a hypotonic solution
and the cells swell and burst. These changes are best explained by which cellular process?
A. Osmosis, the passive movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane from a region of
lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration.
B. Active transport, the energy-dependent movement of molecules against their concentration
gradient using ATP hydrolysis.
C. Facilitated diffusion, the movement of molecules across the membrane through protein channels
down their concentration gradient.
D. Endocytosis, the process by which cells engulf external material by invaginating the plasma
membrane to form vesicles.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Osmosis drives water movement across the selectively permeable membrane from areas of low solute concentration to
high solute concentration, causing cells to shrink in hypertonic solutions and swell in hypotonic solutions. Active
transport requires energy, facilitated diffusion moves solutes, and endocytosis engulfs particles.
Semmelweis Entrance Exam -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 2 of 52
, Q3 Question 3 of 100
Q3. A biochemist analyzes a newly discovered protein and determines that it functions as an
enzyme. The protein has a specific three-dimensional shape that allows it to bind its substrate at a
particular site. When the temperature is raised above 60 degrees Celsius, the enzyme loses its
catalytic activity. Which structural level is most directly disrupted by the temperature increase?
A. The tertiary structure, which represents the overall three-dimensional folding of a single polypeptide
chain stabilized by interactions between R groups of amino acids.
B. The primary structure, which is the linear sequence of amino acids linked by peptide bonds in the
polypeptide chain.
C. The quaternary structure, which involves the arrangement of multiple polypeptide subunits into a
functional protein complex.
D. The secondary structure, which includes alpha helices and beta pleated sheets formed by
hydrogen bonding between backbone atoms.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
The tertiary structure, which is the overall three-dimensional folding of the protein stabilized by hydrogen bonds,
disulfide bridges, ionic bonds, and hydrophobic interactions, is disrupted by high temperature causing denaturation and
loss of function. Primary structure is the amino acid sequence, secondary structure involves alpha helices and beta
sheets, and quaternary structure involves multiple subunits.
Q4 Question 4 of 100
Q4. A medical student is studying cellular respiration and learns that the Krebs cycle occurs in the
mitochondrial matrix. During one turn of the Krebs cycle, one molecule of acetyl-CoA enters and
produces specific products. How many molecules of NADH are generated per turn of the Krebs
cycle?
A. Two molecules of NADH are produced per turn through the oxidation of isocitrate and
alpha-ketoglutarate only.
B. One molecule of NADH is produced per turn of the Krebs cycle at the step where malate is oxidized to
oxaloacetate.
C. Six molecules of NADH are produced per turn because each glucose yields two acetyl-CoA
molecules entering the cycle.
D. Three molecules of NADH are produced per turn of the Krebs cycle through the oxidation of isocitrate,
alpha-ketoglutarate, and malate.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Three molecules of NADH are produced per turn of the Krebs cycle through three separate oxidation steps catalyzed
by isocitrate dehydrogenase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, and malate dehydrogenase. One FADH2 and one
GTP are also produced, but the question specifically asks about NADH.
Semmelweis Entrance Exam -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 3 of 52
, Q5 Question 5 of 100
Q5. A pathologist examines a tissue sample and notices that the cells contain abundant rough
endoplasmic reticulum and a well-developed Golgi apparatus. These cells are most likely
specialized for which function?
A. Energy production through aerobic respiration, because mitochondria are the organelles responsible
for generating ATP.
B. Lipid synthesis and storage, because smooth endoplasmic reticulum is the primary site of lipid
metabolism in the cell.
C. Protein synthesis and secretion, as rough ER ribosomes translate proteins and the Golgi
apparatus modifies and packages them for export from the cell.
D. DNA replication and cell division, because the nucleus contains the genetic material and coordinates
the cell cycle.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Cells with abundant rough ER and a prominent Golgi apparatus are specialized for protein synthesis and secretion, as
rough ER contains ribosomes for protein translation and the Golgi modifies and packages proteins for export. Lipid
storage uses smooth ER, energy production uses mitochondria, and DNA replication occurs in the nucleus.
Q6 Question 6 of 100
Q6. A geneticist explains to a student that DNA replication is called semi-conservative. During
replication of a DNA molecule with the sequence ATCGATCG, each daughter molecule contains
one original strand and one newly synthesized strand. What evidence first demonstrated the
semi-conservative nature of DNA replication?
A. The Meselson-Stahl experiment demonstrated semi-conservative replication by showing that after one
generation of growth on nitrogen-14 medium, all DNA had intermediate density between heavy and light
DNA.
B. Griffith's experiment showed that a transforming principle from heat-killed virulent bacteria could
convert non-virulent bacteria into virulent forms.
C. The Hershey-Chase experiment used radioactive phosphorus and sulfur to demonstrate that
DNA, not protein, is the genetic material of bacteriophages.
D. The Watson and Crick model of the DNA double helix suggested semi-conservative replication based
on complementary base pairing between strands.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
The Meselson-Stahl experiment used nitrogen-15 and nitrogen-14 isotopes to label DNA and showed that after one
generation, all DNA molecules had intermediate density, proving that each daughter molecule contains one old and
one new strand. Hershey-Chase proved DNA is genetic material, Griffith discovered transformation, and Watson-Crick
proposed the double helix.
Semmelweis Entrance Exam -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 4 of 52
Entrance Exam
Medicine Biology
Official Practice Exam | 2026/2027 Edition
QUESTIONS MINUTES PASSING SCORE RECERTIFICATION
100 90 80% Annual
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1: Cell Biology & Molecular Biology (25 Questions)
Section 2: Human Anatomy & Physiology (29 Questions)
Section 3: Genetics & Evolution (20 Questions)
Section 4: Microbiology & Immunology (15 Questions)
Section 5: Ecology & Environmental Biology (11 Questions)
Answer Key
Instructions
This practice exam contains 100 multiple-choice questions divided across 5 content sections. Each question has four
answer choices with one correct answer. Read each scenario carefully before selecting your response. A rationale
is provided after each question to support learning and review. You have 90 minutes to complete the exam. A score
of 80% or higher (80 correct out of 100) is required to pass. Good luck!
Semmelweis Entrance Exam -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 1 of 52
,Section 1: Cell Biology & Molecular Biology | 2026/2027
Q1 Question 1 of 100
Q1. A 19-year-old student examines a cell under a microscope and observes a large
membrane-bound organelle containing genetic material with a prominent nucleolus. The cell was
taken from a human liver biopsy specimen. This organelle is responsible for which primary
function?
A. Producing ATP through oxidative phosphorylation and the electron transport chain for cellular energy
metabolism.
B. Storing genetic information and coordinating gene expression through transcription and
ribosomal RNA synthesis in the nucleolus.
C. Modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.
D. Digesting cellular waste and foreign material through hydrolytic enzymes in an acidic compartment.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The nucleus houses the cell's genetic material and coordinates gene expression, including ribosomal RNA synthesis in
the nucleolus. Mitochondria produce ATP, the Golgi modifies and packages proteins, and lysosomes digest cellular
waste.
Q2 Question 2 of 100
Q2. A researcher places red blood cells into a hypertonic saline solution and observes that the cells
shrink and become crenated. A second sample of red blood cells is placed into a hypotonic solution
and the cells swell and burst. These changes are best explained by which cellular process?
A. Osmosis, the passive movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane from a region of
lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration.
B. Active transport, the energy-dependent movement of molecules against their concentration
gradient using ATP hydrolysis.
C. Facilitated diffusion, the movement of molecules across the membrane through protein channels
down their concentration gradient.
D. Endocytosis, the process by which cells engulf external material by invaginating the plasma
membrane to form vesicles.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Osmosis drives water movement across the selectively permeable membrane from areas of low solute concentration to
high solute concentration, causing cells to shrink in hypertonic solutions and swell in hypotonic solutions. Active
transport requires energy, facilitated diffusion moves solutes, and endocytosis engulfs particles.
Semmelweis Entrance Exam -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 2 of 52
, Q3 Question 3 of 100
Q3. A biochemist analyzes a newly discovered protein and determines that it functions as an
enzyme. The protein has a specific three-dimensional shape that allows it to bind its substrate at a
particular site. When the temperature is raised above 60 degrees Celsius, the enzyme loses its
catalytic activity. Which structural level is most directly disrupted by the temperature increase?
A. The tertiary structure, which represents the overall three-dimensional folding of a single polypeptide
chain stabilized by interactions between R groups of amino acids.
B. The primary structure, which is the linear sequence of amino acids linked by peptide bonds in the
polypeptide chain.
C. The quaternary structure, which involves the arrangement of multiple polypeptide subunits into a
functional protein complex.
D. The secondary structure, which includes alpha helices and beta pleated sheets formed by
hydrogen bonding between backbone atoms.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
The tertiary structure, which is the overall three-dimensional folding of the protein stabilized by hydrogen bonds,
disulfide bridges, ionic bonds, and hydrophobic interactions, is disrupted by high temperature causing denaturation and
loss of function. Primary structure is the amino acid sequence, secondary structure involves alpha helices and beta
sheets, and quaternary structure involves multiple subunits.
Q4 Question 4 of 100
Q4. A medical student is studying cellular respiration and learns that the Krebs cycle occurs in the
mitochondrial matrix. During one turn of the Krebs cycle, one molecule of acetyl-CoA enters and
produces specific products. How many molecules of NADH are generated per turn of the Krebs
cycle?
A. Two molecules of NADH are produced per turn through the oxidation of isocitrate and
alpha-ketoglutarate only.
B. One molecule of NADH is produced per turn of the Krebs cycle at the step where malate is oxidized to
oxaloacetate.
C. Six molecules of NADH are produced per turn because each glucose yields two acetyl-CoA
molecules entering the cycle.
D. Three molecules of NADH are produced per turn of the Krebs cycle through the oxidation of isocitrate,
alpha-ketoglutarate, and malate.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Three molecules of NADH are produced per turn of the Krebs cycle through three separate oxidation steps catalyzed
by isocitrate dehydrogenase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, and malate dehydrogenase. One FADH2 and one
GTP are also produced, but the question specifically asks about NADH.
Semmelweis Entrance Exam -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 3 of 52
, Q5 Question 5 of 100
Q5. A pathologist examines a tissue sample and notices that the cells contain abundant rough
endoplasmic reticulum and a well-developed Golgi apparatus. These cells are most likely
specialized for which function?
A. Energy production through aerobic respiration, because mitochondria are the organelles responsible
for generating ATP.
B. Lipid synthesis and storage, because smooth endoplasmic reticulum is the primary site of lipid
metabolism in the cell.
C. Protein synthesis and secretion, as rough ER ribosomes translate proteins and the Golgi
apparatus modifies and packages them for export from the cell.
D. DNA replication and cell division, because the nucleus contains the genetic material and coordinates
the cell cycle.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Cells with abundant rough ER and a prominent Golgi apparatus are specialized for protein synthesis and secretion, as
rough ER contains ribosomes for protein translation and the Golgi modifies and packages proteins for export. Lipid
storage uses smooth ER, energy production uses mitochondria, and DNA replication occurs in the nucleus.
Q6 Question 6 of 100
Q6. A geneticist explains to a student that DNA replication is called semi-conservative. During
replication of a DNA molecule with the sequence ATCGATCG, each daughter molecule contains
one original strand and one newly synthesized strand. What evidence first demonstrated the
semi-conservative nature of DNA replication?
A. The Meselson-Stahl experiment demonstrated semi-conservative replication by showing that after one
generation of growth on nitrogen-14 medium, all DNA had intermediate density between heavy and light
DNA.
B. Griffith's experiment showed that a transforming principle from heat-killed virulent bacteria could
convert non-virulent bacteria into virulent forms.
C. The Hershey-Chase experiment used radioactive phosphorus and sulfur to demonstrate that
DNA, not protein, is the genetic material of bacteriophages.
D. The Watson and Crick model of the DNA double helix suggested semi-conservative replication based
on complementary base pairing between strands.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
The Meselson-Stahl experiment used nitrogen-15 and nitrogen-14 isotopes to label DNA and showed that after one
generation, all DNA molecules had intermediate density, proving that each daughter molecule contains one old and
one new strand. Hershey-Chase proved DNA is genetic material, Griffith discovered transformation, and Watson-Crick
proposed the double helix.
Semmelweis Entrance Exam -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 4 of 52
