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100+ Free NYSTCE Biology CST Practice Questions

Pass your NYSTCE Biology Content Specialty Test (CST) (160) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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A scientist observes that a virus cannot reproduce on its own and lacks cellular structures. The best explanation for why viruses are often considered nonliving is that they

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: NYSTCE Biology CST Exam

90 + 1

Selected-Response + Constructed Response

NYSTCE Biology (160) test page

3h 15m

Testing Time

NYSTCE Biology (160) test page

520

Scaled Passing Score (400-600 scale)

NYSTCE Biology (160) test page

$122

Current Exam Fee

NYSTCE Biology (160) test page

7 domains

Content Areas in the Framework

NYSTCE Biology (160) framework

Aug 6, 2026

Last Day to Register Before 818 Replaces 160

NYSTCE Biology (160) test page

400-600

CST Score Reporting Scale

NYSTCE CST score report

1

Constructed Response on Scientific Inquiry

NYSTCE Biology (160) framework

The official NYSTCE Biology (160) test page lists 90 selected-response items and 1 constructed-response item, a 3 hour 15 minute testing time inside a 3 hour 30 minute appointment, a 520 scaled passing score on a 400-600 scale, and a $122 fee. The framework spans cell biology and biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology, evolution, the structure and function of organisms, matter and energy, ecology, and the foundations of scientific inquiry, with the single constructed response anchored in scientific inquiry. Important: NYSTCE is retiring Biology (160) and replacing it with the National Evaluation Series Biology (818); the last day to register for the 160 test is August 6, 2026.

Sample NYSTCE Biology CST Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your NYSTCE Biology CST exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which organelle is the primary site of ATP production through oxidative phosphorylation in eukaryotic cells?
A.Mitochondrion
B.Ribosome
C.Golgi apparatus
D.Lysosome
Explanation: The mitochondrion houses the electron transport chain and ATP synthase on its inner membrane, where oxidative phosphorylation generates the majority of a cell's ATP. The proton gradient across the inner membrane drives ATP synthesis (chemiosmosis).
2A phospholipid in a cell membrane is best described as amphipathic because it has
A.a hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tails
B.two hydrophilic heads
C.only hydrophobic regions
D.a charge that is uniform across the molecule
Explanation: Phospholipids are amphipathic: the phosphate-containing head is polar and hydrophilic, while the fatty-acid tails are nonpolar and hydrophobic. This dual nature drives spontaneous formation of the lipid bilayer in aqueous environments.
3During which phase of mitosis do sister chromatids separate and move toward opposite poles of the cell?
A.Anaphase
B.Prophase
C.Metaphase
D.Telophase
Explanation: In anaphase, the cohesin holding sister chromatids together is cleaved, and spindle fibers pull the now-separated chromatids toward opposite poles. This ensures each daughter cell receives an identical chromosome set.
4An enzyme lowers the activation energy of a reaction primarily by
A.stabilizing the transition state of the reactants
B.increasing the temperature of the system
C.changing the overall free energy of the reaction
D.being consumed as a reactant in the process
Explanation: Enzymes bind substrates and stabilize the high-energy transition state, lowering the activation energy barrier and accelerating the reaction. They do not alter the reaction's overall free-energy change (ΔG) and are not consumed.
5Which of the following best explains why water is an effective temperature buffer in living organisms?
A.Its high specific heat allows it to absorb much heat with little temperature change
B.It has a very low boiling point
C.It readily forms covalent bonds with solutes
D.It has a high vapor pressure at body temperature
Explanation: Water's extensive hydrogen bonding gives it a high specific heat capacity, so it absorbs or releases substantial heat with only small temperature changes. This stabilizes the internal temperature of cells and organisms.
6In the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, the oxygen released as a byproduct comes from the splitting of
A.water molecules
B.carbon dioxide molecules
C.glucose molecules
D.ATP molecules
Explanation: During the light-dependent reactions, photolysis splits water (H2O), releasing electrons, protons, and O2. The oxygen byproduct of photosynthesis therefore originates from water, not from carbon dioxide.
7Which process directly generates the proton gradient used by ATP synthase during aerobic cellular respiration?
A.The electron transport chain pumping protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane
B.Glycolysis in the cytoplasm
C.The citric acid cycle in the mitochondrial matrix
D.Substrate-level phosphorylation
Explanation: As electrons pass through the electron transport chain, complexes pump protons from the matrix into the intermembrane space, creating an electrochemical gradient. ATP synthase then uses this proton-motive force to phosphorylate ADP into ATP.
8A solution outside a plant cell has a higher solute concentration than the cytoplasm. This external solution is described as
A.hypertonic
B.hypotonic
C.isotonic
D.amphipathic
Explanation: A hypertonic solution has a higher solute concentration than the cell interior, so water moves out of the cell by osmosis. In a plant cell this causes plasmolysis, where the membrane pulls away from the cell wall.
9Which statement correctly distinguishes prokaryotic cells from eukaryotic cells?
A.Prokaryotes lack a membrane-bound nucleus, while eukaryotes have one
B.Prokaryotes always have larger cells than eukaryotes
C.Only prokaryotes contain ribosomes
D.Only eukaryotes have a cell membrane
Explanation: The defining difference is that prokaryotic cells lack a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles, whereas eukaryotic cells contain a true nucleus enclosing their DNA. Both cell types share features such as ribosomes and a plasma membrane.
10In a dihybrid cross between two organisms heterozygous for both genes (AaBb x AaBb) with independent assortment, what phenotypic ratio is expected in the offspring?
A.9:3:3:1
B.3:1
C.1:1:1:1
D.1:2:1
Explanation: A cross of two dihybrid heterozygotes (AaBb x AaBb) with independent assortment yields the classic 9:3:3:1 phenotypic ratio. This reflects the independent combination of two gene pairs each showing complete dominance.

About the NYSTCE Biology CST Exam

The NYSTCE Biology Content Specialty Test (CST) (160) is the New York subject-area exam for candidates seeking biology (grades 7-12) classroom-teacher certification. The exam measures content knowledge across cell biology and biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology, evolution, the structure and function of organisms, matter and energy, ecology, and the foundations of scientific inquiry, and it includes one constructed-response item grounded in scientific inquiry.

Questions

91 scored questions

Time Limit

3h 30m appointment (3h 15m testing)

Passing Score

520 (scaled)

Exam Fee

$122 (New York State Education Department / Pearson Evaluation Systems)

NYSTCE Biology CST Exam Content Outline

~17% of total score

Cell Biology and Biochemistry

Cell structure and organelles, the plasma membrane and transport, the cell cycle and mitosis, enzymes and metabolism, water and the chemistry of macromolecules.

~15-17% of total score

Genetics and Molecular Biology

DNA structure and replication, transcription and translation, mutations, Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance, pedigrees, gene expression, and biotechnology.

~14-15% of total score

Evolution

Natural selection and adaptation, population genetics, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, speciation, evidence for evolution, and the unity and diversity of life.

~14-17% of total score

Organisms and Physiology

Structure and function of organisms, human body systems, homeostasis and feedback, reproduction and development, classification, and the diversity of life.

~13% of total score

Matter and Energy

Photosynthesis, cellular respiration, ATP and energy coupling, fermentation, and the flow of energy and cycling of matter through living systems.

~12-13% of total score

Ecology

Population dynamics and carrying capacity, species interactions, biogeochemical cycles, succession, biodiversity, and human environmental impacts.

~17% incl. constructed response

Foundations of Scientific Inquiry

Experimental design, the nature of science, data analysis, laboratory skills and safety, and the exam's single constructed-response item on scientific inquiry.

How to Pass the NYSTCE Biology CST Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 520 (scaled)
  • Exam length: 91 questions
  • Time limit: 3h 30m appointment (3h 15m testing)
  • Exam fee: $122

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

NYSTCE Biology CST Study Tips from Top Performers

1Work directly from the official NYSTCE Biology (160) framework so your studying matches the tested objectives, not a generic biology outline
2Practice genetics problem-solving, including Punnett squares, pedigrees, blood types, and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium calculations, until they are automatic
3Connect photosynthesis and cellular respiration as linked processes, focusing on ATP, electron carriers, and where each stage occurs
4For evolution, distinguish natural selection, genetic drift, gene flow, and the difference between homologous and analogous structures
5Rehearse the constructed response by analyzing experiments: identify variables, evaluate controls, interpret data, and justify conclusions with evidence
6Drill lab safety, measurement tools, and data-interpretation graphs, since scientific inquiry is one of the most heavily weighted areas

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the NYSTCE Biology (160) exam?

The current NYSTCE Biology (160) test page lists 90 selected-response items plus 1 constructed-response item. Your appointment lasts 3 hours 30 minutes, with 3 hours 15 minutes of actual testing time after the tutorial and administrative steps.

What passing score do I need for the NYSTCE Biology CST?

You need a scaled score of 520 to pass. NYSTCE CST scores are reported on a 400-to-600 scale, and 520 or above is a passing total test score.

How much does the NYSTCE Biology (160) exam cost?

The current NYSTCE fee for Biology (160) is $122. Always verify the fee in your NYSTCE account at registration in case the testing program updates pricing.

Which NYSTCE Biology domains carry the most weight?

Cell biology and biochemistry, the structure and function of organisms (human biology), and the foundations of scientific inquiry are among the most heavily weighted areas, each around 17% of the test. Genetics, evolution, matter and energy, and ecology each contribute roughly 12-15%.

Is the NYSTCE Biology (160) test being replaced?

Yes. NYSTCE is retiring Biology (160) and replacing it with the National Evaluation Series Biology (818). The last day to register for the Biology (160) test is August 6, 2026, so confirm which test version applies to your timeline.

How should I study for the NYSTCE Biology CST effectively?

Use the official Biology (160) framework to drill each content domain, practice genetics and Hardy-Weinberg calculations, and rehearse a clear, evidence-based constructed response on scientific inquiry. Mix timed selected-response practice with experiment-analysis prompts.