After exploring the high-yield MCAT topics for Biology, it’s time for Biochemistry! These two subjects are tested together in the same section, so your challenge is to integrate your knowledge from both areas to answer the questions correctly.

For example, you may be provided with a passage about a certain disease that involves a defective protein. The questions could then be about its inheritance pattern, gene expression, and protein structure. Let’s take a look at these high-yield topics!

1. Structures of Macromolecules

Make sure you are familiar with the structures of the major macromolecules: carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins.

  • Carbohydrates: The structure of glucose, in both straight-chain and cyclic forms, appears the most.
  • Lipids: Lipids might not come up as much, but make sure you know their general structures and properties, such as the differences between structural and storage lipids.
  • Proteins: Put particular emphasis on proteins, especially the amino acids. Make sure you know their names, properties, and abbreviations. The different levels of protein structure also come up quite often, including the types of bonds associated with each level.
  • DNA: It can be very useful to remember the structures of A, T, C, and G. The types of bonds associated with each level are a must-know as well.

2. Enzyme Kinetics

Enzyme kinetics is another important area to prepare for. Focus on:

  • Formulas and the interpretation of Michaelis-Menten and Lineweaver-Burk plots
  • Different types of enzyme inhibition and regulation

3. Gene Expression and Expression Control

For gene expression, make sure you understand the major processes involved and how they are controlled.

  • DNA replication, transcription, and translation: Know the roles of the different proteins and enzymes involved in each process, such as transcription factors and DNA/RNA polymerases.
  • Operon model: Understand induced versus repressed systems.
  • Mutations: Know the different types of mutations, such as silent, missense, and frameshift mutations.

4. Metabolism Basics

For metabolism, focus on the important enzymes and substrate names, as well as their functions.

  • Glycolysis: Pay particular attention to the irreversible steps.
  • Gluconeogenesis: Know the gluconeogenic-specific enzymes.
  • TCA cycle: Know the enzymes and substrates in order, including which steps produce which byproducts.
  • Electron Transport Chain (ETC): Make sure this is included in your metabolism review.

5. Lab Techniques

For laboratory techniques involving DNA, RNA, and proteins, make sure you know their main purposes and can interpret the overall results presented to you.

Final Words from Jane

I know it’s quite a lot for Biochemistry, but if you plan out your studies accordingly, I’m sure you will master these topics soon enough before the actual MCAT exam.

We still have two more subjects to go!!! Have fun studying!

Jane