MCAT Biochemistry: Mastering Biochem for Your MCAT Exam

Welcome to your ultimate roadmap for conquering MCAT biochemistry! This guide is designed to transform complex concepts into manageable insights, ensuring your mastery of the biochemistry material. 

Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to refine your knowledge, this blog post got you covered. Learn more about…

• Essential MCAT biochemistry topics you should know
• Self-studying vs. guided support (my own experience)
• Do you need to finish biochemistry in college before you prep for the MCAT?
• My top study strategies for biochem
• The best materials (including free resources!)
• How to adjust your plan to your own learning style
• Sample MCAT biochemistry questions

This post is all about MCAT Biochemistry.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure here.

How To Master MCAT Biochemistry

Biochemistry is a cornerstone of the MCAT, bridging the gap between biology and chemistry to explain the molecular underpinnings of life. It’s crucial for understanding how biological molecules interact to support the structure, function, and regulation of the body’s cells and organs. The MCAT tests this knowledge extensively, emphasizing the integration of biochemical concepts with medical scenarios. 

A solid grasp of biochemistry can significantly enhance your ability to tackle MCAT questions effectively.

Furthermore, biochemistry on the MCAT isn’t just about memorizing pathways and molecular structures but about applying these concepts to real-world biological problems. Understanding biochemistry in this context can elevate your MCAT performance and prepare you for the medical school curriculum. 

I certainly ran into my fair share of biochem pathways on the MCAT, and you will as well!

Essential MCAT Biochemistry Topics 

So, how much biochem is on the exam? Biochemistry on the MCAT covers a wide range of topics, from the structure and function of biomolecules to the intricacies of metabolic pathways. 

Knowing which topics are most essential can help focus your study efforts. This includes understanding the central dogma of molecular biology, enzyme kinetics, and metabolic regulation, which are foundational to many questions you’ll encounter.

Understanding Biochem Pathways for the MCAT

Biochem pathways are at the heart of MCAT biochemistry. Grasping the flow and regulation of these pathways, such as glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation, is vital. These pathways are not isolated but interact with each other. You are likely to see questions around biochem pathways on the MCAT!

In addition, appreciating the nuances of how these pathways are controlled and their relevance to energy production can elevate your understanding of biochemistry. The MCAT often tests your ability to analyze changes in these biochem pathways under different physiological conditions, making it important to understand their regulation and integration.

I personally memorized all the intermediates, enzymes, and products of a few biochem pathways by heart (Glycolysis, Gluconeogenesis, The Krebs Cycle, Glycogenolysis). This was based on reviewing my full-length practice exams so always choose what concepts to dive deeper into based on your own weaknesses! To make them stick more easily, I created my own Biochem Quiz Sheets and am happy to share them with you. Click here to download yours!

The Role of Amino Acids and Proteins

Amino acids and proteins are the building blocks of life, playing crucial roles in nearly every biological process. The MCAT requires a detailed understanding of amino acid properties, protein structure, and function. This includes knowing how proteins fold, their levels of structure, and the biochemical principles that govern their activities.

Furthermore, understanding enzyme kinetics and mechanisms is critical. Enzymes catalyze all biological reactions, and their regulation is a key concept tested on the MCAT. You will need to review enzyme kinetics, inhibitors, and the Michaelis-Menten equation for success.

Carbohydrate Metabolism Overview

Carbohydrate metabolism is a central topic in biochemistry, vital for energy production. Understanding the pathways of glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, and the pentose phosphate pathway is crucial. These processes are interconnected and play significant roles in energy balance and metabolic regulation.

You will be tested on the importance of carbohydrate metabolism in different tissues and under various physiological conditions. The MCAT explores these concepts, testing your ability to apply them in biological and medical contexts.

Lipid Metabolism Essentials

Lipid metabolism involves the breakdown and synthesis of fats and their role in energy storage. Key concepts include the pathways of fatty acid oxidation (beta-oxidation), synthesis, and the regulation of these processes. You will want to study the role of lipids in cell membranes and hormone synthesis!

Nucleic Acids and Genetic Information Flow

Nucleic acids are essential for storing and expressing genetic information. The MCAT focuses on DNA replication, transcription, and translation, along with the regulation of gene expression. Be sure to review these processes and grasp how genetic information dictates cell function and behavior!

Can You Self-Study Biochemistry for the MCAT?

As with any subjects on the MCAT, self-studying MCAT biochemistry is entirely possible. With a customized study plan based on your learning style, great resources and study materials and a strategic approach, you can make it work! I personally also self-studied for the MCAT, so I didn’t use a tutor or one of the prep courses and it worked out perfectly for me (scored my target of 516).

Nevertheless, it doesn’t help to reach out for 1:1 support if you need it. There are some great MCAT prep courses and tutors out there that can make this journey easier for you. Just keep in mind that they can be quite expensive so it has to fit your own budget.

If you want a great, customized MCAT plan but don’t want to rip a hole in your budget, my course MCAT Roadmap is the perfect fit! You will get step-by-step instructions to create your own ideal study plan, without running yourself into burnout. My videos and resources will give you my inside strategies on staying consistent, creating meaningful progress and finally reaching your personal target score! 

Can You Take the MCAT Without Taking Biochemistry?

It is possible to take the MCAT without having taken biochemistry in college, but it may require extra effort to self-study the necessary classes. Many resources, including textbooks, online courses, and practice exams, are available to help self-learners grasp biochemistry concepts covered on the MCAT. 

What If You Haven’t Finished Your Biochem Class in College Yet?

If you are currently enrolled in biochemistry, but haven’t finished it before you take the MCAT, you will probably still have the knowledge you need to do well! As you study biochemistry, focus on truly understanding the concepts rather than just memorizing facts. This is crucial for your success in biochemistry on the MCAT. Conceptual understanding will enable you to apply biochemistry knowledge to novel situations you’ll encounter on the test.

Creating a study schedule that allocates time each day to MCAT biochemistry, using a variety of study materials to cover different aspects of the subject, and regularly assessing your understanding through practice questions can compensate for the lack of formal coursework. Sticking to my study schedule really helped me maximize my time!

Participating in study groups or finding a study partner is also helpful. Discussing biochemistry concepts with peers can provide new insights, reinforce learning, and keep you motivated. This is particularly helpful if your study partner has taken more biochem than you!

Essential Tips When Studying Biochemistry for the MCAT

• Start with a solid foundation: Begin by ensuring you have a strong grasp of the basic concepts of biochemistry, such as the structure and function of biomolecules and the principles of thermodynamics and kinetics. Use textbooks and online resources to build your foundational knowledge before diving into more complex topics.
• Focus on high-yield topics: Prioritize studying high-yield biochemistry topics that are frequently tested on the MCAT, such as amino acids, protein structure and function, enzyme kinetics, and metabolic pathways. Create a study plan that allocates more time to these areas.
• Use active learning techniques: Active learning methods, such as creating detailed diagrams of metabolic pathways, flashcards for amino acid properties, and practice questions, can enhance your retention and understanding of biochemistry concepts. These techniques force you to engage with the material actively, rather than passively reading or watching videos for biochem MCAT.
• Integrate with other subjects: Recognize and leverage the interconnectedness of biochemistry with other MCAT subjects. They include general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biology. Drawing connections between these disciplines can help solidify your understanding and improve your ability to tackle complex questions.
• Practice, practice, practice: Regularly practice MCAT biochemistry questions and take enough full-length practice exams to familiarize yourself with the test format and question styles. This practice will also help identify areas where you need further review and reinforce your understanding of biochemistry concepts.

How To Develop Your Strategy for Your Learning Style

Understanding your learning style is key to developing an effective study strategy for biochemistry. Whether you’re a visual, auditory, reading/writing, or kinesthetic learner, tailoring your study methods to fit your preferred learning style can make your preparation more efficient and effective.

For visual learners, creating detailed diagrams and charts of biochem pathways and processes can help visualize complex concepts. Auditory learners might benefit from listening to lectures and discussing topics with peers or mentors.

Reading/writing learners should focus on taking detailed notes and summarizing MCAT biochemistry topics in their own words, while kinesthetic learners can benefit from hands-on experiments or models to understand biochemical structures and pathways.

Mixing different study methods can also be helpful, as it prevents monotony and addresses the fact that most people have a mix of learning preferences. No matter where you see your own study style, make sure to regularly revisit and adjust your strategy based on your progress and comfort level with biochemistry.

I personally love to get in front of my whiteboard and draw out complex concepts to help me deepen my understanding! As a visual learner, I also created my own quiz sheets to memorize biochem pathways. You can download them for FREE below and test yourself by filling the empty boxes. This has been a game-changer for my biochem prep!

Active Learning Strategies for MCAT Biochemistry

• Create your own quizzes: Developing your own quizzes on MCAT biochemistry topics can help test your knowledge and reinforce learning. This active approach requires you to recall information and apply it, enhancing long-term retention.
• Teach others: Explaining biochemistry concepts to peers or even to an imaginary audience can clarify your understanding and reveal gaps in your knowledge. Teaching is a powerful tool for reinforcing what you’ve learned.
• Apply concepts to clinical scenarios: Try to relate biochemistry concepts to clinical scenarios or real-world examples. This approach helps you in understanding the practical applications in medicine and can make studying that much more interesting and relevant.
• Engage in problem-solving: Tackle practice problems that require you to apply biochemistry concepts in new ways. This strategy helps develop your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for MCAT biochem.
• Use flashcards for memorization: For memorization-heavy topics like amino acids and their properties, flashcards can be an effective tool. They promote active recall, which is more effective for long-term memory than passive review. Go for quality over quantity though, so you don’t drown in a flood of flashcards and instead, can focus on what actually matters.

Integrating Biochemistry With Other MCAT Subjects

Biochemistry is deeply interconnected with other subjects tested on the MCAT, such as biology, chemistry, and physics. Understanding these connections can enhance your overall MCAT preparation.

For instance, the principles of thermodynamics and kinetics from physics apply to enzyme action and energy changes in biochemical reactions. Similarly, organic chemistry principles are foundational to understanding the structure and reactivity of biological molecules. The MCAT will test your ability to integrate multiple concepts together, so be ready for this!

Integrating your study of biochemistry with these subjects can provide a more holistic understanding and enable you to tackle interdisciplinary questions more effectively. Try to identify and study these cross-disciplinary links as part of your MCAT preparation. If you can write your own questions in this fashion, you’ll be ready for anything that MCAT throws at you!

Time Management Tips for Effective Study

• Set specific study goals: Determine what you want to achieve in each study session. This helps you stay focused and use your time efficiently.
• Break down your study sessions: Study in blocks of time with short breaks in between. This approach can help maintain your concentration and prevent burnout.
• Use a planner: Keep track of your study schedule and deadlines in a planner. This helps you manage your time and ensures you cover all necessary topics.
• Prioritize tasks: Focus on the most important or challenging topics first. This ensures that you tackle the subjects that require the most effort when you’re most alert.
• Limit distractions: Find a quiet, comfortable place to study, and put away your phone or other distractions. This allows you to fully concentrate on your MCAT biochemistry review.
• Review regularly: Incorporate regular review sessions into your study plan. This helps reinforce your memory and reduces the need for last-minute cramming.
• Stay flexible: Be prepared to adjust your study plan as needed. If you find certain topics more challenging than expected, allocate more time to them.

For more study strategies, check out my blog posts How to Study in Medical School which can also give you valuable tips for enhanced focus, scheduling your study sessions and more.

Top Biochem Study Resources for the MCAT

1. Khan Academy: Khan Academy comprehensive biochemistry tutorials for free. Their videos break down complex concepts into manageable lessons, making it easier to understand the material. 
2. Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry: This textbook is a staple for biochemistry students. It provides detailed explanations of biochemistry concepts and includes diagrams and examples to illustrate key points. If you’re a bit more old-fashioned, check it out!
3. MCAT-Prep: Offers a range of MCAT preparation resources, including practice tests, biochemistry review materials, and strategy guides. Their biochemistry materials are specifically designed to cover topics relevant to the MCAT. Explore a bit here!
4. Armando Hasudungan: YouTube channel with fantastic medical diagrams to better understand complex concepts like those for biochem MCAT. Love this!
5. MCAT Mnemonic Monday: Great YouTube series with mnemonics for biochemistry as well as other MCAT subjects. This can be so helpful for topics that you already understand but need that extra input to actually remember it.  

If you are curious about more free MCAT resources to make those tough concepts stick (without emptying your wallet), you out my video with my own go-to picks:

7 Tips for Tackling MCAT Biochemistry Questions

Some of these might feel obvious at first sight but training yourself to actually use those question strategies can make a huge difference in your MCAT success. 

1. Understand the question: Take the time to read each question carefully and identify what is actually being asked before you look at the answer choices. Missing a key detail can easily lead to choosing the wrong answer even if you have mastered the content.
2. Use process of elimination: Narrow down your options by eliminating answers that are clearly incorrect. This increases your chances of selecting the correct answer.
3. Apply concepts, not just memorize: While memorization is important, understanding the underlying concepts is crucial. Focus on grasping the “why” behind the facts.
4. Refer to passage information: Many MCAT biochemistry questions are based on passages. Use the information provided in the passage to help answer the question.
5. Watch for trick questions: Be aware that some questions may be designed to mislead you. Always double-check your reasoning.
6. Practice with timed sections: Get used to the pace of the exam by practicing MCAT biochemistry questions under timed conditions. This helps improve your time management skills during the test.
7. Review explanations for practice questions: Whether you get a question right or wrong, always review the explanation. This helps you understand your mistakes and solidify your knowledge.

Sample MCAT Biochemistry Questions

Want to get a first glance of possible MCAT biochem questions? I’ve listed a few below!

Question 1: Which of the following amino acids has a side chain that can form a disulfide bond?

A) Valine
B) Serine
C) Cysteine
D) Lysine

🔽 Answer + Explanation

Answer: C) Cysteine

Explanation: Cysteine contains a thiol (-SH) group in its side chain, which can oxidize to form a disulfide bond (–S–S–) with another cysteine residue. This type of covalent bond is important for the stabilization of tertiary and quaternary protein structures. Valine, serine, and lysine do not have thiol groups and therefore cannot form disulfide bonds.

Question 2: During glycolysis, the conversion of glucose to pyruvate, how many net ATP molecules are produced per molecule of glucose?

A) 2
B) 4
C) 6
D) 8

🔽 Answer + Explanation

Question 3: Which of the following statements best describes the role of an enzyme in a biochemical reaction?

A) It increases the overall energy change of the reaction.
B) It decreases the overall energy change of the reaction.
C) It increases the reaction rate by lowering the activation energy.
D) It changes the direction of the reaction.

🔽 Answer + Explanation

Answer: C) It increases the reaction rate by lowering the activation energy.

Explanation: Enzymes are biological catalysts that increase the rate of biochemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to proceed. They do not change the overall energy change (ΔG) of the reaction or the direction of the reaction; they simply make it easier for the reaction to occur.

Question 4: Which process is responsible for the generation of most ATP during cellular respiration?

A) Glycolysis
B) Krebs cycle
C) Oxidative phosphorylation
D) Lactic acid fermentation

🔽 Answer + Explanation

Answer: C) Oxidative phosphorylation

Explanation: Oxidative phosphorylation, occurring in the mitochondria, is responsible for generating the majority of ATP during cellular respiration. This process is driven by the electron transport chain and the chemiosmotic gradient across the mitochondrial membrane, leading to the production of approximately 26 to 28 ATP molecules per glucose molecule. In contrast, glycolysis and the Krebs cycle generate a much smaller amount of ATP directly.

Question 5: A mutation that replaces an alanine (a nonpolar amino acid) residue with a glutamic acid (a polar amino acid) residue in a protein is likely to affect the protein’s:

A) Primary structure
B) Secondary structure
C) Tertiary structure
D) Quaternary structure

🔽 Answer + Explanation

Answer: C) Tertiary structure

Explanation: The primary structure of a protein is its amino acid sequence, which would be altered by any mutation. However, the specific change from a nonpolar to a polar amino acid is most likely to affect the tertiary structure, which involves the overall folding and 3D shape of the protein. This is because the change in amino acid properties (from nonpolar to polar) can disrupt hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and ionic interactions that stabilize the tertiary structure. While secondary structure might be locally affected, the most significant impact would be on the tertiary level, where the overall 3D arrangement is determined. Changes in tertiary structure can also affect quaternary structure if the protein is part of a larger complex, but the most direct impact is on the tertiary level.

MCAT biochemistry: Preparing for Success

Success in biochemistry on the MCAT requires a combination of solid understanding, strategic study, and effective test-taking skills. Focus on building a strong foundation in biochemistry concepts, and integrate your knowledge with practice questions and exams. Use time management strategies to ensure comprehensive coverage of the material. Remember, consistency in your preparation is key to mastering MCAT biochemistry. With these tips, you’ll be ready on test day!

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