There are many different methods and ideas available for MCAT preparation. With so many choices, deciding which is ideal for you can be difficult.
Fortunately, there are proven tips and tricks about the MCAT that you may use to plan and maximize your time before the test. One of these is using mnemonics to aid with information retention.
This article is a compilation of the mnemonics for the biology section of the MCAT. If you want to master them to make studying for the test less challenging, this article is for you.
What Do I Need to Memorize for the MCAT Biology Section?
The MCAT biology section scares pre-med students who did not major in biology or biological science. They are concerned that they will not be successful in this section.
Additionally, many worry that a poor biology grade may cause medical schools to doubt their ability to handle the demanding intellectual requirements of medical school.
Do not worry if you are one of these students. Knowing the topics that matter is what is essential.
Here is a list of topics you need to study for the MCAT.
What are Mnemonics?
A mnemonic is a technique created to improve memory. With the aid of visual and auditory clues, mnemonics link freshly learned content to previously remembered information. Simple mnemonic methods focus on using acronyms, keywords, or rhymes.
Mnemonic devices can be adjusted to fit a range of subject matters. This technique promotes improved learning retention and aids in recalling difficult words or concepts.
Do Mnemonics Work on the MCAT?
Biology is covered in three sections of the MCAT. This suggests that remembering the human body's different components and functions is essential.
The good news is that because of how our brains are wired, each of these details (kept in long-term memory) may have already been quickly observed and recorded.
Recalling more significant amounts of information is simpler when you use MCAT mnemonics. This is especially true when the material is provided in lists like qualities, steps, stages, components, phases, etc.
It can be beneficial to prepare for the MCAT Biology and the MCAT Chem and Physics parts, which require memorization of various concepts, structures, and words.
How Can I Best Utilize Mnemonics for the MCAT?
You can improve your memorization abilities by creating MCAT mnemonics. You might have to work harder to remember crucial information without mnemonics.
Mnemonics can raise your memory retention and test-taking efficiency, boosting your MCAT score.
Here are some pointers for making efficient use of MCAT mnemonics.
Mnemonics for the Biology Section of the MCAT
A lot of memorization is required for the MCAT biology topics and the other MCAT ideas you need to study for. Mnemonics are a method that has been successful in helping people remember essential data.
Here are some mnemonics for the MCAT's biology section to make studying for the exam quicker and easier.
Topics | Sub-topics | Mnemonics |
|---|---|---|
Redox reactions | Oxidation Is Loss of Electrons Reduction Is Gain of Electrons | OIL RIG |
Different kinds of blots | Southern blot = DNA Northern blot = RNA O O Western blot = Proteins | SNOW DROP |
Anterior Pituitary Hormones | FSH LH ACTH TSH Prolactin Endorphins Growth hormones | FLAT PEG |
Neurons | Sensory Afferent Motor Efferent Dorsal Afferent Ventral Efferent | SAME DAVE |
Causes of Deviation from Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium | Mutations Migration Genetic Drift Non-Random Mating Selection | My Mom Does Not Smoke |
Cell Cycle | Growth Phase 1 DNA Synthesis Growth Phase 2 Mitosis Cytokinesis | Go Sally Go Make Children |
Mitosis | Prophase Metaphase Anaphase Telophase | People Meet Ant Talk |
Chordate Features | Dorsal Notochord Pharyngeal Slits Postanal Tail | Do Not Pinch People |
Developmental Stages | Morula Blastula Gastrula | Must Be Good |
Fat-Soluble Vitamins | Vitamins A D E K | A D E K |
Gastrointestinal Hormones | Gastrin Cholecystokinin Secretin Enterogastrone | Garlic Cloves Smell Exquisite |
Hormones that Increase Blood Glucose | Somatotropin Thyroid Hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine) Epinephrine Norepinephrine Glucagon Glucocorticosteroids | STENNG |
Immunoglobulins | IgM IgA IgD IgG IgE | MADGE |
Kingdoms | Monera Protista Fungi Plants Animals | My Poor Friend Picks Apples |
Male Reproductive Track | Seminiferous Tubules Epididymis Vas Deferens (Nothing) Urethra Penis | SEVeN UP |
Menstrual Cycle | Follicular Phase Ovulatory Phase Luteal Phase | Feeling Old Lately |
Pyrimidines | Cytosine Uracil and Thiamine are PYramidines | CUT the PY (pie) |
Purines | Guanine and Adenine are Purines | GAPur |
Relationship Between Purines and Pyrimidines | Adenine bonds to Thymine; Cytosine bonds to Guanine | All Tigers Can Growl |
Proteases in the Duodenum | Enterokinase Trypsin Chymotrypsin Carboxypeptidase Elastase | Eat Tender Chicken Chunks Elegantly |
Striated Muscle | Z-line I-band A-band H-zone | ZIAH |
White Blood Cells | (In order of decreasing numbers) Neutrophils Lymphocytes Monocytes Eosinophils Basophils | Nobody Likes My Educational Background |
Keep in mind that the purpose of these MCAT biology mnemonics is to aid you in memorizing essential ideas for the test. You can always use your creativity to modify them to suit your requirements.
Additional FAQs – Mnemonics for the Biology Section of the MCAT
How many Questions About Biology are there in the MCAT?
Biology is covered in 45 of the 230 questions on the MCAT. It indicates that biology makes up 20% of the MCAT.
Is MCAT Biology Hard?
Learning and studying for the necessary topics could be challenging if you did not major in biology throughout your undergraduate years.
Because of this, we urge you to start your MCAT preparation as soon as possible. You should have ample time to study for the MCAT's biology component.
Employ the MCAT biology mnemonics listed above to make studying for the MCAT easier.
Can I make My Own Mnemonics in the MCAT?
You decide which mnemonics to utilize based on which you believe are more helpful.
However, remember that your personal mnemonics should be straightforward, distinctive, and simple to learn.
Here's a complete guide on how to make your own MCAT mnemonics.
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