There are so many strategies and techniques available for MCAT preparation. Determining the best method to approach studying can be very complex with such vast possibilities.
Fortunately, there are specific proven MCAT approaches that you may utilize to structure and use the time you have before the test. One of these is the use of mnemonics to aid in the retention of information in your brain.
If you want to know the different MCAT biochemistry mnemonics to make studying for the MCAT less challenging, this page is for you!
What Do I Need to Memorize for the MCAT Biochemistry Section?
Both the MCAT Chemistry and Physics (Chem-Phys) and MCAT Bio and Biochem (Bio-Biochem) sections cover 25% of first-semester biochemistry topics.
This implies that you need to exert your time and effort familiarizing yourself with the different terms and formulas in biochemistry to achieve a great MCAT score.
The following are the MCAT biochemistry topics you should devote yourself to as you prepare for the MCAT.
What are Mnemonics?
A method developed to help with memory is known as a mnemonic. This method connects newly learned material to previously learned knowledge using visual and auditory cues. Basic mnemonic strategies emphasize the use of abbreviations, keywords, or rhymes.
Techniques like mnemonics can be modified to fit a variety of subject matters. This method supports better learning retention and helps remember challenging phrases or ideas.Do Mnemonics Work on the MCAT?
As mentioned previously, biochemistry topics are included in two sections of the MCAT.
This implies that memorization is necessary for remembering chemical structures and equations.
The good news is that each of these details (stored in long-term memory) may already have been instantly perceived and encoded due to the structure of our brain.
Using MCAT mnemonics makes it easier to remember bigger amounts of information, especially when it is presented in lists like attributes, steps, stages, components, phases, etc.
The MCAT Chemistry and Physics and MCAT Bio and Biochem sections both have many concepts, structures, and terms that need to be remembered, so mnemonics can be very beneficial.
How Can I Best Utilize Mnemonics for the MCAT?
By coming up with MCAT mnemonics, you can enhance your memorization skills. Without mnemonics, you might have to spend more time trying to remember important information.
Mnemonics help you retain information and go through tests more quickly, increasing your MCAT score.
Here are some guidelines for using MCAT mnemonics effectively.
Mnemonics for the Biochemistry Section of the MCAT
The biochemistry concepts covered on the MCAT, along with other MCAT concepts, require a great deal of memorization.
One technique proven to effectively recall information are mnemonics.
The following are some MCAT biochemistry mnemonics to help you study for this portion of the MCAT!
Topics | Sub-topics | Mnemonics |
|---|---|---|
Non-polar amino acids | Glycine (G) Alanine (Ala)Leucine (Leu) Isoleucine (Ile) Methionine (Met) Valine (Val) Proline (Pro) Tryptophan (Trp) Phenylalanine (Phe) | Good Aunt Lisa Idolizes My Very Perfect and Terrific Parents |
Polar uncharged amino acids | Glutamine (Gln) Serine (Ser) Threonine (Thr) Cysteine (Cys) Asparagine (Asn) | Grandma Says Take Care Always |
Electric amino acids | Glutamic acid (Glu, E) Aspartic acid (Asp, D) Lysine (Lys, K) Arginine (Arg, R) Histidine (His, H) | Eccentric Ralph Helps Kill Dragons |
Positive amino acids | Histidine Lysine Arginine | Harry Looks Amazing |
Aromatic amino acids | Tyrosine Tryptophan Phenylalanine | Three Tall Policemen |
Hydrophobic alkyl side chains | Valine Phenylalanine (the one-letter abbreviation is F, not P) Alanine Isoleucine Leucine | V – F A I L |
Molecules in the TCA cycle | Citrate I Ketoglutarate Succinyl Succinate Fumarate Malate Oxaloacetate | Can I Keep SendingSweets For Mother, Officer? |
Enzymes in the TCA cycle | Citrate synthase Cis-aconitase Isocitrate dehydrogenase A-α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase Succinyl CoA synthetase Succinate dehydrogenase Fumarase Malate dehydrogenase | Collared Central Intelligence Agent Spoke Slander For Money |
TCA cycle products | Net of 3 NADH, 1 GTP, 1 FADH2 GTP produced in between Succinyl-CoA & Succinate | 3 New Good Friends Good Samaritan Saves |
Molecules in glycolysis | Glucose Glucose-6-phosphate Fructose-6-phosphate Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate DHAP Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate B-1, 3-bisphosphoglycerate P-3-phosphoglycerate P-2-phosphoglycerate, PEP Pyruvate | Good God Father Frank Did Go Buy Pricey Pumpkin Pies |
Enzymes in irreversible steps | Hexokinase Glucokinase PFK-1 PyruvateKinase | Harry Gladly Plays Paintball withKen |
Hydrophilic AAs | Glutamate Aspartate Glutamine (the one-letter abbreviation is Q, not G) Asparagine (the one-letter abbreviation is N, not A) Lysine (abbreviation is K) Arginine (R) Histidine | G A G A goes L A H |
Three stop codons | UAA UGA UAG | U Are Annoying U Go Away U Are Gone |
Different kinds of blots | Southern blot = DNA Northern blot = RNA O O Western blot = Proteins | S D N R O O W P |
Remember that the goal of these MCAT biochemistry mnemonics is to help you memorize critical concepts for the exam. You can always use your imagination to tailor them to your needs.
Additional FAQs – Mnemonics for the Biochemistry Section of the MCAT
How many Questions About Biochemistry are there in the MCAT?
Is MCAT Biochemistry Hard?
There are a lot of technical aspects to it. Thus, as you prepare for the MCAT, you must devote a significant portion of your time to studying for the MCAT biochemistry.
Can I make my Own Mnemonics in the MCAT?
For some candidates, utilizing mnemonics has made it easier because it is more personal. It is up to you which mnemonics to use, depending on which you think is more effective.
Remember, however, that when you create your own mnemonics, they should be simple, unique, and easier to memorize.
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