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Biochemistry Foundations

Amino acids, enzyme kinetics, metabolism, lipids, nucleic acids, and bioenergetics

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📂 Subtopics in Biochemistry Foundations

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1

Amino Acids & Proteins

Structures, properties, and protein organization levels

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2

Enzymes & Kinetics

Michaelis-Menten behavior and inhibition models

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3

Carbohydrate Metabolism

Glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, and glycogen pathways

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4

Lipid Metabolism

Fatty acid oxidation, synthesis, and ketone body basics

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5

Bioenergetics & ETC

Krebs cycle, electron transport chain, and ATP accounting

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Biochemistry Foundations for the MCAT

Amino Acids & Protein Structure

20 standard amino acids classified by side chain:

  • Nonpolar: G, A, V, L, I, P, F, W, M
  • Polar: S, T, C, Y, N, Q
  • Positively charged: K, R, H
  • Negatively charged: D, E

Protein Structure:

  • Primary: amino acid sequence
  • Secondary: α-helix, β-sheet (H-bonds)
  • Tertiary: 3D fold (hydrophobic, ionic, disulfide)
  • Quaternary: multiple subunits

Enzyme Kinetics

v=Vmax[S]Km+[S](Michaelis-Menten)v = \frac{V_{max}[S]}{K_m + [S]} \quad \text{(Michaelis-Menten)}

  • Competitive inhibitor: Increases apparent Km, Vmax unchanged
  • Non-competitive inhibitor: Decreases Vmax, Km unchanged

Metabolism

  • Glycolysis: Glucose → 2 pyruvate + 2 ATP + 2 NADH (cytoplasm)
  • Krebs Cycle: Acetyl-CoA → 2 CO₂ + 3 NADH + 1 FADH₂ + 1 GTP
  • ETC/Oxidative Phosphorylation: NADH → ~2.5 ATP; FADH₂ → ~1.5 ATP
  • Total from glucose: ~30-32 ATP
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📌 Related Topics in Chemical & Physical Foundations

General ChemistryKinematicsElectrostaticsAtomic Structure & Periodic TrendsFunctional Groups & NomenclatureAmino Acids & Proteins

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is Biochemistry Foundations?▾
Amino acids, enzyme kinetics, metabolism, lipids, nucleic acids, and bioenergetics
How can I study Biochemistry Foundations effectively?▾
Start by reading the study notes and working through the examples on this page. Then use the flashcards to test your recall. Regular review and active practice are key to retention.
Is this Biochemistry Foundations study guide free?▾
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What course covers Biochemistry Foundations?▾
Biochemistry Foundations is part of the MCAT Prep course on Study Mondo, specifically in the Chemical & Physical Foundations section. You can explore the full course for more related topics and practice resources.