A number of questions

[paste]

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So, I've been studying for the MCAT thoroughly for the past few months, and I'm almost all set to take it on August 22nd. Or so I thought. It was only recently I found out about the syllabi available on the AAMC site and the existence of this site (which has been great help so far).

Anywho, I've studied most of the topics listed, but there are some I haven't even heard of until reading the syllabi. Basically, I just want know what I should be knowledgeable in these topics:

Fat & Protein Metabolism
DNA Repair
Which hormones to know
Vertebrate classes

Also, should I know (memorize) any specific codons or consensus sequences?

Thanks
Eric

 

[futuredoctor10]

Fat & Protein Metabolism
I am not sure what AAMC meant by this.
If they meant fat/protein digestion, then know fatty acids (ingested as triglycerides) are digested by lipases and protein by various enzymes (pepsin, trypsin, chymotrypsin). If they meant metabolism of fats/proteins instead of glucose that is a very specific question, but I guess know glucose is metabolized first followed by fats then proteins [I think]. Perhaps others can help us here I'm not sure!

DNA Repair
I'd say just know what can damage DNA - free radicals, UV radiation (thymine dimers). Also know the various mechanisms of repair: base/nucleotide excision repair, mismatch repair.

Which hormones to know
Most endocrine system hormones - a review book can help outline which ones, they are a lot: Anterior Pituitary Hormones (FLATPEG: FSH, LSH, ACTH, TSH, prolactin, endorphins, gonadotropin), Posterior Pituitary Hormones (oxytocin and ADH/vasopressin), and the rest of the endocrine system hormones (estrogen, progesterone, mineralocorticoids, ... the list continues)

Vertebrate classes
Again not sure what they are asking. The only related phylogeny/classification question that has come up on any AAMC or Kaplan FL that I have taken:
Kingdom Phlyum Class Order Family Genus Species (know kingdom=broadest, species=most specific / narrow)

Also, should I know (memorize) any specific codons or consensus sequences?
I doubt it, but past MCAT takers might be able to verify/confirm yes or no. If this came up in a passage with sequences I presume the codon conversion chart would be provided so you wouldn't have to memorize start and stop codons.

 

[engineeredout]

Also, should I know (memorize) any specific codons or consensus sequences?

Thanks
Eric

Know the start codon AUG. Know the three stop codons UAA, UAG, UGA.

To add to futuredoctor's hormone list, know aldosterone/cortisol (adrenal cortex), T3/t4 and calcitonin (thyroid), PTH, insulin/glucagon (pancreas).



Fat digestion: Know that the liver produces bile which is then stored in the gall bladder. It serves to physically break down (emulsify) the fat molecules which clump together in the aqueous mix in the small intestine in order to increase the surface area for lipase to actually digest it.

 

[Lukkie]

know where protein digestion begins! what enzyme digest protein!

 

[paste]

Thanks everyone. That's cleared a lot up. Now I have a bunch more bio/physio questions.

Eric

 

[YA7ES]

Which hormones to know
Most endocrine system hormones - a review book can help outline which ones, they are a lot: Anterior Pituitary Hormones (FLATPEG: FSH, LSH, ACTH, TSH, prolactin, endorphins, gonadotropin), Posterior Pituitary Hormones (oxytocin and ADH/vasopressin), and the rest of the endocrine system hormones (estrogen, progesterone, mineralocorticoids, ... the list continues)

according to my book the "G" in FLAT PEG stands for Growth Hormone... Does the anterior pituitary secrete gonadotropin as well?? thanks

 

[not respect]

well the F and L are the gonadotropin, it also releases growth hormone though.