Amino Acid Memorize

[jhol16]

Should we memorize Amino Acid side chains for the MCAT... I only know the basic side chains...

Is that enough?

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[loveoforganic]

I think glycine, proline, and cysteine were the important ones according to TBR.

 

[BerkReviewTeach]

I think glycine, proline, and cysteine were the important ones according to TBR.

Hopefully memorizing glycine isn't too hard to do. =)

Actually, His, Pro, and Cys are the ones to know interms of side chain and the structural/reactivity impact of the groups.

Also know the basics and acidics in general, and how their charge varies with pH (as applied to ion exchange chromatography or electrophoresis).

 

[loveoforganic]

"was it hydrogen or fluorine???? "

 

[PiBond]

"was it hydrogen or fluorine???? "

definitely fluorine...it rhymes with glycine

 

[BerkReviewTeach]

definitely fluorine...it rhymes with glycine

Thank goodness it's not molybdenum, because what the heck rhymes with that?

 

[jhol16]

Thanks...

 

[erskine]

should we memorize the pkas of side chains?

 

[Charles_Carmichael]

should we memorize the pkas of side chains?

No, don't waste your time with that. If you get an amino acid question with acid/base chemistry, they will very likely give you the pKas for side chains. Just have a general idea of the pKas for the carboxyl and amino terminals.