Biochem question

[Phenytoin]

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I saw the other recent threads about biochem but they didn't really address this question.
Regarding the biochemistry portion of Step 1, is it sufficient to know the rate limiting enzymes or should the actual pathways be memorized?
I have RR biochem, which seems to detailed, is it safe to study only from FA for biochem?
Thank you!

 

[IM Substance P]

I saw the other recent threads about biochem but they didn't really address this question.
Regarding the biochemistry portion of Step 1, is it sufficient to know the rate limiting enzymes or should the actual pathways be memorized?
I have RR biochem, which seems to detailed, is it safe to study only from FA for biochem?
Thank you!

I scored 240+ without memorizing any pathways. I personally believe that even the First Aid detail level is a bit much.

I truthfully ignored glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, the heme synthesis pathway, the tetrahydrafolate/methylation pathways with folate, B12, pyridoxine, the fatty acid pathways, etc.

I knew a few of the key enzymes and the major manifestations of diseases of these pathways. For example, I would know what metabolites accumulate in vitamin B12 deficiency.

But memorizing pathways is definitely overkill and low yield IMHO. Sure, I missed a couple extremely nitpicky questions because I blew off biochem. But biochem is irrelevant for the rest of your life (unless you're a metabolic geneticist), so you're better off learning the other stuff.

 

[jeesapeesa]

hahah. yea, believe this guy. basically just ignore biochem and you'll get > 240. i don't think you have to memorize the pathways, but you must know the rate limiting enzymes. if your brain has enough storage space, then memorizing the pathways would be a plus.

I scored 240+ without memorizing any pathways. I personally believe that even the First Aid detail level is a bit much.

I truthfully ignored glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, the heme synthesis pathway, the tetrahydrafolate/methylation pathways with folate, B12, pyridoxine, the fatty acid pathways, etc.

I knew a few of the key enzymes and the major manifestations of diseases of these pathways. For example, I would know what metabolites accumulate in vitamin B12 deficiency.

But memorizing pathways is definitely overkill and low yield IMHO. Sure, I missed a couple extremely nitpicky questions because I blew off biochem. But biochem is irrelevant for the rest of your life (unless you're a metabolic geneticist), so you're better off learning the other stuff.

 

[sswang00]

interesting...
anyone else have thoughts on this?