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biochem seems to be a worry of alot of the first year american med students. what exaclty is it concerned with ?? can someone give me some idea of content
biochem
- Thread starter Mixer_Vik
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njbmd
Hi there,
Biochemistry is the chemistry of the macromolecules that make up the human body, in general, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. It is very interesting stuff but can strike fear in the minds of many folks because of the anticipation of attempting to understand pathways that look complex.
Things to remember:
Why does the body turn this pathway?
What are the entry points and exit points?
What are the controlling reactions? What type of reactions are they? What are the key enzymes involved?
Try to get the big picture before you tackle the details. Try to put everything into perspective. Don't get hung up on the jargon but understand the concepts in a practical way. For example, glycolysis can produce ATP but at what consequence? How do cytokines work and why are they both evil and beneficial? How does the red cell use the hexose monophosphate shunt? Why does hydrolysis of the terminal phosphate of ATP yield high energy? Do you really understand how the oxidation-reduction of compounds in the electron transport chain can produce ATP?
Concept mapping is an good approach to understanding Biochemistry. Try to master this learning technique and apply it to your coursework. Start with a huge central concept and fill in the details. Map the concept on a blackboard and use your notes as you study.
Biochemistry is not difficult and is very doable. You need to have mastered your acid-base chemistry, buffer chemistry, oxidation-reduction chemistry, chemical bonding and kinetics. If you are weak in these areas, take out that old General Chemistry text and do some buffing. Just keep the big picture in mind and try to apply your biochemistry to clinical situations like shock states (hemorrhagic, septic, cardiogenic, neurogenic).
Have fun!
njbmd 🙂
Biochemistry is the chemistry of the macromolecules that make up the human body, in general, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. It is very interesting stuff but can strike fear in the minds of many folks because of the anticipation of attempting to understand pathways that look complex.
Things to remember:
Why does the body turn this pathway?
What are the entry points and exit points?
What are the controlling reactions? What type of reactions are they? What are the key enzymes involved?
Try to get the big picture before you tackle the details. Try to put everything into perspective. Don't get hung up on the jargon but understand the concepts in a practical way. For example, glycolysis can produce ATP but at what consequence? How do cytokines work and why are they both evil and beneficial? How does the red cell use the hexose monophosphate shunt? Why does hydrolysis of the terminal phosphate of ATP yield high energy? Do you really understand how the oxidation-reduction of compounds in the electron transport chain can produce ATP?
Concept mapping is an good approach to understanding Biochemistry. Try to master this learning technique and apply it to your coursework. Start with a huge central concept and fill in the details. Map the concept on a blackboard and use your notes as you study.
Biochemistry is not difficult and is very doable. You need to have mastered your acid-base chemistry, buffer chemistry, oxidation-reduction chemistry, chemical bonding and kinetics. If you are weak in these areas, take out that old General Chemistry text and do some buffing. Just keep the big picture in mind and try to apply your biochemistry to clinical situations like shock states (hemorrhagic, septic, cardiogenic, neurogenic).
Have fun!
njbmd 🙂
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Mixer_Vik said:
The content is whatever your professors want it to be. I am currently studying for a test that is 50% my professor's research. I think the syllabus is actually her resume! It blows. Every 3rd and 4th yr says that, at least at this school, biochem is useless. A waste of my youth! Ah me! I feel the wrinkles popping out as I whine!
