How do you visualize molecules?

[HealthE]

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I need to memorize a bunch of molecules and their structures for biochem. Any tips on how to do this?

 

[tommyVoltage]

Like amino acids? I just used flashcards. I also used flashcards for carbohydrates. Fats I just wrote them down over and over because those things are long with double bonds randomly.

 

[swarles]

Like amino acids? I just used flashcards. I also used flashcards for carbohydrates. Fats I just wrote them down over and over because those things are long with double bonds randomly.

For fatty acids I memorized like this: Oleic Acid = 18-9 Cis.
It was the best way for me because I knew FAs have a carboxylic tail. So 18 indicates # of Carbons, 9 indicates the double bond, Cis indicates it's orientation.

 

[riggylou]

Buy a small dry erase board and try to draw them without looking...and repeat..

 

[HealthE]

Memorizing Sugars

 

[tommyVoltage]

Memorizing Sugars

How did you memorize the amino acids? I'm assuming your class did amino acids first because that's how my biochemistry course was. I would stick to the same strategy if you were successful.

I memorized the top and bottom group that was the same for each one, and then I memorized the inbetween. I didn't memorize the "chair" or "boat" form. Once you know which way the -H goes and the -OH goes you can figure out the chair/boat quickly.

 

[bw6]

Memorizing Sugars

Just wait until you have to memorize drug molecules and structure / activity relationship. Fun times in medicinal chemistry

 

[beargirl200308]

Just wait until you have to memorize drug molecules and structure / activity relationship. Fun times in medicinal chemistry

Oh man that sounds like fun! 😀 (I'm not being sarcastic)

I liked doing the trees and then memorizing what was on the right and what was on the left. If that doesn't work then try color coding the different side groups. With the colors, it might stick out more in your head.

 

[pharmerbird]

Practice, practice practice (dry erase board style!)

My biochem professor always says "practice the molecules until your hands know the structures.."

 

[HealthE]

Wasnt as hard as i thought they are easier to remember than the amino acids.