How well do I need to understand terpenes for the MCAT?

[Plutonium]

Are you expected to understand terpenes as well as say knowing how to systematically name organic compounds for the MCAT?

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[BamaNicole]

I've never seen terpenes on any of my MCAT prep stuff but knowing how to name is very useful.

 

[gettheleadout]

You won't be expected to name any terpenoids or anything, but you should know their biological uses, how to identify isoprene units, stuff like that.

 

[dudewheresmymd]

I think terpenes are overkill for the mcat, isoprene units at most

 

[gettheleadout]

I think terpenes are overkill for the mcat, isoprene units at most

I'm not sure I understand what you mean. Terpenes are listed on the AAMC content outline.

 

[dudewheresmymd]

I'm not sure I understand what you mean. Terpenes are listed on the AAMC content outline.

oops i meant reactions of terpenes/biological uses are overkill...and yup content outline says description/structure only.

 

[gettheleadout]

oops i meant reactions of terpenes/biological uses are overkill...and yup content outline says description/structure only.

I don't think biological uses are overkill. For example, if you already know that Vitamin A is a terpenoid derivative you don't have to pick it out from a set of options by recognizing an isoprene unit in the structure. I just mean know what sorts of things are synthesized from terpenoids.

Specific reactions I agree would be overkill.

 

[dudewheresmymd]

I don't think biological uses are overkill. For example, if you already know that Vitamin A is a terpenoid derivative you don't have to pick it out from a set of options by recognizing an isoprene unit in the structure. I just mean know what sorts of things are synthesized from terpenoids.

Specific reactions I agree would be overkill.

yeah i guess... lol hopefully no terpenoids on thursday