Is Biochemistry covered in the MCAT?

[HCW212]

---

Members don't see this ad.

^^^?

 

[Arsenic]

^^^?

there are 3 answers to that question:

(1) YES

(2) YES

and most importantly

(3) YES!!!

😉

technically all you need is organic but the chemistry I saw on my mcat bio section was biochem. for example, they'll give you a passage on protein synthesis and then ask you for the R/S configuration of molecule #4 in the reaction scheme. or they'll ask you about the polarity of certain amino acids or give you reactions involving sugars. yes, you'll be able to answer some of those with only organic knowledge but you cover all of that in biochem so i think it really helps. if you can take it before the mcat, do it!

 

[Hurricane95]

The MCAT is designed so that supposedly you can take the exam with just the bare minimum premed requirements: 2 semesters of biology, 2 of gchem, 2ochem, and 2 physics....that's it. There are biochemistry topics covered in the mcat, but these are the topics that are supposed to be covered in first semester of biology and organic, like configurations of sugars and carbonyl chemistry, mostly macromolecules and basic metabolism (glycolysis, Krebs, etc.). A full biochem course is not really needed for the test (although it should be taken for matriculation in med school, and some schools require it) although it does help you understand the topics for the test better. If you have time to take it before the test, I would, otherwise just take it before you graduate. Upper level courses are not needed for the test but can help tremendously.

 

[HCW212]

Alright, thanks a lot guys.

 

[mrhealth]

Alright, thanks a lot guys.

i took it without having taken any bio since high school. going over review books very thoroughly was getting me in the 11-13 range on the practice tests, so i wouldnt be worried about needing to take a biochemistry class.

 

[SearsTower]

I saw a handful of biochem questions on the practice tests and the real test, so take it. I've taken 3 biochem classes and saw questions on the MCAT covering every single one of them.