Is recognition of the DNA/RNA base structures & sugar structures enough, or is memorization needed?

[remedy23]

Also, for amino acids, is it enough to recognize the side chains or do we need to memorize the individual side chains?

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[mcatjelly]

Also, for amino acids, is it enough to recognize the side chains or do we need to memorize the individual side chains?

I think recognition of the various bases/sugar molecules is fine (though you probably want to know which are 4 vs. 5 vs. 6 carbon sugars), but for amino acids, you need to memorize the individual side chains. Not sure if you've taken either the Official Guide half-length or the AAMC Sample Test, but you really need to know your amino acids.

 

[Abraxas305]

Memorize.

 

[remedy23]

I think recognition of the various bases/sugar molecules is fine (though you probably want to know which are 4 vs. 5 vs. 6 carbon sugars), but for amino acids, you need to memorize the individual side chains. Not sure if you've taken either the Official Guide half-length or the AAMC Sample Test, but you really need to know your amino acids.

Thank you. I actually don't find the 20 amino acids that hard to memorize since it's just their side chains. I know 6 carbon sugars: galactose, glucose, fructose, mannose and 5-carbon sugars: ribose and deoxyribose.

What 4 carbon sugars do we need to know?