Step 1 Biochem

[MikeTheGipper]

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For those who have already taken USMLE step 1, would you guys say that biochemistry is tested lightly? In the book "med school confidential" they mention that biochemistry is only tested lightly on step one. I noticed in FA biochem has one of the largest review sections so I was a littly confused by why there would be such a big review section if it was only a lightly tested subject.

 

[FreakofMeds]

I think Biochem varies wildly from one experience to the other. Some are more heavily tested than others in it. The thing is, even if it was tested lightly, the questions can come from many topics within biochemistry. The fund of knowledge that is being tested is wide. You literally can be asked anything from Vitamens, to Heme synthesis to purine salvage to glycogen storage diseases... etc, which is why Biochemistry probably has a large section in FA.

On the other hand, while Anatomy is tested lightly, it would be extremely bizarre if you were asked about origins and insertions or detailed relations. Basically the fund of knowledge tested is much more limited.

 

[AllUpOnYoMama]

I think Biochem varies wildly from one experiences to the other. Some are more heavily tested than others in it. The thing is, even if it was tested lightly, the questions can come from many topics within biochemistry. The fund of knowledge that is being tested is wide. You literally can be asked anything from Vitamens, to Heme synthesis to purine salvage to glycogen storage diseases... etc, which is why Biochemistry probably has a large section in FA.

On the other hand, while Anatomy is tested lightly, it would be extremely bizarre if you were asked about origins and insertions or detailed relations. Basically the fund of knowledge tested is much more limited.

Don't ignore biochem dude. what is it, like 35-40 pages of FA.... too big of a subject man. I had tons of nutrition on my test. In my opinion, once you get biochem down, its not too bad. Get it done early so that you could go back and review it a couple more times

 

[McGillGrad]

When they say "tested lightly," they mean that it is going to be more straight forward than other sections (such as physio) because it is more about pathways and enzymes (vs. a myriad of variables that can all change and affect the outcome...as in physio).

Know your biochem, but know it on a superficial level (e.g. if this enzyme is missing then what disease results from it).

 

[whitecote]

most say biochem FA is enough. at the most clarify. still i come across topics like line-weaver burk equation and michaelis-menten equation.....do i skip this?

 

[jeesapeesa]

i read rapid review biochem and felt that it was a very decent review. it took around three days but very worth it. if you have doubts on your biochem knowledge base but confident in other subject areas, then i would go ahead and read that book since it kinda just reinforced everything that you were taught in path, micro (abx, etc), etc.