Step 1 Biochem

[Buck Strong]

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Hey, how did you guys learn biochem for step 1, in terms of memorizing pathways, enzymes, etc. Occasionally, I run across questions with some really obscure enzymes and such, that I would only know If i memorized the entire mechanism/pathway. I know the TCA cycle like the back of my hand, but should I memorize all the other pathways, or just know basics?

 

[Idiopathic]

I think you should really hammer the vitamins/cofactors responsible for certain steps, like that pyruvate decarboxylase uses biotin (I think), etc, and you should also hit the really key enzymes. As far as memorizing pathways, I would wager that the enzymes you are thinking of have some medical significance, but I havent experienced what you have.

 

[ckent]

I remember memorizing the whole glycolysis/electron transport chain reaction and not finding a single question of those on my test. For biochem, I would just know what is in first aid. I seem to recall that first aid does an excellent job and not naming enzymes that you don't have to know. The clinical ones really are where the money is though (G6PD, CT, etc).

 

[Jaded Soul]

Biochem is probably a bigger part of Step 1 than you'll expect. Mine exam was like that. I don't think it's that big that you need any extra review material outside of First Aid, though. However, you should know everything about the biochem in First Aid. Like ckent wrote, the clinical manifestations are key.