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MCAT. This guide will take you through scientific principles and
formulas you need for the exam.

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 MCAT QUICKSHEETS BIOCHEMISTRY
AMINO ACIDS, PEPTIDES, AND PROTEINS NONENZYMATIC PROTEIN FUNCTION BIOSIGNALING
AND PROTEIN ANALYSIS
Amino Acids Found in Proteins Ion channels can be used for regulating ion flow
Amino acids have an amino group, carboxylic acid, a Cellular Functions into or out of a cell. There are three main types of
ion channels: ungated channels, voltage-gated
hydrogen atom, and an R group attached to a central Structural proteins: generally fibrous. Include
channels, and ligand-gated channels.
-carbon. collagen, elastin, keratin, actin, and tubulin
H O Enzyme-linked receptors participate in cell signaling
Motor proteins: capable of force generation through
through extracellular ligand binding and initiation of
N a conformational change. Include myosin, kinesin,
H OH second messenger cascades.
and dynein
R G protein-coupled receptors have a membrane-
bound protein associated with a trimeric G protein.
Amino acids are chiral (L), except for glycine; and
They also initiate second messenger systems.
have the (S) configuration, except for cysteine.

Side chains determine the chemistry and function of
amino acids:
Nonpolar, nonaromatic: glycine, alanine,
valine, leucine, isoleucine, methionine, proline GDP GTP
Aromatic: tryptophan, phenylalanine, tyrosine
Polar: serine, threonine, asparagine,
Binding proteins: bind a specific substrate, either to inactive G protein active G protein
glutamine, cysteine
sequester it in the body or hold its concentration at 
Negatively charged (acidic): aspartic acid, steady state
glutamic acid
Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs): bind cells to other
Positively charged (basic): lysine, arginine, GTP
cells or surfaces. Include cadherins, integrins, and
histidine enzyme
selectins (adenylate cyclase)

Antibodies (or immunoglobulins, Ig): target a
AcidBase Chemistry of Amino Acids 
specific antigen, which may be a protein on the
Amino acids are amphoteric. surface of a pathogen (invading organism)
GDP Pi
At low (acidic) pH: fully protonated or a toxin
At neutral pH: zwitterion
At high (basic) pH: fully deprotonated ENZYMES
pI is determined by averaging the pKa values that refer Enzyme Kinetics
to protonation and deprotonation of the zwitterion.
Saturation kinetics: As substrate concentration
increases, the reaction rate also increases until a
Peptide Bond Formation and Hydrolysis maximum value is reached.
Peptide bond formation is a condensation
(dehydration) reaction with a nucleophilic amino v max [S]
v =
group attacking an electrophilic carbonyl. Peptide K m + [S]
bonds are broken by hydrolysis.
H O
peptide bond formation H O R" At one-half vmax, [S] = Km
N+ N+ O +
H O +
H or OH
H N H2O MichaelisMenten
H hydrolysis H Ligases are responsible for joining two large
R' R' H O
H O
amino carboxy biomolecules, often of the same type.
terminus terminus
+
peptide Isomerases catalyze the interconversion of vmax
H O
reaction velocity (v)

H
bond
isomers, including both constitutional and
R"
stereoisomers. 1v
2 max
Lyases catalyze cleavage without the addition
Protein Structure of water and without the transfer of electrons. Km

Primary structure: linear sequence of amino acids The reverse reaction (synthesis) is usually more substrate concentration [S]
biologically important.
Secondary structure: local structure, stabilized by LineweaverBurk
hydrogen bonding Hydrolases catalyze cleavage with the addition
of water.
-helices Oxidoreductases catalyze oxidationreduction
0.06

-pleated sheets reactions that involve the transfer of electrons.

v mol

0.04
1 sec

Tertiary structure: three-dimensional structure Transferases move a functional group from one
stabilized by hydrophobic interactions, acidbase molecule to another molecule. 0.02 1
interactions (salt bridges), hydrogen bonding, and Enzymes, like all catalysts, lower the activation
vmax

disulfide bonds energy necessary for reactions. They do not alter

H O 1.0 0.5 0 0.5 1.0
H O the free energy (G) or enthalpy (H) change that 1 1
(mM 1)
N
H O

N accompanies the reaction nor the final equilibrium Km [S]

H O
CH2 position; rather, they change the rate (kinetics) at Cooperative enzymes show a sigmoidal curve.
CH2
SH which equilibrium is reached.
S
+ +
S
+2H +2e
Regulation of Enzyme Activity
SH
CH2
CH2 H O Competitive Noncompetitive Mixed Uncompetitive
N
H O
N H O
Binding Site Active site Allosteric site Allosteric site Allosteric site
H O
Impact on Km Increases No change Increases or Decreases Decreases
cysteine cystine
Impact on vmax No change Decreases Decreases Decreases
Quaternary Structure: interactions between subunits
Heat and solutes can cause denaturation.

02_MCAT_QS_Biochem.indd 5 4/10/14 12:02 PM

 CARBOHYDRATE STRUCTURE DNA AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
AND FUNCTION
NH2 Centromeres are located in the middle of
Carbohydrate Classification chromosomes and hold sister chromatids together
Carbohydrates are organized by their number of N until they are separated during anaphase in mitosis.
carbon atoms and functional groups. high-energy N They also contain a high GC-content.
bonds
3-carbon sugars are trioses, 4-carbon sugars DNA Replication
are tetroses, and so on. N N
Sugars with aldehydes as their most oxidized O O O Step in Prokaryotic Eukaryotic
group are aldoses; sugars with ketones as Replication Cells Cells (Nuclei)
their most oxidized group are ketoses.
O P O P O P O
CH2 O Origin of One per Multiple per
Sugars with the highest-numbered chiral carbon with replication chromosome chromosome
O O O
the OH group on the right (in a Fischer projection)
are D-sugars; those with the OH on the left are Unwinding of Helicase Helicase
L-sugars. D- and L-forms of the same sugar are
OH OH DNA double
enantiomers. ATP helix

Diastereomers differ at at least onebut not allchiral Stabilization Single- Single-

carbons. Also include: DNA Structure of unwound stranded stranded
template DNA-binding DNA-binding
Epimers differ at exactly one chiral carbon. Nucleosides contain a five-carbon sugar bound to a
strands protein protein
Anomers are a subtype of epimers that differ nitrogenous base; nucleotides are nucleosides with
at the anomeric carbon. one to three phosphate groups added. Synthesis of Primase Primase
Nucleotides in DNA contain deoxyribose; in RNA, they RNA primers
Cyclic Sugar Molecules contain ribose. Synthesis of DNA DNA
Cyclization describes the ring formation of Nucleotides are abbreviated by letter: adenine (A), DNA polymerase III polymerases
carbohydrates from their straight-chain forms. cytosine (C), guanine (G), thymine (T), and uracil (U). and
When rings form, the anomeric carbon can take on Removal of RNA DNA RNase H
either an - or -conformation. WatsonCrick Model primers polymerase I (5'3'
The anomeric carbon is the new chiral center formed The DNA backbone is composed of alternating (5'3' exonuclease)
in ring closure; it was the carbon containing the sugar and phosphate groups, and is always exonuclease)
carbonyl in the straight-chain form. read 5' to 3'. Replacement of DNA DNA
-anomers have the OH on the anomeric There are two strands with antiparallel polarity, RNA with DNA polymerase I polymerase
carbon trans to the free CH2OH group. wound into a double helix.
Joining of DNA ligase DNA ligase
-anomers have the OH on the anomeric Purines (A and G) always pair with pyrimidines
Okazaki
carbon cis to the free CH2OH group. (C, U, and T). In DNA, A pairs with T (via two
fragments
During mutarotation, one anomeric form shifts hydrogen bonds) and C pairs with G (via three
hydrogen bonds). In RNA, A pairs with U (via Removal DNA DNA
to another, with the straight-chain form as an
two hydrogen bonds). of positive topoisomerase topoisomerase
intermediate.
Chargaffs rules: purines and pyrimidines supercoils II (DNA gyrase) II (DNA gyrase)
are equal in number in a DNA molecule. The ahead of
Monosaccharides advancing
amount of A equals the amount of T, and the
CH2OH CHO CHO CHO
amount of C equals the amount of G. replication
C O H OH H OH HO H
DNA strands can be pulled apart (denatured) and forks
HO H HO H HO H HO H
H OH H OH HO H H OH
brought back together (reannealed). Synthesis of Not applicable Telomerase
H OH H OH H OH H OH telomeres
CH2OH CH2OH CH2OH CH2OH Eukaryotic Chromosome Organization
D-fructose D-glucose D-galactose D-mannose
DNA replication is semiconservative: one old parent
DNA is organized into 46 chromosomes in human cells. strand and one new daughter strand is incorporated
Monosaccharides are single carbohydrate units In eukaryotes, DNA is wound around histone proteins into each of the two new DNA molecules.
and can undergo three main reactions: oxidation (H2A, H2B, H3, and H4) to form nucleosomes, which leading strand
DNA polymerase III
reduction, esterification, and glycoside formation. may be stabilized by another histone protein (H1). 5 on leading strand

3
Glycoside formation is the basis for building complex DNA and its associated histones make up chromatin ssDNA-binding protein

carbohydrates and requires the anomeric carbon to in the nucleus. leading strand template parent DNA
helicase 3
link to another sugar.
DNA polymerase III
Heterochromatin is dense, transcriptionally on lagging strand
Okazaki fragment 5
Sugars with a H replacing an OH group are termed silent DNA. primase
5
deoxy sugars. Euchromatin is less dense, transcriptionally 5

active DNA. lagging strand template

Disaccharides with H1 without H1 DNA polymerase synthesizes new DNA strands,

Common disaccharides include sucrose (glucose-- 10 nm
reading the template DNA 3' to 5' and synthesizing
1,2-fructose), lactose (galactose--1,4-glucose), and
30 nm
the new strand 5' to 3'.
maltose (glucose--1,4-glucose). The leading strand requires only one primer
and can then be synthesized continuously.
Polysaccharides The lagging strand requires many primers
Cellulose: main structural component of plant H2B
H2A
H3
and is synthesized in discrete sections called
cell walls; main source of fiber in the human H4 H1 H2A
Okazaki fragments.
expanded view of
diet H3 H2B
a nucleosome

Starches (amylose and amylopectin): main
energy storage forms for plants
Glycogen: a major energy storage form for
animals
expanded view H4 Recombinant DNA and Biotechnology
Recombinant DNA is DNA composed of nucleotides
from two different sources.
Telomeres are the ends of chromosomes. They
contain a high GC-content to prevent unraveling of DNA cloning introduces a fragment of DNA into a
the DNA. vector plasmid. A restriction enzyme (restriction
endonuclease) cuts both the plasmid and the fragment,
leaving them with sticky ends, which can bind.

02_MCAT_QS_Biochem.indd 6 4/10/14 12:02 PM

 Once replicated, the bacterial cells can be used to Transcription BIOLOGICAL MEMBRANES
create a protein of interest, or can be lysed to allow DNA transcription
for isolation of the fragment of interest from the TATA
box ATG TGA
Membrane Transport
vector. 5'
35 10 coding region
3' Osmotic pressure, a colligative property, is the
DNA libraries are large collections of known DNA 3'
promoter
5'
pressure applied to a pure solvent to prevent
sequences. 5' untranslated
region (UTR)
3' untranslated
region (UTR)
osmosis and is related to the concentration of
Genomic libraries contain large fragments of
+1
transcription the solution.
transcription terminates
DNA, including both coding and noncoding = iMRT
mRNA GC-rich stem
regions of the genome. They cannot be used ShineDalgarno
AUG UGA and loop
Passive transport does not require ATP because the
to make recombinant proteins or for gene sequence
5'
coding region
UUUUUU 3' molecule is moving down its concentration gradient
therapy. or from an area of higher concentration to an area of
5' UTR 3' UTR
cDNA libraries (expression libraries) contain translation lower concentration.
smaller fragments of DNA, and only include
Simple diffusion does not require a
the exons of genes expressed by the sample H2NproteinCOOH
transporter. Small, nonpolar molecules
tissue. They can be used to make recombinant
Steps:Figure I-3-4. Expression of a Prokaryotic Protein Coding Gene passively move from an area of high
proteins or for gene therapy.
Helicase and topoisomerase unwind DNA concentration to an area of low concentration
Hybridization is the joining of complementary base double helix. until equilibrium is achieved.
pair sequences. Osmosis describes the diffusion of water
RNA polymerase II binds to TATA box within
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is an automated promoter region of gene (25 base pairs across a selectively permeable membrane.
process by which millions of copies of a DNA upstream from first transcribed base). Facilitated diffusion uses transport proteins
sequence can be created from a very small sample hnRNA synthesized from DNA template to move impermeable solutes across the cell
by hybridization. (antisense) strand. membrane.
DNA molecules can be separated by size using Posttranscriptional modifications: Active transport requires energy in the form of
agarose gel electrophoresis. ATP (primary) or an existing favorable ion gradient
7-methylguanylate triphosphate cap added
Southern blotting can be used to detect the (secondary). Secondary active transport can be
to 5' end
presence and quantity of various DNA strands in further classified as symport or antiport.
Polyadenosyl (poly-A) tail added to 3' end
a sample. After electrophoresis, the sample is
Splicing done by spliceosome; introns
transferred to a membrane that can be probed
removed and exons ligated together.
with single-stranded DNA molecules to look for a molecules
Alternative splicing combines different exons transport
sequence of interest. proteins
to acquire different gene products.
DNA sequencing uses dideoxyribonucleotides,
which terminate the DNA chain because they lack a
3' OH group.
Translation
{ cell membrane

Occurs at the ribosome.

RNA AND THE GENETIC CODE concentration simple facilitated energy
gradient diffusion diffusion (ATP or ion gradient)

{
Central Dogma: DNA RNA proteins A U G C C G U A U G C U A U G C C G U A U G C U
U A C U A CG G C
passive transport active transport

The Genetic Code Endocytosis and exocytosis are methods of

Figure 1.5 Movement Across Memberances

Degenerate code allows multiple codons to encode Met P site A site Pro
engulfing material into cells or releasing material
Met
for the same amino acid. to the exterior of cells, both via the cell membrane.
} anticodon
Pinocytosis is the ingestion of liquid into the cell
G

Initiation: AUG
G

incoming tRNA
C

Termination: UAA, UGA, UAG from vesicles formed from the cell membrane and
Pr
o

phagocytosis is the ingestion of solid material.

Redundancy and wobble (third base in the Three stages: initiation, elongation, termination
codon) allow mutations to occur without
Posttranslational modifications:
affecting the protein.
Folding by chaperones CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM
Point mutations can cause:
Formation of quaternary structure
Silent mutations, with no effect on protein Cleavage of proteins or signal sequences Glycolysis
synthesis Occurs in the cytoplasm of all cells, and does not
Covalent addition of other biomolecules
Nonsense (truncation) mutations, which (phosphorylation, carboxylation, glycosylation, require oxygen. Yields 2 ATP per glucose. Important
produce a premature stop codon prenylation) enzymes include:
Missense mutations, which produce a codon
Glucokinase: present in the pancreatic -islet
that codes for a different amino acid
Control of Gene Expression in Prokaryotes cells as part of the glucose sensor and is
Frameshift mutations, which result from responsive to insulin in the liver
nucleotide addition or deletion and change Operons (JacobMonod model) are inducible or
repressible clusters of genes transcribed as a single Hexokinase: traps glucose
the reading frame of subsequent codons
mRNA. Phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK-1): rate-limiting
RNA is structurally similar to DNA except: regulator promoter operator structural regulator promoter operator structural step
Substitution of a ribose sugar for deoxyribose Phosphofructokinase-2 (PFK-2): produces
Substitution of uracil for thymine RNA polymerase RNA polymerase
F2,6-BP, which activates PFK-1
Single-stranded instead of double-stranded R
binds
R
Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase:
repressor
repressor
inducer I inducerrepressor
repressorcorepressor
complex binds to produces NADH
There are three major types of RNA in transcription: I complex cannot bind R C R C operator and represses
R R to operatorstructural
genes are transcribed
enzyme synthesis
3-phosphoglycerate kinase and
Messenger RNA (mRNA): carries the message
repressor cannot
bind to operator
by itself
corepressor (end product)
pyruvate kinase: perform substrate-level
from DNA in the nucleus via transcription of inducible system repressible system
phosphorylation
the gene; travels into the cytoplasm to be
translated
Control of Gene Expression in Eukaryotes Glucokinase/hexokinase, PFK-1, and pyruvate kinase
Transcription factors search for promoter and catalyze irreversible reactions.
Transfer RNA (tRNA): brings in amino acids;
recognizes the codon on the mRNA using its enhancer regions in the DNA. The NADH produced in glycolysis is oxidized
anticodon Promoters are within 25 base pairs of the aerobically by the mitochondrial electron transport
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA): makes up much of the transcription start site. chain and anaerobically by cytoplasmic lactate
ribosome; enzymatically active Enhancers are more than 25 base pairs away dehydrogenase.
from the transcription start site.

02_MCAT_QS_Biochem.indd 7 4/10/14 12:02 PM

 Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Each NADH: 2.5 ATP; 10 NADH form 25 ATP LIPID AND AMINO ACID METABOLISM
Converts pyruvate to acetyl-CoA. Stimulated by Each FADH2: 1.5 ATP; 2 FADH2 form 3 ATP
insulin and inhibited by acetyl-CoA. GTP are converted to ATP. Lipid Transport
2 ATP from glycolysis + 2 ATP (GTP) from citric Lipids are transported via chylomicrons, VLDL, IDL,
The Citric Acid Cycle acid cycle + 25 ATP from NADH + 3 ATP from LDL, and HDL.
Takes place in mitochondrial matrix. Main purpose FADH2 = 32 ATP per molecule of glucose
is to oxidize acetyl-CoA to CO2 and generate high- (optimal). 3032 ATP per molecule of glucose TGL TGL Adipose

energy electron carriers (NADH and FADH2) and GTP. is the commonly accepted range for energy CE CE
Chylomicron Chylomicron

Glucose
yield Intestine
(epithelium)
(lymph) (blood)
Lipoprotein
Pyruvate Amino acids lipase

PDH Glycogenesis and Glycogenolysis Cholesterol TGL

Fatty acids
Glycerol 3-P
CE

Acetyl-CoA
Fatty acids
Ketones Glycogenesis (glycogen synthesis) is the building of Chylomicron
remnant
glycogen using two main enzymes:
Alcohol Liver Triacylglycerol
Triacylglycerol TGL
Citrate chol
synthase Glycogen synthase, which creates -1,4 Glucose VLDL
Glycerol 3-P
(blood)
Oxaloacetate Citrate glycosidic links between glucose molecules. It Lipoprotein
lipase

Malate
cis-Aconitase is activated by insulin in the liver and muscles. TGL
Fatty acids

Branching enzyme, which moves a block of

dehydrogenase NADH chol

+
Isocitrate IDL
NAD
NAD
+
Isocitrate oligoglucose from one chain and connects it
Malate
dehydrogenase as a branch using an -1,6 glycosidic link. Cholesterol Metabolism
CO2
Cholesterol may be obtained through dietary
NADH
Fumarase
-Ketoglutarate Glycogenolysis is the breakdown of glycogen using
Fumarate NAD
+
-Ketoglutarate two main enzymes: sources or through synthesis in the liver.
FADH2 dehydrogenase
The key enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis is
Glycogen phosphorylase, which removes
NADH
Succinate
HMG-CoA reductase.
FAD CO2
dehydrogenase
(complex II)
Succinate
GTP GDP + Pi Succinyl-CoA
single glucose 1-phosphate molecules by
breaking -1,4 glycosidic links. In the liver, it Palmitic acid, the only fatty acid that humans can
Succinyl-CoA
synthetase is activated by glucagon to prevent low blood synthesize, is produced in the cytoplasm from
sugar. In exercising skeletal muscle, it is acetyl-CoA transported out of the mitochondria.
The Electron Transport Chain
Figure I-13-1. Citric Acid Cycle activated by epinephrine and AMP to provide Fatty acid oxidation occurs in the mitochondria,
glucose for the muscle itself. following transport by the carnitine shuttle, via
Takes place on the matrix-facing surface of the inner
Debranching enzyme, which moves a block of -oxidation.
mitochondrial membrane.
oligoglucose from one branch and connects it
NADH donates electrons to the chain, which are Ketone bodies form (ketogenesis) during a
to the chain using an -1,4 glycosidic link.
passed from one complex to the next. Reduction prolonged starvation state due to excess acetyl-CoA
potentials increase down the chain, until the Gluconeogenesis in the liver. Ketolysis regenerates acetyl-CoA for use
electrons end up on oxygen, which has the highest as an energy source in peripheral tissues.
Occurs in both the cytoplasm and mitochondria,
reduction potential. predominantly in the liver. Most of gluconeogenesis
Step 1
Cyt c
Step 2
Cyt c
is just the reverse of glycolysis, using the same Protein Catabolism
2H
+
(ox) 2 H+ (ox)
4 Cyt c 2 H+
(red)

Q
1 e
Cyt c
(red)
Q
1 e
Cyt c
(red) 4 Cyt
(ox)
c 4 e
Cu enzymes. Protein digestion occurs primarily in the small
Fe-S

intestine. Carbon skeletons of amino acids are used

centers Q Q QH2 QH2 Fe
Fe

The three irreversible steps of glycolysis must be

QH2 Fe-S QH2 Q QH2
centers 1 e 1 e Fe
Heme Q Q +
4 H + O2

for energy, either through gluconeogenesis or ketone

Cu
+

bypassed by different enzymes:

+ + 2H
2 e 4H 2H 2 H+ +
2 H2O 2 H

FMN FAD FADH2

body formation. Amino groups are fed into the urea
+
NADH NAD + H
+

Succinate Fumarate + 2 H+
Pyruvate carboxylase and PEP carboxykinase cycle for excretion.
Complex I Complex II Complex III Complex IV
bypass pyruvate kinase
NADH cannot cross the inner mitochondrial Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase bypasses
membrane, so must use one of two shuttle phosphofructokinase-1 Glycogen
Insulin Glucagon
synthesis
mechanisms to transfer its electrons to energy Glucose-6-phosphatase bypasses hexokinase/
carriers in the mitochondrial matrix: the glycerol glucokinase Lipid
Cellular glucose
uptake
Glycogenolysis Stimulates
Inhibits

3-phosphate shuttle or the malateaspartate synthesis

Plasma glucose
Lipolysis

shuttle. The Pentose Phosphate Pathway Protein

Protein Glucose catabolism
synthesis utilization
Oxidative Phosphorylation Occurs in the cytoplasm of most cells, generating Ureagenesis

NADPH and sugars for biosynthesis. Rate-limiting Glucose efflux Gluconeogenesis

The proton-motive force is the electrochemical gradient
enzyme is glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, Ketogenesis

generated by the electron transport chain across the

which is activated by NADP+ and inhibited by NADPH
inner mitochondrial membrane. The intermembrane
space has a higher concentration of protons than the
and insulin. Tissue-Specific Metabolism
matrix; this gradient stores energy, which can be used Liver: maintains blood glucose through
to form ATP via chemiosmotic coupling. BIOENERGETICS AND REGULATION OF glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis.
ATP synthase is the enzyme responsible for generating METABOLISM Processes lipids, cholesterol, bile, urea, and
toxins.
ATP from ADP and an inorganic phosphate (Pi ).
Metabolic States Adipose: stores and releases lipids
Summary of the energy yield of the various
In the postprandial/well-fed (absorptive) Resting muscle: conserves carbohydrates as
carbohydrate metabolism processes:
state, insulin secretion is high and anabolic glycogen and uses free fatty acids for fuel
Glycolysis: 2 NADH and 2 ATP metabolism prevails. Active muscle: may use anaerobic
Pyruvate dehydrogenase: 1 NADH (2 NADH In the postabsorptive (fasting) state, insulin metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, direct
per molecule of glucose because each glucose secretion decreases while glucagon and phosphorylation (creatine phosphate), or fatty
forms two molecules of pyruvate) catecholamine secretion increases. acid oxidation
Citric acid cycle: 3 NADH, 1 FADH2, and 1 GTP Prolonged fasting (starvation) dramatically Cardiac muscle: uses fatty acid oxidation
(6 NADH, 2 FADH2, and 2 GTP per molecule increases glucagon and catecholamine Brain: uses glucose except in prolonged
of glucose) secretion. Most tissues rely on fatty acids. starvation, when it can use ketolysis

02_MCAT_QS_Biochem.indd 8 4/10/14 12:02 PM

 MCAT QuickSheetS Biology
THE CELL
Organelles of Eukaryotic Cells Fluid Mosaic Model and Membrane Eukaryotes contain membrane-bound organelles
Nucleus: contains all of the genetic material Traffic such as a nucleus, while prokaryotes are simpler cells
necessary for replication of the cell without a nucleus.
outside the cell carbohydrate

Mitochondrion: location of many metabolic phospholipid bilayer

Prokaryotes
processes (pyruvate dehydrogenase, citric
acid cycle, ETC, oxidative phosphorylation, Classified by shape: Spherical bacteria are known
-oxidation, some of gluconeogenesis, urea as cocci, while rod-shaped bacteria are known
cycle) and ATP production as bacilli. Spiral-shaped bacteria are known as
fatty acid tails
Lysosomes: membrane-bound structures (hydrophobic) spirilli.
containing hydrolytic enzymes capable of inside the cell embedded proteins
Cell wall and cell membrane form the
breaking down many different substrates envelope. Composition of the cell wall
Phospholipid bilayer with cholesterol and further classifies bacteria into gram-positive
Rough endoplasmic reticulum: interconnected
membranous structure with ribosomes
embedded proteins and gram-negative. Gram-positive bacteria
studding the outside; site of synthesis Exterior: hydrophilic phosphate head groups have large quantities of peptidoglycan in the
of proteins destined for insertion into a Interior: hydrophobic fatty acids cell wall, while gram-negative bacteria have
membrane or secretion much smaller quantities of peptidoglycan
The original form of the cell theory consisted of three with lipopolysaccharides.
Smooth endoplasmic reticulum: interconnected basic tenets:
membranous structure where lipid synthesis Structure of flagella in bacteria is much
All living things are composed of cells. different than that of eukaryotes. Prokaryotic
and detoxification occurs
The cell is the basic functional unit of life. flagella contain a basal body that serves as the
Golgi apparatus: membrane-bound sacs where
Cells arise only from preexisting cells. engine for motion.
posttranslational modification of proteins
occurs A fourth tenet has been added as a result of advances All prokaryotes divide by binary fission. The
in molecular biology: cells carry genetic information circular chromosome replicates and attaches to
Peroxisomes: organelle containing hydrogen
in the form of DNA. This genetic material is passed on the cell wall; the plasma membrane and cell wall
peroxide; site of -oxidation of very long chain
from parent to daughter cell. grow along the midline, forming daughter cells.
fatty acids

REPRODUCTION 8. Homeostasis
Cell Division Four Stages of Early Development Osmoregulation
G1: cell increases its organelles and cytoplasm Cleavage: mitotic divisions Filtration at the glomerulus. Filtrate (fluid and
S: DNA replication Implantation: embryo implants during blastula small solutes) passes through. Passive
G2: same as G1 stage Secretion of acids, bases, and ions from
M: the cell divides in two Gastrulation: ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm interstitial fluid to filtrate. Maintains pH, [K+]
Mitosis = PMAT form and [waste]. Passive and Active
Meiosis = PMAT 2 Reabsorption: essential substances and
Neurulation: germ layers develop a nervous system
Mitosis Meiosis blastula water flow from filtrate to blood. Enabled by
centrosome centriole centrosome centriole

nuclear membrane chromatin

interphase
nuclear membrane chromatin
interphase
(blastocyst) blastocoel osmolarity gradient and selective permeability
morula ectoderm
of the walls. Passive and Active
prophase I
spindle archenteron
aster
prophase
2n metaphase I blastopore Hormonal Regulation
metaphase plate
disjunction
metaphase Aldosterone
anaphase I endoderm
Stimulates Na+ reabsorption, K+ and H+
anaphase
telophase I Ectoderm Nervous system, epidermis, lens secretion, increasing water reabsorption,
Attractoderm of eye, inner ear blood volume, and blood pressure
telophase metaphase II
daughter cells Endoderm Lining of digestive tract, lungs, Secreted from adrenal cortex

daughter cells anaphase II

Endernal organs liver and pancreas Is regulated by the reninangiotensin
Mesoderm Muscles, skeleton, circulatory aldosterone system
telophase II Meansoderm system, gonads, kidney
n n n n
ADH (Vasopressin)
gametes

Homeostasis Hormone Action Source

The Livers Roles in Increases collecting ducts permeability to water to
Stimulates follicle maturation; spermatogenesis
Follicle-stimulating (FSH) increase water reabsorption
1. Gluconeogenesis
Stimulates ovulation; testosterone synthesis
Luteinizing (LH)
Sexual Reproduction 2. Processing of nitrogenous wastesadrenal
(urea)cortex to make and secrete
Is secreted from posterior pituitary with high
Stimulates [solute] in the blood
Meiosis I: Adrenocorticotropic (ACTH)
3. Detoxification of wastes/chemicals/drugs
glucocorticoids
Two pairs of sister chromatids form tetrads 4. StorageAnterior
of ironpituitary
and vitaminStimulates
A the thyroid to produce thyroid Kidneys regulate [salt] and [water] in the blood. Their
Thyroid-stimulating (TSH) hormones
during prophase I. 5. Synthesis of bile and blood proteins functional unit is the nephron.
Prolactin 6. -Oxidation of fatty acids Stimulates
to ketonesmilk production and secretion cortex
Crossing over leads to genetic recombination amino acids

Endorphins Inhibits the perception

fats, andof amino
pain in the brain
vitamins
distal convoluted tubule
7. Interconversion of carbohydrates
H O glucose +
Na Cl 2

in prophase I.
increasing ionic gradient in interstitium

Growth hormone acids Stimulates bone and muscle growth/lipolysis

Homologous chromosomes separate during Stimulates uterine contractions during labor, K ,H , + +

Oxytocin Hypothalamus; proximal NH , urea K , HO +

metaphase I.
2

milk secretion during lactation

convoluted tubule H , 3 +

stored in
NH
outer medulla
Antidiuretic (ADH,Layers of the Skin
3

Meiosis II:
Cl
posterior pituitary Stimulates water reabsorption in kidneys Na +

vasopressin) Stratum corneum HO

collecting
duct 2

Essentially identical to mitosis, but no Thyroid hormones (T3, T4) Stimulates metabolic activity
Stratum Thyroid
lucidum inner medulla
replication. Calcitonin Decreases (tones down) blood calcium level
Parathyroid hormone Stratum Parathyroid
granulosum Increases blood calcium level HO 2
concentrated urine

Meiosis occurs in spermatogenesis (sperm

Increases blood glucose level and decreases

Stratum spinosum
Cl
Glucocorticoids
+

formation) and oogenesis

Na
Adrenal cortex protein synthesis; anti-inflammatory urea

(egg formation). Mineralocorticoids Stratum basalis Increases water reabsorption in kidneys loop of Henle

Epinephrine, Norepinephrine Adrenal medulla Increases blood glucose level and heart rate passive diffusion

Stimulates conversion of glycogen to glucose in active transportation

Glucagon
the liver; increases blood glucose
Insulin Pancreas
Lowers blood glucose; increases glycogen stores
Somatostatin Supresses secretion of glucagon and insulin
Testosterone Testes Maintains male secondary sexual characteristics
03_MCAT_QS_Biology.indd 9 4/10/14 12:05 PM
Estrogen Maintains female secondary sexual characteristics
 Ectoderm Nervous system, epidermis, lens
Attractoderm of eye, inner ear
Endoderm ENDOCRINE
Lining of digestive tract, lungs, SYSTEM
Endernal organs liver and pancreas
Direct hormones directly stimulate organs; tropic hormones stimulate other glands.
Muscles, skeleton, circulatory
Four Stages of Menstrual Cycle:
Mesoderm
Mechanisms of hormone action: peptides act via second messengers and steroids act via hormone/receptor
Meansoderm system, gonads, kidney 1. Follicular: FSH causes growth of a follicle
binding to DNA. Amino acid-derivative hormones may do either.
2. Ovulation: LH causes follicle to release egg
Hormone Source Action 3. Luteal: corpus luteum forms
Follicle-stimulating (FSH) Stimulates follicle maturation; spermatogenesis 4. Menstruation: endometrial lining sheds
Luteinizing (LH) Stimulates ovulation; testosterone synthesis
day 14 ruptures-egg released
Stimulates adrenal cortex to make and secrete
Hypothalamus LH surge follicle
(ovulation)
Adrenocorticotropic (ACTH) glucocorticoids
day 0 LH
no pregnancy corpus luteum atrophies
GnRH corpus luteum
pr e (inhibition stops, cycle
Anterior pituitary Stimulates the thyroid to produce thyroid gn
an
cy starts anew)
Thyroid-stimulating (TSH) Ectoderm
hormones Nervous system, epidermis, lens pituitary
pr ogesterone zygote

Stimulates milk production andofsecretion

Attractoderm eye, inner ear
early in cycle
Prolactin (prevents multiple
FSH
later in
cycle
maintains
uterine wall hCG
Endoderm Lining
Inhibits the perception of pain in of digestive tract, lungs,
the brain
egg development)
Endorphins (LH analog)

Growth hormone Stimulates bone

Endernal liver and pancreas
and muscle growth/lipolysis
organs ovary

Stimulates uterine contractionsMuscles,

Mesoderm skeleton, circulatory
during labor,
Oxytocin Hypothalamus; follicle begins to mature
milk secretion during lactation system, gonads, kidney
Meansoderm
stored in
Antidiuretic (ADH, estrogen
posterior pituitary Stimulates water reabsorption in kidneys
vasopressin)
Hormone Source Action
Thyroid hormones (T3, T4) Stimulates metabolic activity
uterus

Thyroid
Follicle-stimulating (FSH) Stimulates follicle maturation; spermatogenesis
Calcitonin Decreases (tones down) blood calcium level
Parathyroid hormone Luteinizing (LH) Increases blood calcium level
Parathyroid Stimulates ovulation; testosterone synthesis vascularization
of uterine wall

Increases blood glucose level and Stimulates adrenal cortex to make and secrete
decreases
Glucocorticoids Adrenocorticotropicprotein
(ACTH)
Adrenal cortex synthesis; anti-inflammatory glucocorticoids
Mineralocorticoids Increases waterAnterior
reabsorption in kidneys
pituitary Stimulates the thyroid to produce thyroid
Thyroid-stimulating (TSH) hormones
Epinephrine, Norepinephrine Adrenal medulla Increases blood glucose level and heart rate
Prolactin Stimulates milk production and secretion
Stimulates conversion of glycogen toInhibits glucosethe in perception of pain in the brain
Glucagon Endorphins
the liver; increases blood glucose
Insulin Pancreas
Growth hormone Lowers blood glucose; increases glycogen Stimulates bone and muscle growth/lipolysis
stores
Somatostatin Oxytocin Supresses secretion of glucagon andStimulates
Hypothalamus; insulin uterine contractions during labor,
Testosterone Testes Maintains male secondary milk secretion during lactation
stored insexual characteristics
Estrogen Antidiuretic (ADH, Maintains female secondary sexual characteristics
Ovary/Placenta posterior pituitary Stimulates water reabsorption in kidneys
Progesterone vasopressin) Promotes growth/maintenance of endometrium
Melatonin Thyroid
Pineal hormones (T ,
RegulatesT ) sleepwake cycles Stimulates metabolic activity
3 4 Thyroid
Atrial natriuretic peptide Calcitonin
Heart Involved in osmoregulation and vasodilation Decreases (tones down) blood calcium level
Thymosin Parathyroid
Thymus hormone Parathyroid
Stimulates T-cell development Increases blood calcium level
Increases blood glucose level and decreases
Glucocorticoids
Adrenal cortex protein synthesis; anti-inflammatory
Mineralocorticoids ACTION Increases water reabsorption in kidneys MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
I NERVOUS SYSTEM
Rest All gates POTENTIAL
closed
II Depolarization Na+ gates open
Epinephrine, Norepinephrine Adrenal medulla Increases blood glucose level and heart rate
The functional unit is the neuron: III Repolarization Na gates inactivate
+
Sarcomere
K+ gates open Stimulates conversion of glycogen to glucose in
cell body Glucagon Contractile unit of the fibers in skeletal muscle
Schwann cells IV Hyperpolarization All gates closedPancreas the liver; increases blood glucose
nodes of
Ranvier axon Insulin Lowers blood glucose; increases glycogen stores Contains thin actin and thick myosin filaments
nerve
myelin
sheathBlood Somatostatin Supresses secretion of glucagon and insulin
RBC Antibodies
terminals Donates Receives
Testosterone Testes Maintains male secondary sexual characteristics
type antigen to: From:
Estrogen Maintains female secondary sexual characteristics
dendrites A A anti-B A, AB Ovary/Placenta
A, O
Progesterone Promotes growth/maintenance of endometrium
B B anti-A
Melatonin B, AB B, O
Pineal Regulates sleepwake cycles
AB A, B Atrial natriuretic
None peptideAB only All
Heart Involved in osmoregulation and vasodilation
O None Thymosin anti-A, B All O only
Thymus Stimulates T-cell development
Resting Potential: Contraction
3 Na+ pumped out for every 2 K+ pumped in Initiation:
Enzyme Production Site Function SiteHydrolysis
I
Rest Reaction All gates closed
II
Depolarization Na+ gates open Depolarization of a neuron leads to an action
Salivary amylase
Action Potential:
(ptyalin)
Salivary glands Mouth III
Repolarization
Starch maltose Na+ gates inactivate potential.
K+ gates open
Pancreatic amylase Pancreas
Stimulus acts on the neuron, depolarizing the Small intestine IV Starch maltose
Hyperpolarization All gates closed Sarcomere shortening:
Maltase
membrane of the cell body Intestinal glands Small intestine Maltose 2 glucoses Sarcoplasmic reticulum releases Ca2+.
Sucrase Intestinal glands Small intestine Sucrose glucose, fructose
Lactase Intestinal glands
Blood
Small intestine
RBC Antibodies Donates Receives Ca2+ binds to troponin on the actin filament.
Lactose glucose, galactose
Impulse Propagation: type antigen to: From: Tropomyosin shifts, exposing myosin-binding sites.
+ rushing into axon) followed A A anti-B axon A, AB A, O Myosin binds, ATPase activity allows myosin to
Depolarization (Na
Enzyme Production Site Function SiteB Function
+ B anti-A B, AB B, O
by repolarization (K Gastric glands
rushing out of axon) along pull thin filaments towards the center of the
Pepsin Stomach AB HydrolyzesA, B specific None
peptide bonds AB only All
the nerve axon (chief cells) H zone, and then ATP causes dissociation.
O None anti-A, B All O only
Hydrolyzes specific peptide bonds
Trypsin
actin filament
troponin
Converts chymotrypsinogen to chymotrypsin tropomyosin
The Synapse:
Chymotrypsin Pancreas Enzyme Production
Hydrolyzes Site peptide
specific
action Function
bonds Site Hydrolysis Reaction
At the synaptic knob, voltage-gated Ca2+ Small potential
Carboxypeptidases Salivary amylase
2+ into the cell. + + + + + +
channels open, sending Ca Intestine Salivary glands
Hydrolyzes terminal peptideMouth
bond at C-terminus Starch maltose
A and B (ptyalin) + + + Ca2+ calcium
Vesicles fuse with presynaptic membrane
+

Pancreatic amylase Hydrolyzes

Pancreas Small intestine maltose
Na
Aminopeptidase + terminal
+ peptide
bond at N-terminus
Starch
myosin binding site

sending the neurotransmitter across the

Dipeptidases Maltase
Intestinal glands Intestinal
Hydrolyzes glands
pairs + Small
of amino acids
+ intestine
+ + + Maltose
+ 2 glucoses
synapticEnteropeptidase
cleft. Sucrase Intestinaltrypsinogen
Converts glands to trypsin
Small intestine Sucrose glucose, fructose
Neurotransmitter binds to receptors on Lactase Intestinal glands Small intestine Lactose glucose, galactose
the postsynaptic membrane, triggering
action Relaxation:
Table 1 K +
potential
depolarization. Enzyme Production + Site + Function
Site
+ + + + Function Ca2+ is pumped back into the sarcoplasmic
Surface Colony Growth GastricStarch
glands
Digestion
+ +
Pepsin Stomach Hydrolyzes specific peptide bonds reticulum.
A B C (chiefAcells)
B C+ +Na +

Strain 1 + + + + + + Hydrolyzes
+ + specific peptide bonds
+
Strain 2 +Trypsin + + K
+ +
Bone Formation and Remodeling
Converts chymotrypsinogen to chymotrypsin
key: + = growth; = no growth Osteoblast: builds bone
Chymotrypsin Pancreas Hydrolyzes specific peptide bonds
action
Small Osteoclast: breaks down bone
Table 2
Carboxypeptidases potential
K +

+ + +Intestine
+ Hydrolyzes
terminal
peptide bond at C-terminus
A and B Reformation: inorganic ions are absorbed from
Surface Colony Growth Deep-Agar Colony Growth
Aminopeptidase
+ + + +
NaHydrolyzes terminal peptide bond at N-terminus
+
the blood for use in bone
+ + + +
Strain 1 Dipeptidases
+ Intestinal glands
+ + + + Hydrolyzes
pairs
of amino acids Degradation (resorption): inorganic ions are
Enteropeptidase K +
Converts trypsinogen to trypsin released into the blood
Strain 2 + +
key: + = growth; = no growth
Table 1
Surface Colony Growth Starch Digestion
03_MCAT_QS_Biology.indd 10
A B C A B C 4/10/14 12:05 PM
 MCAT QUICKSHEETS
ATOMIC STRUCTURE
Atomic weight: The weighted average of the masses
of the naturally occurring isotopes of an element, in
amu per molecule or grams per mole
mass number
A
Z X element
atomic number
A mole is a unit used to count particles and is
represented by Avogadros number, 6.022 1023
particles.
mass of a sample
Moles =
molar mass
Isotopes: For a given element, multiple species
of atoms with the same number of protons (same
atomic number) but different numbers of neutrons
(different mass numbers)
Plancks quantum theory: Energy emitted as electro-
magnetic radiation from matter exists in discrete
bundles called quanta.
Bohrs Model of the Hydrogen Atom
R H
electron Energy of electron = E =
n Exceptions: Some elements are stable with fewer
proton Electromagnetic
energy of photons = E = hc
The group of hydrogen emission lines corresponding
to transitions from upper levels n > 2 to n = 2
is known as the Balmer series, while the group
corresponding to transitions between upper levels
n > 1 to n = 1 is known as the Lyman series.
Absorption spectrum: Characteristic energy bands
where electrons absorb energy
Quantum Mechanical Model of Atoms
Heisenberg uncertainty principle: It is impossible to
determine with perfect accuracy the momentum and
the position of an electron simultaneously.
Quantum Numbers:
n1
Principal quantum number (n): The larger the integer
value of n, the higher the energy level and radius
of the electrons orbit. The maximum number of
electrons in energy level n is 2n2.
Azimuthal quantum number (l): Refers to subshells.
The four subshells corresponding to l = 0, 1, 2,
and 3 are known as s, p, d, and f, respectively. The
maximum number of electrons that can exist within a
subshell is given by the equation 4l + 2.
04_MCAT_QS_GenChem.indd 13
BONDING & CHEMICAL INTERACTIONS
Octet Rule:
An atom will bond until it has a full outermost
shell.
An atom wants to have a configuration similar
to that of Group VIII (noble gases).
2 Steps for drawing Lewis structures:
than 8 electrons: H (2), He (2), Li (2), Be (4), B (6).
Atoms found in or beyond the third period can have
more than eight valence electrons because some of
the valence electrons may occupy d-orbitals. These
atoms can have more than four bonds in Lewis
structures.
For instance, the sulfate ion can be drawn in at
least six resonance forms, many of which have two
double bonds attached to a different combination of
oxygen atoms.
2 2
1 1
O O
0
+2
1 O S O1 0O S
O0
O
1
O
1
Magnetic quantum number (ml): This specifies the
particular orbital within a subshell where an electron
is highly likely to be found at a given point in time.
Spin quantum number (ms): The spin of a particle
is its intrinsic angular momentum and is a
characteristic of the particle, like its charge.
Electron Configuration
Hunds rule: Within a given subshell, orbitals are
filled such that there are a maximum number of half-
filled orbitals with parallel spins.
Valence electrons: Electrons of an atom that are
in its outer energy shell and that are available for
bonding.
GENERAL CHEMISTRY
Covalent Bond Notation
Lewis structure: The chemical symbol of an element
surrounded by dots, each representing one of the
s or p valence electrons of the atom.
1. Write the skeletal structure of the compound.
HCN
2. Count all the valence electrons of the atoms.
3. Draw single bonds between the central atom
and the atoms surrounding it.
H:C:N
4. Complete the octets of all atoms bonded to
the central atom, using the remaining valence
electrons still to be assigned.
H:C N
5. Place any extra electrons on the central atom.
..
HCN
Formal Charges
Formal charge is the charge an atom would have if all
the electrons in bonds were shared equally.
Geometry and polarity of covalent molecules
Polar covalent bond: Bonding electron pair is
not shared equally, but pulled towards more
electronegative atom
H F
Polarity of molecules: Depends on the polarity of the
constituent bonds and on the shape of the molecule.
A molecule with nonpolar bonds is always nonpolar; a
molecule with polar bonds may be polar or nonpolar
depending on the orientation of the bond dipoles.
The overall shape of the molecule determines whether
the molecule is in fact polar or not. For instance, the
four bond dipoles for the CCl4 molecule point to the
vertices of the tetrahedron and cancel each other.
Cl no net
dipole
+ moment
Cl
C
Cl
Cl
4/10/14 12:06 PM
 Regions of
Geometric Arrangement
Angle between
KINETICS & EQUILIBRIUM
Example of Electron Pairs around Shape
Electron Density Electron Pairs
the Central Atom
Experimental determination of rate law: The values of k,
x, and y in the rate law equation (rate = k[A]x[B]y) must be Eauncatalyzed

determined experimentally for a given reaction at a given uncatalyzed

temperature. The rate is usually measured as a function of

free energy
the initial concentrations of the reactants, A and B. Eacatalyzed

catalyzed
Efficiency of Reactions

reaction coordinate

Law of Mass Action

Complex Ion (Coordination Compound)
A Lewis acidbase adduct with a cation bonded
to at least one electron pair donor (including
water). Donor molecules are called ligands and use
coordinate covalent bonds. The central cation can
be bonded to the same ligand multiple times in a
process called chelation.
Intermolecular Forces
1. Hydrogen bonding: The partial positive charge
of the hydrogen atom interacts with the partial
negative charge located on the electronegative
atoms (F, O, N) of nearby molecules.
+
+ Zn (s) + CuSO4 (aq) Cu (s) + ZnSO4 (aq)
+ Double-displacement reactions: Also called
2. Dipoledipole interactions: Polar molecules
orient themselves such that the positive region
of one molecule is close to the negative region
of another molecule.
+ H Cl
+ H Cl
3. Dispersion forces: The bonding electrons in
covalent bonds may appear to be equally
shared between two atoms, but at any
particular point in time they will be located
randomly throughout the orbital. This permits
unequal sharing of electrons, causing transient
polarization and counterpolarization of the
electron clouds of neighboring molecules,
inducing the formation of more dipoles.
symmetrical
distribution
electron
+
nucleus
+ +
free energy
Eaforward
H2 + Cl2
G c
reaction coordinate
COMPOUNDS & STOICHIOMETRY
A mole is the amount of a substance that contains
the same number of particles that are found in a
12.000 g sample of carbon-12.
The molecular or formula weight is measured in amu
per molecule (or formula unit). The molar mass is
measured in grams per mole.
Combustion reactions: A fuel, such as a hydrocarbon,
is reacted with an oxidant, such as oxygen, to
produce an oxide and water.
CH4 (g) + 2 O2 (g) CO2 (g) + 2 H2O (g)
Combination reactions: Two or more reactants form
one product.
S (s) + O2 (g) SO2 (g)
Decomposition reactions: A compound breaks down
into two or more substances, usually as a result of
heating or electrolysis.
2 HgO (s) 2 Hg (l) + O2 (g)
Single-displacement reactions: An atom (or ion) of
+
one compound is replaced by an atom of another
element.
metathesis reactions; elements from two different
compounds displace each other to form two new
compounds.
CaCl2 (aq) + 2 AgNO3 (aq) Ca(NO3)2 (aq) + 2 AgCl (s)
Net ionic equations: These types of equations
+ H Cl are written showing only the species that actually
participate in the reaction. Consider the following
equation:
Zn (s) + Cu2+ (aq) + SO24 (aq)
Cu (s) + Zn2+ (aq) + SO24 (aq)
The spectator ion (SO24) does not take part in the
overall reaction, but simply remains in solution
throughout. The net ionic equation would be:
Zn (s) + Cu2+ (aq) Cu (s) + Zn2+ (aq)
Neutralization reactions: These are a specific type
of double-displacement reactions that occur when
an acid reacts with a base to produce a solution of a
salt (and, usually, water):
asymmetrical HCl (aq) + NaOH (aq) NaCl (aq) + H2O (l)
distribution
Factors affecting reaction rates: reactant
concentrations, temperature, medium, catalysts
Catalysts are unique substances that increase
reaction rate without being consumed; they do this
by lowering the activation energy.
Eareverse
 cC + dD
aA + bB 
d
[C] [D]
Kc = a b
[A] [B]
2 HCl
Kc is the equilibrium constant (c stands for
concentration).
Properties of the Equilibrium Constant
Pure solids and liquids dont appear in expressions.
Keq is characteristic of a given system at a given
temperature.
If Keq >> 1, an equilibrium mixture of reactants
and products will contain very little of the reactants
compared to the products.
If Keq << 1, an equilibrium mixture of reactants
and products will contain very little of the products
compared to the reactants.
If Keq is close to 1, an equilibrium mixture of
products and reactants will contain approximately
equal amounts of the two.
Le Chteliers principle is used to determine the
direction in which a reaction at equilibrium will
proceed when subjected to a stress, such as a
change in concentration, pressure, volume, or
temperature. The key is to remember nthat
1 a system
to which these kinds of stresses are applied tends to
change so as to relieve the applied stress.
In a nutshell:
THERMOCHEMISTRY
The law of conservation of energy dictates that
energy can be neither created nor destroyed, but that
all thermal, chemical, potential, and kinetic energies
are interconvertible.
Systems:
Isolated: no exchange of energy/matter with the
environment. Bomb calorimetry creates a nearly
isolated system.
Closed: can exchange energy but not matter with the
environment
Open: can exchange both energy and matter with
the environment. Human beings are open systems
because they can take in energy and matter (eat),
release matter into the environment (respiration,
urination, defecation), and release energy into the
environment (heat transfer from the skin and mucous
membranes).

04_MCAT_QS_GenChem.indd 14 4/10/14 12:06 PM

 MCAT QUICKSHEETS ORGANIC CHEMISTRy
NOMENCLATURE ISOMERS
1. Find the longest carbon chain containing the
principal functional group (highest-priority
same connectivity?
NO YES
puckered envelope chair boat twist boat
groups are generally more oxidized). cyclobutane cyclopentane cyclohexane cyclohexane cyclohexane
STRUCTURAL STEREOISOMERS
2. Number the carbon chain so that the principal conformations of cyclic hydrocarbons

functional group gets lowest possible number. require bond breaking to interconvert?

3. Proceed to number the chain so that the lowest NO YES Physical properties are characteristics of processes that
set of numbers is obtained for the substituents. dont change the composition of matter, such as melting
CONFORMATIONAL CONFIGURATIONAL (OPTICAL)
4. Name the substituents and assign each a number. point, boiling point, solubility, odor, color, and density.
5. Complete the name by listing substituents in Chemical properties have to do with the reactivity of
CH3 CH CH3 CH CISTRANS ISOMERS nonsuperimposable
alphabetical
CH3 CH
3
order; place commas
3 between 3 different configuration around an
immovable bond
mirror images?
the molecule with other molecules.
H3C H Cnumbers
C C and dashes
CH 3 between
C CH
CH3 C 2 numbers
CH2 and
HC HCwords. NO YES
3
CH3
CH3
CH
CH33CH
CH3
CH
CH33CH
Stereoisomers
CHCH33CH CH33 CH3 3
CH33
DIASTEREOMERS ENANTIOMERS
CH3 C CH2 HC
H3C C
H3CH3CC C
C C
CHneopentyl
3CH3 CH2CH2
neopentyl
HC HC
isopropyl
isopropyl Conformational isomers
CH3 CH3
CH3
CH3CH3
CH3CH3 CH3CH3 differ by rotation around a single () bond
neopentyl isopropyl
Staggered conformations have groups 60 apart,
t-butyl neopentyl
neopentyl
neopentyl
isopropyl
isopropyl
isopropyl
gauche as seen in a Newman projection. anti = largest
CH3 CH CH3 CH
3 3 groups are 180 apart; gauche = 60 apart.
CH3 CH
CH2 CH
CH CH CH3 CHCH CH
CH2 CH
3 2 3 2 Eclipsed conformations have groups directly in
CH3
CH3 isobutyl
CH front of each other. Totally eclipsed = largest groups
sec-butyl 3CH3
isobutyl
CH3CH3
bONDING
isobutyl
CH3 CH2 CH CH3 CH CH2
CH3CH3CH CHCH2CH2
are directly in front of each other; strain is maximized.
CH3CHCH
3 2CH
CH2 CH

Functional isobutyl
isobutyl
isobutyl Cyclic Strain
Group Prex Sufx
bond order single double triple
Carboxylic acid carboxy oic acid Comes from:
alkanoyloxy- bond type
Anhydrides anhydride Angle strain: stretch or compress angles from
carbonyl 2
normal size
Esters alkoxycarbonyl oate Hybridization sp3 sp2 sp Torsional strain: from eclipsing conformations
Amides carbomoyl amide Nonbonded strain: from interactions with
Aldehydes oxo al Angles 109.5 120 180
substituents on nonadjacent carbons. In
Ketones oxo or keto one Example CC C=C CC cyclohexane, the largest substituent usually takes
Alcohols hydroxy ol equatorial position to reduce nonbonded strain

ALKANES
H
Quaternary
Electronegativity: Nucleophilicity decreases H

H3C
Primary as electronegativity increases because these t-but equatorial t-but axial

CH3
H3C C atoms are less likely to share electron density.
CH CH3 Configurational Isomers
H3C
CH2 Steric hindrance: Bulkier molecules are less
nucleophilic. Can only be interchanged by breaking and reforming
Tertiary Secondary
Solvent: Protic solvents can inhibit bonds
Combustion nucleophilicity by protonating the nucleophile Enantiomers: nonsuperimposable mirror
C3H8 + 5 O2 3 CO2 + 4 H20 + heat or hydrogen bonding. images; have opposite stereochemistry at every
chiral carbon. Same chemical and physical
SN1 SN2 In aprotic solvents, nucleophilicity parallels basicity:
properties except for rotation of plane-polarized
2 steps 1 step F > Cl > Br > I light and reactions in a chiral environment
Favored in polar protic Favored in polar In protic solvents, good bases pick up protons and
solvents aprotic solvents are worse nucleophiles:
3 > 2 > 1 > methyl Methyl > 1 > 2 > 3 I > Br > Cl > F
rate = k[RL] rate = k[Nu][RL] Electrophiles
Optically active and Racemic mixtures and meso compounds are optically
Racemic products Electrophile = electron-loving; tend to have inactive.
inverted products
a positive charge or positively polarized atom
Strong nucleophile not Favored with strong that accepts an electron pair from a nucleophile. Diastereomers: non-mirror-image stereoisomers.
required nucleophile Electrophilicity is increased by increasing the positive Differ at some, but not all, chiral centers. They
CH3 CH3 charge. have different chemical and physical properties.
CH3 C Br C
+
+ Br Cistrans: subtype of diastereomers in which
CH3 CH3 Most common electrophiles: groups differ in position about an immovable
CH3

CH3 CH3 Carbonyl carbon bond (such as a double bond or in a cycloalkane).

C+ + Nu CH3 C Nu Substrate carbon in an alkane
H3C CH3 CH3
Carbocations Absolute Configuration
H3C CH3 CH3

Nu X
+ Nu
H
H H
Nucleophiles
Nucleophile = nucleus-loving; tend to have
lone pairs or bonds that can form new bonds
to electrophiles. Nucleophilicity is increased by
increasing electron density.
Nucleophilicity is determined by four major factors:
Charge: Nucleophilicity increases with increasing
electron density (more negative charge).
Nu An alkene is (Z ) if the highest-priority substituents
Leaving Groups
X + X
H H
H
are on the same side of the double bond, and (E ) if
Leaving groups = molecular fragments that retain on opposite sides.
the electrons after heterolysis (breaking a bond, A stereocenters configuration is determined by
with both electrons being given to one of the two putting the lowest-priority group in the back and
products). The best leaving groups will be able to drawing a circle from group 1 to 2 to 3 in descending
stabilize the extra electrons. priority. If this circle is clockwise, the stereocenter is
Most common leaving groups: (R ); if it is counterclockwise, the stereocenter is (S ).
Weak bases
Large groups with resonance
Large groups with electron-withdrawing atoms

05_MCAT_QS_OChem.indd 17 4/10/14 12:07 PM

 DETERMINING ORGANIC MECHANISMS ORGANIC OXIDATIONREDUCTION PHENOLS & QUINONE DERIVATIVES
Step 1: Know Your Nomenclature Level 0 (no bonds to heteroatoms): alkanes The hydrogen of the hydroxyl group of a phenol is
If given compound names in a question stem or Level 1: alcohols, alkyl halides, amines particularly acidic because the oxygen-containing
passage, be able to draw them. If working with Level 2: aldehydes, ketones, imines anion is resonance-stabilized by the ring.
reaction diagrams, be able to name the compounds. Level 3: carboxylic acids, anhydrides, esters, OH O O O O
amides H+
Step 2: Identify the Functional Groups Level 4 (four bonds to heteroatoms): carbon +H+
What functional groups are in the molecule? Do dioxide

these functional groups act as acids or bases? How Oxidation = loss of electrons, fewer bonds to hydrogens, Quinones and Hydroxyquinones
oxidized is the carbon? Are there functional groups more bonds to heteroatoms (O, N, halogens)
that act as good nucleophiles, electrophiles, or Treatment of phenols with oxidizing agents produces
leaving groups? This will help define a category of Reduction = gain of electrons, more bonds to quinones.
reactions that can occur with the given functional hydrogens, fewer bonds to heteroatoms OH O

groups. Na2Cr2O7

Oxidizing Agents H2SO4

Step 3: Identify the Other Reagents Good oxidizing agents have a high affinity for OH
p-benzenediol
O
1,4-benzoquinone

Are the other reagents acidic or basic? Are they electrons (such as O2, O3, and Cl2) or unusually high (hydroquinone)

specific to a particular reaction? Are they good oxidation states (like Mn7+ in permanganate, MnO4, These molecules can be further oxidized to form a
nucleophiles or a specific solvent? Are they good and Cr6+ in chromate, CrO42). class of molecules called hydroxyquinones. Many
oxidizing or reducing agents? hydroxyquinones have biological activity.
Reducing Agents O

Step 4: Identify the Most Reactive Functional Group(s) Good reducing agents include sodium, magnesium, OH

More oxidized carbons tend to be more reactive aluminum, and zinc, which have low electronegativities
to both nucleophileelectrophile reactions and and ionization energies. Metal hydrides are also good O

oxidationreduction reactions. Note the presence of reducing agents, like NaH, CaH2, LiAlH4, and NaBH4,
protecting groups that exist to prevent a particular because they contain the H ion. Ubiquinones
functional group from reacting. Ubiquinone is also called coenzyme Q and is a vital
electron carrier associated with Complexes I, II,
Step 5: Identify the First Step of the Reaction and III of the electron transport chain.
If the reaction involves an acid or a base: Ubiquinone can be reduced to ubiquinol, which can
protonation or deprotonation later be reoxidized to ubiquinone. This is sometimes
If the reaction involves a nucleophile: called the Q cycle.
nucleophile attacks electrophile, forming a bond
If the reaction involves an oxidizing or Aldehydes
reducing agent: most oxidized functional
group is oxidized or reduced, accordingly The dipole moment of aldehydes causes an elevation
of boiling point, but not as high as alcohols because
Step 6: Consider Stereoselectivity Oxidation there is no hydrogen bonding.
If there is more than one product, the major product PCC takes a primary alcohol to an aldehyde.
will generally be determined by differences in strain PCC
Synthesis
or stability between the two molecules. Products OH O
Oxidation of primary alcohols
with conjugation (alternating single and multiple Joness reagent, KMnO4, and alkali dichromate Ozonolysis of alkenes
bonds) are significantly more stable than those salts will convert secondary alcohols to ketones
without. Reactions
and primary alcohols to carboxylic acids.
OH O Reactions of enols (Michael additions)
Alcohols Na2Cr 2O7
H2SO4 O O
Base
O O
+ H:Base

Higher boiling points than alkanes R R R R

Tertiary alcohols cannot be oxidized without O O

Weakly acidic hydroxyl hydrogen breaking a carboncarbon bond. O O R R
O
+ O + Base

Synthesis Reduction R R R R
R R
O OH
Addition of water to double bonds
Nucleophilic addition to a carbonyl
SN1 and SN2 reactions LiAlH4
O O OH
or H+
Reduction of carboxylic acids, aldehydes, NaBH4
H H H
ketones, and esters Nu
Nu Nu

Alcohols and Reactivity

Aldehydes and ketones with NaBH4 or Aldol condensation
LiAlH4 Alcohols can be converted to mesylates or tosylates
to make them better leaving groups for nucleophilic An aldehyde acts both as nucleophile (enol form)
Esters and carboxylic acids with LiAlH4
substitution reactions. and electrophile (keto form). One carbonyl forms an
enolate, which attacks the other carbonyl. After the
Reactions Mesylates (SO3CH3) are derived from
aldol is formed, a dehydration reaction results in an
methanesulfonic acid.
Substitution reactions after protonation or leaving ,-unsaturated carbonyl.
Tosylates (SO3C6H4CH3) are derived from
group conversion O (reacts in

toluenesulfonic acid.
protonated
form)
H
C
O + OH O O O H
catalytic H H R H2O

OH + HBr OH+2 + Br Alcohols can be used as protecting groups for R

C
CH3 R
C
CH2 R
C
CH2
C
R R
C
C
C
R

carbonyls, as reaction with a dialcohol forms H H

enol aldol addition product aldol condensation

an unreactive acetal. After other reactions, the

product

Br + OH2+ Br + H2O
protecting group can be removed with aqueous acid. Decarboxylation
O O O
O O O O
HO OH H 2O C
+
cat. H+ LiAIH4 cat. H O

OH O
NaI
+ O S O +
SO3 O O O O OH OH
I
LiAIH4 OH
ClSO2

tosyl chloride

OH

05_MCAT_QS_OChem.indd 18 4/10/14 12:08 PM

 MCAT QuickSheetS physics and math
Kinematics Work and Energy
Vectors: physical quantities with both magnitude Work: For a constant force F acting on an object that Potential energy: the energy associated with a
and direction moves a displacement of d, the work is W = Fd cos . bodys position. Gravitational potential energy of an
Examples: force, velocity (For a force perpendicular to the displacement, object is due to the force of gravity acting on it, and
W = 0.) [SI unit: joule = Nm] is expressed as: U = mgh
Scalars: physical quantities that have magnitude,
but no direction Total mechanical energy
System Work
Examples: mass, speed E=U+K
When the piston expands,
Displacement (x): the change in position that goes work is done by the
Mechanical energy is conserved when the sum of
in a straight-line path from the initial position to system (W > 0). kinetic and potential energies remains constant.
the final position; independent of the path taken When the piston
compresses the gas, work
(SIunit: m)
is done on the system
WorkEnergy Theorem
Average velocity: v = x (SI units: m ) (W< 0). Relates the work performed by all forces acting on
t s
The area under a P vs. V a body in a particular time interval to the change in
Acceleration: the rate of change of an objects curve is the amount of energy at that time:
v m
velocity; it is a vector quantity: a = t (SIunits: 2 ) work done in a system.
s W=E
Linear Motion When solving for time, Power: the rate at which work is performed; it is
J
v = v0 + at there will be two values given by: P = W (SI unit: watt = ) Conservation of Energy
for t: when the projectile t S
x = v0t + 1 at2 is initially launched and When there are no nonconservative forces (such as
2 when it impacts the Mechanical Energy friction) acting on a system, the total mechanical
v2 = v02 + 2ax ground.
Energy is a scalar quantity (SI unit: joule). energy remains constant: E = K + U = 0
( v0 + v )

To find max height,

v = 2 remember that the vertical Kinetic energy: the energy associated with moving
velocity of the projectile is objects. It is given by: Thermodynamics
( v +v ) 0 at the highest point of
x = vt = 02 t K = 1 mv 2
the path.
2 Thermal Expansion
Linear expansion: the increase in length by most
solids when heated
Projectile Motion Newtons Laws
Mnemonic: when temperature increases, the length
y vy=0 Newtons third law: If body A exerts a force on body
vx=v0x of a solid increases a Lot(LT)
B, then B will exert a force back onto A that is equal
in magnitude, but opposite in direction. This can be L = LT
vy vx=v0x
v0
vx=v0x h vy expressed as Fb = Fa. Volume expansion: the increase in volume of fluids
v0y vx=v0x when heated
v0x x Newtons law of gravitation: All forms of matter
r vy=v0y experience an attractive force to other forms of V = VT
matter in the universe. The magnitude of the force is
Vertical component of velocity = v sin Gm1m2 Heat Transfer
represented by: F = 2
Horizontal component of velocity = vcos r Conduction: the direct transfer of energy via
Frictional forces Mass (m): a scalar quantity that measures a molecular collisions
Static friction (fs): is the force that must be bodys inertia Convection: the transfer of heat by the physical
overcome to set an object in motion. It has the Weight (Fg): a vector quantity that measures motion of a fluid
formula: 0 fs sN a bodys gravitational attraction to the earth
Radiation: the transfer of energy by electromagnetic
(Fg = mg)
Kinetic friction (fk): opposes the motion of objects waves
moving relative to each other. It has the formula: Uniform circular motion: v
fk = kN v
2 Specific Heat
ac = Fc
r Q = mcT (mnemonic: looks like MCAT)
2
mv
force of friction

center of the circle

fk = kN Fc = Can only be used to find Q when the object
N
s
r does not change phase
=
x
a
f s,m
Equilibrium Q > 0 means heat is gained; Q < 0 means heat
is lost
First condition of equilibrium: An object is in
static kinetic
applied force

translational equilibrium when the sum of forces [Common units: joules, calories, or Calories (kcal)]

Newtons first law (law of inertia): A body in a state pushing it one direction is counterbalanced by the Heat of transformation: the quantity of heat required
of motion or at rest will remain in that state unless sum of forces acting in the opposite direction. It can to change the phase of 1 g of a substance.
acted upon by a net force. be expressed as F = 0. Q = mL (phase changes are isothermal processes)
N
Newtons second law: When a net force is applied to First law of thermodynamics: U = Q W
a body of mass m, the body will be accelerated in the F
same direction as the force applied to the mass. This Process First Law Becomes
is expressed by the formula F = ma [SI unit: newton Fg sin Adiabatic (Q = 0) U = W
kg.m U = Q
(N) = 2 ]. Constant volume (W = O)
s
Isothermal (U = 0) Q=W
Fdrag Fgravity > Fdrag: person accelerates Fg cos
downward Fg Second law of thermodynamics: In any
Fg=Fdrag: terminal velocity thermodynamic process that moves from one state
is reached (person travels at mass-spring
of equilibrium to another, the entropySimple pendulum
of the system
constant velocity) Problem-Solving Guide and environment together will either increase
Force constant (k) Spring constant (k) mg/L or
Fg Resolve the forces into x- and y-components. remain unchanged.
F = 0 must be true for equilibrium; therefore, ang. freq. k

g

m L
Fx = 0 and Fy = 0. 1 1
frequency f 
T
or 
2

T
or 
2

Kinetic energy K 1
mv
2 1
mv
2
2 2

Kmax occurs at x =0 =0
(vertical position)
06_MCAT_QS_PhysMath.indd 21 5/2/14 1:06 PM
1 2
 HyDroStAticS & FLUiD DynAMicS eLectroStAticS circUitS
m kg
coulombs Law current: the flow of electric charge. Current is given
Density () = [SI units: 3 ]
V m by:
subtance kg Q C
Specific gravity = [no units]; water = 103 3 I= [SI units: ampre (A) = s ]
water m t
+q1 q2
F F (The direction of current is the direction positive
Weight = gV charge would flow, or from high to low potential.)
r
Pressure: a scalar quantity defined as force per unit
F N kq1q2
area: P = [SI units: pascal = 2 ] F= 2 [SI units: newtons] ohms Law and resistance
A m r
For static fluids of uniform density in a sealed V = IR (can be applied to entire circuit or individual
electric Field resistors)
vessel, pressure: P = gz L
field lines
Absolute pressure in a fluid due to gravity resistance: opposition to the flow of charge. R =
A
somewhere below the surface is given by the (Resistance increases with increasing temperatures
equation P = Po + gz with most conductors.)
+
gauge pressure: Pg = P Patm [SI Units: ohm ()]
continuity equation: A1v1 = A2v2
F circuit Laws
Bernoullis equation: P + 1 v 2 + gh = constant Q
E = qe = 2 [SI units: N or V ]
2 C M Kirchhoffs laws:
r
Archimedes Principle A positive point charge will move in the same 1. At any junction within a circuit, the sum of
direction as the electric field vector; a negative current flowing into that point must equal the
Fbuoy = fluid gVsubmerged
charge will move in the opposite direction. sum of current leaving.
N 2. The sum of voltage sources equals the sum of
3
4
5
electrical Potential energy (U) voltage drops around a closed-circuit loop.
2
1
6
The electrical potential energy of a charge q at a point
7
0
in space is the amount of work required to move it Series circuits
N from infinity to that point.
4
Is
3 5 kQq
2 6 U = qV = qEd = [SI units: J] a
1 7
r 3
0
b
electric Dipoles 5 Req = R1 + R2 + R3 +
5V VT = V1 + V2 + V3 + ...
c
p is the dipole moment 7 IT = I1 = I2 = I3 =
E d
(p = qd).
The dipole feels no net Fe
translational force, but Parallel circuits
experiences a torque
3 N displaced about the center causing d Ip
it to rotate so that I1 I2 I3 In
the dipole moment aligns Fe=qE
1 = 1 + 1 + 1 + ...
with the electric fi eld. Rp R 1 R2 R3 Rn Req R1 R2 R3
The buoyant force is equal to the weight of the VT = V1 = V2 = V3 = ...
displaced fluid. IT = I1 + I2 + I3 + ...
Ip
If the weight of the fluid displaced is less than electrical Potential
the objects weight, the object will sink.
The amount of work required to move a positive test Power Dissipated by resistors
If the weight of the fluid displaced is greater charge q from infinity to a particular point divided by 2
than or equal to the objects weight, then it U J P = IV = V = I2R
the test charge: V = q [SI units: volt = ] R
will float. C
capacitors
Pascals Principle Potential Difference (Voltage)
capacitance: the ability to store charge per unit
V Q
A change in the pressure applied to an voltage. It is given by: C =
V
enclosed fluid is transmitted undiminished to A
0
every portion of the fluid and to the walls of C' =
d
the containing vessel. electron pump

Cp C1 C C3 Cn Capacitors in parallel: add

2
F1 Ceq = C1 + C2 + C3 +
load

A1 A2
d2 energy Stored by capacitors
d1 2
Q
+V U = 1 QV = 1 CV 2 = 1
2 2 2 C
F2 W kQ J
Voltage (V) = q = [SI units: volt = ]
r C
C1
When two oppositely charged parallel plates
are separated by a distance d, an electric field
is created, and a potential difference exists Capacitors in series: C2
between the plates, given by: V = Ed add as reciprocals, Cs
then take reciprocal
of sum C3
1 1 1 1
= + + + ...
C eq C1 C2 C3

d E C4
F F
P = 1 = 2 and A1d1 = A2d2
A1 A2

so, W = F1d1 = F2d2

06_MCAT_QS_PhysMath.indd 22 4/10/14 12:09 PM

 MCAt QuICkShEEtS
BIologY AnD BEhAvIor
organization of the nervous System
The three types of neurons in the nervous system
are motor (efferent), interneurons, and sensory
(afferent).
The parasympathetic branch of the autonomic system
is focused on rest-and-digest responses and the
sympathetic branch is focused on fight-or-flight
responses.
BEhAvIorAl SCIEnCES
threshold: the minimum stimulus that causes a
change in signal transduction
The cerebral cortex is divided into four lobes.
Webers law: states that the just-noticeable difference
lobe function for a stimulus is proportional to the magnitude of the
stimulus, and this proportion is constant over most
frontal Executive function, impulse control, of the range of possible stimuli
long-term planning (prefrontal cortex),
Signal detection theory: the effects of nonsensory
motor function (primary motor cortex),
factors, such as experiences, motives, and
speech production (Brocas area)
expectations, on perception of stimuli
Parietal Sensation of touch, pressure, Subjects Response
temperature, and pain (somatosensory Yes No
cortex); spatial processing, orientation,
and manipulation
Signal
Hit Miss
occipital Visual processing Present

temporal Sound processing (auditory cortex),

speech perception (Wernickes area),
memory, and emotion (limbic system) Signal False Correct
Absent alarm negative
Primary motor cortex
Primary somatosensory cortex

response bias: examined using signal detection

Parietal lobe
Frontal lobe (touch, temperature, experiments with four possible outcomes: hits,
(executive function) and pain)
misses, false alarms, and correct negatives
Occipital lobe
(vision) Adaptation: a decrease in response to a stimulus
over time

vision
Temporal lobe
(hearing)
The eye is an organ specialized to detect light in the
form of photons.
ciliary muscle

sclera dilator pupillae

L M (sympathetic)
M A E
E T D
D E I choroid
I
A R A
L
constrictor pupillae
A
L L retina (parasympathetic)

fovea (in macula) cornea

(cones only)
lens
anterior chamber
motor sensory optic disc
iris

Influences on Behavior vitreous humor posterior chamber

(production of
aqueous humor)

neurotransmitter Behavior canal of Schlemm

(drains aqueous humor)
Acetylcholine Voluntary muscle control, suspensory ligaments

parasympathetic nervous
Visual pathway: retina optic nerve optic
system, attention, alertness
chiasm optic tracts lateral geniculate nucleus
Epinephrine and Fight-or-flight responses, (LGN) of thalamus visual radiations visual
norepinephrine wakefulness, alertness cortex
Dopamine Smooth movements, postural
organization of the Brain stability hearing and vestibular Sense
hindbrain: contains the cerebellum, medulla Serotonin Mood, sleep, eating, The ear transduces sound waves into electrical
oblongata, and reticular formation dreaming signals that can be interpreted by the brain.
Midbrain: contains the inferior and superior external auditory canal

colliculi gABA Brain stabilization

pinna (auricle)
inner ear
forebrain: contains the thalamus, Endorphins Natural painkillers
hypothalamus, basal ganglia, limbic system, semicircular canals

and cerebral cortex nature vs. nurture is a debate regarding the

contributions of genetics (nature) and environment stapes

(nurture) to an individuals traits. Family, twin, and ossicles

malleus

Parts of the forebrain adoption studies are used to study nature vs. nurture. incus
vestibulocochlear
nerve

cochlea
thalamus: relay station for sensory
information
SEnSAtIon AnD PErCEPtIon
hypothalamus: maintains homeostasis and round window

integrates with the endocrine system through Sensation vs. Perception tympanic membrane
(eardrum)

the hypophyseal portal system that connects auditory (Eustachian) tube

Sensation is the conversion of physical stimuli into

it to the anterior pituitary ear lobe

neurological signals, while perception is the processing

Basal ganglia: smoothens movements and
of sensory information to make sense of its significance. outer ear middle ear

helps maintain postural stability

limbic system: controls emotion and memory.
Includes septal nuclei (pleasure-seeking),
amygdala (fear and aggression), hippocampus
(memory), and fornix (communication within
limbic system).
Sensory receptors respond to stimuli and Cochlea: detects sound
trigger electrical signals. utricle and saccule: detect linear acceleration
Sensory neurons transmit information from Semicircular canals: detect rotational acceleration
sensory receptors to the CNS.
Auditory pathway: cochlea vestibulocochlear
Sensory stimuli are transmitted to projection
nerve medial geniculate nucleus (MGN) of
areas in the brain, which further analyze the
thalamus auditory cortex
sensory input.

01_MCAT_QS_BehavSci.indd 1 4/10/14 12:03 PM

 other Senses
Smell: detection of volatile or aerosolized
chemicals by olfactory chemoreceptors
(olfactory nerves)
taste: detection of dissolved compounds by
taste buds in papillae
Somatosensation: four touch modalities
(pressure, vibration, pain, and temperature)
kinesthetic sense (proprioception): ability to
tell where ones body is in space
object recognition
Bottom-up (data-driven) processing: recognition
of objects by parallel processing and feature
detection. Slower, but less prone to mistakes
top-down (conceptually-driven) processing:
recognition of an object by memories and
expectations, with little attention to detail.
Faster, but more prone to mistakes
gestalt principles: ways that the brain can
infer missing parts of an image when it is
incomplete
lEArnIng AnD MEMorY
learning
habituation: the process of becoming used to
a stimulus
Dishabituation: occurs when a second
stimulus intervenes, causing a resensitization
to the original stimulus
observational learning: the acquisition of
behavior by watching others
Associative learning: pairing together
stimuli and responses, or behaviors and
consequences
Classical conditioning: a form of associative
learning in which a neutral stimulus becomes
associated with an unconditioned stimulus
such that the neutral stimulus alone produces
the same response as the unconditioned
stimulus; the neutral stimulus thus becomes a
conditioned stimulus
+
UCS
(food)
Neutral
stimulus
UCR
CognItIon, ConSCIouSnESS, AnD lAnguAgE
Consciousness Piagets Stages of Cognitive Development
Sensorimotor stage: focuses on manipulating
Stage EEg Waves features
the environment to meet physical needs
Awake Beta and Able to perceive, process, through circular reactions; object permanence
alpha access, and express ends this stage
information Preoperational stage: focuses on symbolic
1 Theta Light sleep thinking, egocentrism (inability to imagine
what another person thinks or feels), and
2 Theta Sleep spindles and K centration (focusing on only one aspect of a
complexes phenomenon)
3/4 Delta Slow-wave sleep; dreams; Concrete operational stage: focuses on
understanding the feelings of others and
declarative memory
manipulating physical (concrete) objects
consolidation; some sleep
disorders formal operational stage: focuses on abstract
thought and problem-solving
rEM Mostly Appears awake
beta physiologically; dreams;
paralyzed; procedural Problem-Solving and Decision-Making
memory consolidation; some Problem-solving techniques include trial-and-
sleep disorders error, algorithms, deductive reasoning (deriving
conclusions from general rules) and inductive
Sleep disorders include dyssomnias (amount or
reasoning (deriving generalizations from evidence).
timing of sleep), such as insomnia, narcolepsy, sleep
apnea, and sleep deprivation; and parasomnias Heuristics (simplified principles used to make
(odd behaviors during sleep), such as night terrors decisions, rules of thumb), biases, intuition, and
and sleepwalking (somnambulism). emotions may assist decision-making, but may also
lead to erroneous or problematic decisions.
Consciousness-Altering Drugs
Drug addiction is mediated by the mesolimbic
Attention
pathway, which includes the nucleus accumbens, Selective attention: allows one to pay
medial forebrain bundle, and ventral tegmental area. attention to a particular stimulus while
Dopamine is the main neurotransmitter. determining if additional stimuli require
attention in the background
Drug group function Divided attention: uses automatic processing to
Depressants Sense of relaxation pay attention to multiple activities at one time
(alcohol, barbiturates, and reduced anxiety
benzodiazepines) language Areas in the Brain
Wernickes area: language comprehension;
Stimulants Increased arousal
damage results in Wernickes aphasia
(amphetamines, cocaine,
(fluent, nonsensical aphasia with lack of
ecstasy)
comprehension)
opiates/opioids Decreased reaction to
Brocas area: motor function of speech;
(heroin, morphine, pain; euphoria
damage results in Brocas aphasia (nonfluent
opium, pain pills)
aphasia in which generating each word
hallucinogens Distortions of requires great effort)
(LSD, peyote, mescaline, reality and fantasy; Arcuate fasciculus: connects Wernickes
ketamine, psilocybin- introspection and Brocas areas; damage results in
(bell) No Response containing mushrooms) conduction aphasia (the inability to repeat
words despite intact speech generation and
Marijuana has some features of depressants,
comprehension)
stimulants, and hallucinogens (in very high doses).

Memory MotIvAtIon, EMotIon, AnD StrESS

Human Memory
CS (bell) Motivation
Sensory Short-term Working Long-term
CR (salivation)
Memory Memory Memory Memory
Motivation is the purpose or driving force behind
(< 1 sec) (< 1 min) (lifetime) our actions.
operant conditioning: a form of associative Extrinsic: based on external circumstances
learning in which the frequency of a behavior
Explicit Implicit Intrinsic: based on internal drive or perception
is modified using reinforcement (increases Memory Memory
behavior) or punishment (decreases behavior) (conscious) (unconscious)
Motivation theories
Stimulus Instinct theory: innate, fixed patterns of
Declarative Procedural
Added Removed Memory Memory behavior in response to stimuli
(facts, events) (skills, tasks) Arousal theory: the state of being awake and
Continues

reactive to stimuli; aim for optimal level of

Positive Negative arousal for a given task (YerkesDodson law)
Episodic Semantic
reinforcement reinforcement Memory Memory
Strong Optimal arousal
(events, experiences) (facts, concepts)
Behavior

Optimal performance

Encoding: the process of putting new

Performance

Impaired performance
information into memory because of strong anxiety

Facts are stored via semantic networks. retrieval

Stops

Positive Negative
punishment punishment of information is often based on priming
Increasing attention
interconnected nodes of the semantic network. Weak and interest

recognition of information is stronger than recall. Low High

Arousal

01_MCAT_QS_BehavSci.indd 2 4/10/14 12:03 PM

 Drive reduction theory: individuals act to PSYChologICAl DISorDErS
relieve internal states of tension
Maslows hierarchy of needs: prioritizes needs Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Anxiety disorders
into five categories: physiological needs (DSM): the guide by which most psychological disorders generalized anxiety disorder: constant
(highest priority), safety and security, love and are characterized, described, and diagnosed. disproportionate and persistent worry
belonging, self-esteem, and self-actualization Specific phobias: irrational fears of specific
types of Psychological Disorders objects
(lowest priority)
Schizophrenia: psychotic disorder characterized by Social anxiety disorder: anxiety due to social
distortions of reality and disturbances in content or performance situations
Emotion
and form of thought, perception, and behavior. Agoraphobia: fear of places or situations
Seven universal emotions: happiness, sadness, Positive symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, where it is hard for an individual to escape
contempt, surprise, fear, disgust, anger and disorganized thought and behavior. negative
Panic disorder: recurrent attacks of intense,
theories of emotion: symptoms include disturbance of affect and avolition.
overwhelming fear and sympathetic nervous
Depressive disorders system activity with no clear stimulus. It may
first Second
lead to agoraphobia.
theory response response Major depressive disorder: contains at least
one major depressive episode obsessivecompulsive disorder: obsessions
Jameslange Nervous Conscious
Pervasive depressive disorder: a depressed (persistent, intrusive thoughts and impulses) and
system emotion
mood (either dysthymia or major depression) compulsions (repetitive tasks that relieve tension but
arousal
for at least two years cause significant impairment)
CannonBard Nervous Action Seasonal affective disorder: the colloquial Body dysmorphic disorder: unrealistic negative
StIMuluS

system name for major depressive disorder with evaluation of ones appearance or a specific body part
arousal and seasonal onset, with depression occurring
conscious during winter months Dissociative disorders
emotion Dissociative amnesia: inability to recall past
SchachterSinger Nervous Conscious Bipolar and related disorders experience. May involve dissociative fugue, a
system emotion Bipolar I disorder: contains at least one manic sudden change in location that can involve the
arousal and episode assumption of a new identity
cognitive Bipolar II disorder: contains at least one Dissociative identity disorder: two or more
appraisal hypomanic episode and at least one major personalities that take control of behavior
depressive episode Depersonalization/derealization disorder:
Cyclothymic disorder: contains hypomanic feelings of detachment from the mind and
Stress episodes with dysthymia body, or from the environment
Stress: the physiological and cognitive response to
challenges or life changes formation of Identity Personality
Primary appraisal: classifying a potential freuds stages of psychosexual development Psychoanalytic perspective: personality results from
stressor as irrelevant, benignpositive, or Based on tensions caused by the libido, with unconscious urges and desires
stressful failure at any given stage leading to fixation Freud: id, superego, ego
Secondary appraisal: directed at evaluating Jung: collective unconscious, archetypes
whether the organism can cope with the
humanistic perspective: emphasizes internal
stress, based on harm, threat, and challenge
feelings of healthy individuals as they strive toward
Conscious
Stressor (distress or eustress): anything that leads happiness and self-realization
to a stress response; can include environmental, Maslow: hierarchy of needs
social, psychological, chemical, and biological
Rogers: unconditional positive regard
stressors
Preconscious type and trait theory: personality can be described
The three stages of the general adaptation syndrome ego
as a number of identifiable traits that carry
are alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.
superego characteristic behaviors
good health bad stress

id
Type theories of personality: ancient Greek
1. Alarm 3. Exhaustion humors, Sheldons somatotypes, division into
Good health stage Unconscious
types A and B, and the MyersBriggs type
Resistance

stage
panic zone

(homeostasis)
2. Resistance
stage
breakdown
(burnout)
Time
IDEntItY AnD PErSonAlItY
Self-Concept and Identity
Self-concept: the sum of the ways in which
we describe ourselves: in the present, who we
used to be, and who we might be in the future
Identities: individual components of our self-
concept related to the groups to which we belong
Self-esteem: our evaluation of ourselves
Self-efficacy: the degree to which we see
ourselves as being capable of a given skill in a
given situation
locus of control: a self-evaluation that refers
to the way we characterize the influences in
our lives. Either internal (success or failure is a
result of our own actions) or external (success
or failure is a result of outside factors)
Inventory
Eysencks three major traits: psychoticism,
extraversion, neuroticism
Trait theorists Big Five: openness,
Eriksons stages of psychosocial development conscientiousness, extraversion,
agreeableness, and neuroticism (OCEAN)
Stem from conflicts that are the result of decisions
we are forced to make about ourselves and the Allports three basic types of traits: cardinal,
environment around us at each phase of our lives central, and secondary
Stages are trust vs. mistrust, autonomy vs.
shame and doubt, initiative vs. guilt, industry
vs. inferiority, identity vs. role confusion,
intimacy vs. isolation, generativity vs.
stagnation, integrity vs. despair
kohlbergs theory of moral reasoning development
Describes the approaches of individuals to
resolving moral dilemmas
Six stages are divided into three main
phases: preconventional, conventional, and
postconventional
vygotskys theory of cultural and biosocial
development
Describes development of language, culture,
and skills

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 Somatic symptom and related disorders
Somatic symptom disorder: at least one
somatic symptom, which may or may not be
linked to an underlying medical condition, that
causes disproportionate concern
Illness anxiety disorder: preoccupation with
having or coming down with a serious medical
condition
Conversion disorder: unexplained symptoms
affecting motor or sensory function
Personality disorders
Patterns of inflexible, maladaptive behavior that
cause distress or impaired functioning
Cluster A (odd, eccentric, weird): paranoid,
schizotypal, schizoid
Cluster B (dramatic, emotional, erratic, wild):
antisocial, borderline, histrionic, narcissistic
Cluster C (anxious, fearful, worried):
avoidant, dependent, obsessivecompulsive
social processes, attitudes,
and behavior
Group Psychology
Social facilitation: tendency to perform at a
different level (better or worse) when others
are around
Deindividuation: loss of self-awareness in
large groups; can lead to drastic changes in
behavior
Bystander effect: in a group, individuals are
less likely to respond to a person in need
Peer pressure: social influence placed on an
individual by other individuals they consider
equals
Group polarization: tendency towards making
decisions in a group that are more extreme then
the thoughts of the individual group members
Groupthink: tendency to make decisions
based on ideas and solutions that arise within
the group without considering outside ideas
Culture
Assimilation: one culture begins to melt into
another
Multiculturalism: encouragement of multiple
cultures within a community to enhance
diversity
Subculture: a group that distinguishes itself
from the primary culture to which it belongs
Socialization
Socialization: the process of developing and
spreading norms, customs, and beliefs
Norms: boundaries of acceptable behavior
within society
Stigma: extreme disapproval or dislike
of a person or group based on perceived
differences
Deviance: any violation of norms, rules, or
expectations within a society
Conformity: changing beliefs or behaviors in
order to fit into a group or society
Compliance: individuals change behavior
based on the request of others; techniques
for gaining compliance include foot-in-the-
door, door-in-the-face, lowball, and thats-
not-all
Obedience: change in behavior based on a
command from someone seen as an authority
figure
01_MCAT_QS_BehavSci.indd 4
social interaction
Elements of Social Interaction
Status: a position in society used to classify
individuals. Can be ascribed (involuntarily
assigned), achieved (voluntarily earned), or
master (primary identity)
Role: set of beliefs, values, and norms that
define the expectations of a certain status
Group: two or more individuals with similar
characteristics who share a sense of unity
Network: observable pattern of social
relationships between individuals or groups
Organization: group with a structure
and culture designed to achieve specific
goals; exists outside of each individuals
membership within the organization
Self-Presentation and Interacting with Others
Display rules: unspoken rules that govern the
expression of emotion
Impression management: maintenance of a
public image through various strategies
Dramaturgical approach: individuals create
images of themselves in the same way that
actors perform a role in front of an audience
social thinking
Social Behavior
Interpersonal attraction: influenced by
physical, social, and psychological factors
Aggression: behavior with the intention to
cause harm or increase social dominance
Attachment: an emotional bond to another
person; usually refers to the bond between a
child and a caregiver
Altruism: helping behavior in which the
persons intent is to benefit someone else at a
personal cost
Social Perception and Behavior
Attribution Theory
Focuses on the tendency for individuals to infer the
causes of other peoples behavior
Dispositional (internal) causes relate to the
features of the person who is being considered
Situational (external) causes relate to features
of the surroundings or social context
Correspondent inference theory: describes
attributions made by observing the intentional
(especially unexpected) behaviors performed
by another person
Fundamental attribution error: bias toward
making dispositional attributions rather than
situational attributions
Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Stereotypes: attitudes and impressions that
are made based on limited and superficial
information
Self-fulfilling prophecy: the phenomenon
of a stereotype creating an expectation of a
particular group, which creates conditions that
lead to confirmation of this stereotype
Stereotype threat: a feeling of anxiety about
confirming a negative stereotype
Prejudice: an irrationally based attitude prior
to actual experience
Ethnocentrism: the practice of making
judgments about other cultures based on
the values and beliefs of ones own culture
(in-group vs. out-group)
Cultural relativism: studying social groups and
cultures on their own terms
Discrimination: when prejudicial attitudes
cause differences in treatment of a group
social structure and demographics
Sociology: Theories and Institutions
Functionalism: focuses on the function and
relationships of each component of society
Conflict theory: focuses on how power
differentials are created and how they
maintain order
Symbolic interactionism: the study of
how individuals interact through a shared
understanding of words, gestures, and other
symbols
Social constructionism: explores how
individuals and groups make decisions to
agree upon a given social reality
Culture
Material culture: physical items one
associates with a given group (art, clothing,
foods, buildings)
Symbolic culture: the ideas associated with a
cultural group
Demographics
Demographics: the statistical arm of sociology
Migration refers to the movement of people into
(immigration) or out of (emigration) a geographical
location.
Demographic transition: a model used to represent
drops in birth and death rates as a result of
industrialization
social stratification
Social Class
Social stratification is based on socioeconomic
status (SES).
Class: a category of people with shared
socioeconomic characteristics
Power: the capacity to influence people
through real or perceived rewards and
punishments
Social capital: the investment people make
in society in return for economic or collective
rewards
Social reproduction: the passing on of
social inequality, especially poverty, to other
generations
Poverty: low SES; in the US, the poverty line is
the governments calculation of the minimum
income requirements to acquire the minimum
necessities of life
Epidemiology
new cases
Incidence: per time
population - at risk
number of cases(new or old)
Prevalence: per time
total population
Morbidity: the burden or degree of illness associated
with a given disease
Mortality: deaths caused by a given disease
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