HIGH-YIELD PRINCIPLES IN

Biochemistry

  Molecular

  Cellular

  Laboratory Techniques

  Genetics

  Nutrition

  Metabolism

“Biochemistry is the study of carbon compounds that crawl.”

—Mike Adams

“We think we have found the basic mechanism by which life comes from life.”

—Francis H. C. Crick

“The biochemistry and biophysics are the notes required for life; they conspire, collectively, to generate the real unit of life, the organism.”

—Ursula Goodenough

This high-yield material includes molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, and principles of metabolism (especially vitamins, cofactors, minerals, and single-enzyme-deficiency diseases). When studying metabolic pathways, emphasize important regulatory steps and enzyme deficiencies that result in disease, as well as reactions targeted by pharmacologic interventions. For example, understanding the defect in Lesch-Nyhan syndrome and its clinical consequences is higher yield than memorizing every intermediate in the purine salvage pathway. Do not spend time on hard-core organic chemistry, mechanisms, or physical chemistry. Detailed chemical structures are infrequently tested; however, many structures have been included here to help students learn reactions and the important enzymes involved. Familiarity with the biochemical techniques that have medical relevance—such as ELISA, immunoelectrophoresis, Southern blotting, and PCR—is useful. Review the related biochemistry when studying pharmacology or genetic diseases as a way to reinforce and integrate the material.

  BIOCHEMISTRY—MOLECULAR

  BIOCHEMISTRY—CELLULAR

  BIOCHEMISTRY—LABORATORY TECHNIQUES

  BIOCHEMISTRY—GENETICS

  BIOCHEMISTRY—NUTRITION

  BIOCHEMISTRY—METABOLISM