A Road Map to MCAT® Content in Biochemistry Textbooks
A Road Map to MCAT® Content in Biochemistry TextbooksThe publishers of the textbooks listed in this publication have provided a “road map” to where the MCAT Foundational Concepts and Content Categories can be found in their publications, by indicating the chapter and/or specific page number(s).
To use this road map, locate the topic you’re interested in and read across the columns to see which textbook covers that topic and whether the topic is covered in introductory biology and/or first-year biochemistry courses. Any concepts that don’t appear in the road map are covered only in introductory biology.
The Biochemistry Road Map emphasizes biochemistry, a topic introduced to the MCAT exam in 2015. However, we found that the biochemistry textbooks include some of the biology and other content covered on the MCAT exam. In those cases, we included information about biology topics, too. Please note that not all the biology topics are included because the primary focus of this roadmap is on textbooks covering biochemistry. Where a biology topic is included, it is listed as BIO in the Topic column. For a full list of all content tested on the exam, go to the What’s on the MCAT Exam? content outline.
The abbreviations in parentheses indicate the courses in which undergraduate students at many college and universities learn about the topics and associated subtopics. The course abbreviations are:
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BC: first-semester biochemistry
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BIO: two-semester sequence of introductory biology
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GC: two-semester sequence of general chemistry
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OC: two-semester sequence of organic chemistry
In preparing for the MCAT exam, you will be responsible for learning the topics and associated subtopics at the levels at which they are taught at many colleges and universities in the courses listed in parentheses. A small number of subtopics have course abbreviations indicated in parentheses. For example, on the first page of the table in the “Topics” column, “Amino Acids” is followed by “(BC, OC).“ This means that you’re responsible for learning the subtopics about amino acids as they are taught in first-semester biochemistry and the two-semester sequence of organic chemistry.
If you are a publisher of an introductory textbook on biochemistry or related topic and would like to add your publication and information to this reference document, please email mcatprep@aamc.org.
Textbooks Included in This Roadmap
Textbooks Included in This Roadmap| Textbook | Link |
|---|---|
| Biochemistry, 9th ed. Berg JM, Tymoczko J, Gatto Jr. GJ; Stryer L. New York: Macmillan; 2019. | https://macmillanlearning.com/Catalog/product/biochemistry-ninthedition-stryer |
| Biochemistry: A Short Course, 4th ed. Tymoczko J, Berg JM, Gatto Jr. GJ, Stryer L. New York: Macmillan; 2019. | https://www.macmillanlearning.com/Catalog/product/biochemistryashortcourse-fourthedition-tymoczko |
| Biology, 2e. Clark MA, Douglas M, Choi J. OpenStax, Rice University; March 28, 2008. |
Free and open access: |
| Fundamentals of Biochemistry, 5th ed. Voet D, Voet JG, Pratt CW. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley; 2016. | http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-EHEP003469.html |
| Human Physiology, 2nd ed. Derrickson B. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley; 2019. | https://www.wileyplus.com/derrickson-human-physiology-2e/ |
| Karp's Cell and Molecular Biology: Concepts and Experiments. 8th ed. Iwasa J, Marshall W. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley; 2016. | https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Karp%27s+Cell+and+Molecular+Biology%3A+Concepts+and+Experiments%2C+8th+Edition-p-9781119227656 |
| Organic Chemistry With a Biological Emphasis, Volumes 1 and 2. Soderberg T. Morris, MN: University of Minnesota. 2016. |
Free and open access: Volume I (Chapters 1-8): https://digitalcommons.morris.umn.edu/chem_facpubs/1/ Volume II (Chapters 9-17): https://digitalcommons.morris.umn.edu/chem_facpubs/2/ |
Foundational Concept 1
Foundational Concept 1Biomolecules have unique properties that determine how they contribute to the structure and function of cells, and how they participate in the processes necessary to maintain life.
Content Categories:
Content Category 1A: Structure and function of proteins and their constituent amino acids
Content Category 1A: Structure and function of proteins and their constituent amino acidsMacromolecules formed from amino acids adopt well-defined, three-dimensional structures with chemical properties that are responsible for their participation in virtually every process occurring within and between cells. The three-dimensional structure of proteins is a direct consequence of the nature of the covalently-bonded sequence of amino acids, their chemical and physical properties, and the way in which the whole assembly interacts with water.
Enzymes are proteins that interact in highly regio- and stereo-specific ways with dissolved solutes. They either facilitate the chemical transformation of these solutes or allow for their transport innocuously. Dissolved solutes compete for protein-binding sites, and protein conformational dynamics give rise to mechanisms capable of controlling enzymatic activity.
The infinite variability of potential amino acid sequences allows for adaptable responses to pathogenic organisms and materials. The rigidity of some amino acid sequences makes them suitable for structural roles in complex living systems.
Content in this category covers a range of protein behaviors which originate from the unique chemistry of amino acids themselves. Amino acid classifications and protein structural elements are covered. Special emphasis is placed on enzyme catalysis including mechanistic considerations, kinetics, models of enzyme-substrate interaction, and regulation.
| Topic | Biochemistry | Biochemistry: A Short Course | Biology, 2e | Fundamentals of Biochemistry | Human Physiology | Karp’s Cell and Molecular Biology | Organic Chemistry With a Biological Emphasis, Vol. 1 | Organic Chemistry With a Biological Emphasis, Vol. 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Amino Acids (BC, OC) Description
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NA |
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Protein Structure (BIO, BC, OC) Structure
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NA | |
Non-Enzymatic Protein Function (BIO, BC)
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NA | NA | |
Enzyme Structure and Function (BIO, BC)
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NA | |
Control of Enzyme Activity (BIO, BC)*
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NA | NA |
Content Category 1B: Transmission of genetic information from the gene to the protein
Content Category 1B: Transmission of genetic information from the gene to the proteinBiomolecules and biomolecular assemblies interact in specific, highly-regulated ways to transfer sequence information between biopolymers in living organisms. By storing and transferring biological information, DNA and RNA enable living organisms to reproduce their complex components from one generation to the next. The nucleotide monomers of these biopolymers, being joined by phosphodiester linkages, form a polynucleotide molecule with a “backbone” composed of repeating sugar-phosphate units and “appendages” of nitrogenous bases. The unique sequence of bases in each gene provides specific information to the cell.
DNA molecules are composed of two polynucleotides that spiral around an imaginary axis, forming a double helix. The two polynucleotides are held together by hydrogen bonds between the paired bases and van der Waals interactions between the stacked bases. The pairing between the bases of two polynucleotides is very specific, and its complementarity allows for a precise replication of the DNA molecule.
The DNA inherited by an organism leads to specific traits by dictating the synthesis of the biomolecules (RNA molecules and proteins) involved in protein synthesis. While every cell in a multicellular organism inherits the same DNA, its expression is precisely regulated such that different genes are expressed by cells at different stages of development, by cells in different tissues, and by cells exposed to different stimuli.
The topics included in this Content Category concern not only the molecular mechanisms of the transmission of genetic information from the gene to the protein (transcription and translation), but also the biosynthesis of the important molecules and molecular assemblies that are involved in these mechanisms. The control of gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes is also included.
Broadly speaking, the field of biotechnology uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use. The biotechnological techniques emphasized in this Content Category; however, are those that take advantage of the complementary structure of the double-stranded DNA molecule to synthesize, sequence, and amplify them, and to analyze and identify unknown polynucleotide sequences. Included within this treatment of biotechnology are those practical applications which directly impact humans, such as medical applications, human gene therapy, and pharmaceuticals.
Content in this category covers the biopolymers including ribonucleic acid (RNA), deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), proteins, and the biochemical processes involved in carrying out the transfer of biological information from DNA.
| Topic | Biochemistry |
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Organic Chemistry With a Biological Emphasis, Vol. 2 | ||||||
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Nucleic Acid Structure and Function (BIO, OC, BC)*
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DNA Replication (BIO)
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NA | NA | |||||||
Repair of DNA (BIO)
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NA | NA | |||||||
Genetic Code (BIO)
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NA | NA | |||||||
Transcription (BIO)
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NA | NA | |||||||
Translation (BIO)
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NA | NA | |||||||
Eukaryotic Chromosome Organization (BIO)
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NA |
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NA | NA | |||||||
Control of Gene Expression in Prokaryotes (BIO)
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NA | NA | |||||||
Control of Gene Expression in Eukaryotes (BIO)
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NA | NA | |||||||
Recombinant DNA and Biotechnology (BIO)
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NA | NA |
Content Category 1C: Transmission of heritable information from generation to generation and the processes that increase genetic diversity
Content Category 1C: Transmission of heritable information from generation to generation and the processes that increase genetic diversityThe information necessary to direct life functions is contained within discrete nucleotide sequences transmitted from generation to generation by mechanisms that, by nature of their various processes, provide the raw materials for evolution by increasing genetic diversity. Specific sequences of deoxyribonucleic acids store and transfer the heritable information necessary for the continuation of life from one generation to the next. These sequences, called genes ― being part of longer DNA molecules ― are organized, along with various proteins, into biomolecular assemblies called chromosomes.
Chromosomes pass from parents to offspring in sexually-reproducing organisms. The processes of meiosis and fertilization maintain a species’ chromosomes count during the sexual life cycle. Because parents pass on discrete heritable units that retain their separate identities in offspring, the laws of probability can be used to predict the outcome of some, but not all, genetic crosses.
The behavior of chromosomes during meiosis and fertilization is responsible for most of the genetic variation that arises each generation. Mechanisms that contribute to this genetic variation include independent assortment of chromosomes, crossing over, and random fertilization. Other mechanisms, such as mutation, random genetic drift, bottlenecks, and immigration, exist with the potential to affect the genetic diversity of individuals and populations. Collectively, the genetic diversity that results from these processes provides the raw material for evolution by natural selection.
The content in this category covers the mechanisms by which heritable information is transmitted from generation to generation, and the evolutionary processes that generate and act upon genetic variation.
| Topic | Biochemistry | Biochemistry: A Short Course | Biology, 2e | Fundamentals of Biochemistry | Human Physiology | Karp’s Cell and Molecular Biology |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evidence that DNA is Genetic Material (BIO) | NA | NA |
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Mendelian Concepts (BIO)
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NA | NA | NA | NA |
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Meiosis and Other Factors Affecting Genetic Variability (BIO)
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NA | NA |
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Analytic Methods (BIO)
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NA | NA | NA | NA |
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Evolution (BIO)
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NA | NA |
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NA |
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Principles of Bioenergetics (BC, GC)
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Carbohydrates (BC, OC)
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Content Category 1D: Principles of bioenergetics and fuel molecule metabolism
Content Category 1D: Principles of bioenergetics and fuel molecule metabolismLiving things harness energy from fuel molecules in a controlled manner in order to sustain all the processes responsible for maintaining life. Cell maintenance and growth is energetically costly. Cells harness the energy stored in fuel molecules, such as carbohydrates and fatty acids, and convert it into smaller units of chemical potential known as adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
The hydrolysis of ATP provides a ready source of energy for cells that can be coupled to other chemical processes in order to make them thermodynamically favorable. Fuel molecule mobilization, transport, and storage are regulated according to the needs of the organism.
The content in this category covers the principles of bioenergetics and fuel molecule catabolism. Details of oxidative phosphorylation including the role of chemiosmotic coupling and biological electron transfer reactions are covered, as are the general features of fatty acid and glucose metabolism. Additionally, regulation of these metabolic pathways, fuel molecule mobilization, transport, and storage are covered.
| Topic | Biochemistry | Biochemistry: A Short Course | Biology, 2e | Fundamentals of Biochemistry | Human Physiology | Karp’s Cell and Molecular Biology | Organic Chemistry with a Biological Emphasis, Vol. 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Glycolysis, Gluconeogenesis, and the Pentose Phosphate Pathway (BIO, BC)*
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NA |
Principles of Metabolic Regulation (BC)*
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NA | |
Citric Acid Cycle (BIO, BC)*
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Metabolism of Fatty Acids and Proteins (BIO, BC)*
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NA |
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Oxidative Phosphorylation (BIO, BC)*
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NA | |
Hormonal Regulation and Integration of Metabolism (BC)
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NA | NA |
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NA |
Foundational Concept 2
Foundational Concept 2Highly organized assemblies of molecules, cells, and organs interact to carry out the functions of living organisms.
Content Categories:
Content Category 2A: Assemblies of molecules, cells, and groups of cells within multicellular organisms
Content Category 2A: Assemblies of molecules, cells, and groups of cells within multicellular organismsThe processes necessary to maintain life are executed by assemblies of molecules, cells, and groups of cells, all of which are organized into highly-specific structures as determined by the unique properties of their component molecules. The processes necessary to maintain life require that cells create and maintain internal environments within the cytoplasm and within certain organelles that are different from their external environments.
Cell membranes separate the internal environment of the cell from the external environment. The specialized structure of the membrane, as described in the fluid mosaic model, allows the cell to be selectively permeable and dynamic, with homeostasis maintained by the constant movement of molecules across the membranes through a combination of active and passive processes driven by several forces, including electrochemical gradients.
Eukaryotic cells also maintain internal membranes that partition the cell into specialized regions. These internal membranes facilitate cellular processes by minimizing conflicting interactions and increasing surface area where chemical reactions can occur. Membrane-bound organelles localize different processes or enzymatic reactions in time and space.
Through interactions between proteins bound to the membranes of adjacent cells, or between membrane-bound proteins and elements of the extracellular matrix, cells of multicellular organisms organize into tissues, organs, and organ systems. Certain membrane-associated proteins also play key roles in providing identification of tissues or recent events in the cell’s history for purposes of recognition of “self” versus foreign molecules.
The content in this category covers the composition, structure, and function of cell membranes; the structure and function of the membrane-bound organelles of eukaryotic cells; and the structure and function of the major cytoskeletal elements. It covers the energetics of and mechanisms by which molecules, or groups of molecules, move across cell membranes. It also covers how cell-cell junctions and the extracellular matrix interact to form tissues with specialized functions. Epithelial tissue and connective tissue are covered in this category.
| Topic | Biochemistry | Biochemistry: A Short Course | Biology, 2e | Fundamentals of Biochemistry | Human Physiology | Karp’s Cell and Molecular Biology | Organic Chemistry with a Biological Emphasis, Vol. 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Plasma Membrane (BIO, BC)*
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Membrane-Bound Organelles and Defining Characteristics of Eukaryotic Cells (BIO)*
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NA |
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NA | |
Cytoskeleton (BIO)
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NA | NA |
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NA | |
Tissues Formed From Eukaryotic Cells (BIO)
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NA | NA |
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NA | NA |
Content Category 2B: The structure, growth, physiology, and genetics of prokaryotes and viruses
Content Category 2B: The structure, growth, physiology, and genetics of prokaryotes and virusesThe highly-organized assembly of molecules that is the cell represents the fundamental unit of structure, function, and organization in all living organisms. In the hierarchy of biological organization, the cell is the simplest collection of matter capable of carrying out the processes that distinguish living organisms. As such, cells have the ability to undergo metabolism; maintain homeostasis, including ionic gradients; the capacity to grow; move in response to their local environments; respond to stimuli; reproduce; and adapt to their environment in successive generations.
Life at cellular levels arises from structural order, and its dynamic modulation. It does so in response to signals, thereby reflecting properties that result from individual and interactive features of molecular assemblies, their compartmentalization, and their interaction with environmental signals at many spatial and temporal scales.
The content in this category covers the classification, structure, growth, physiology, and genetics of prokaryotes, and the characteristics that distinguish them from eukaryotes. Viruses are also covered here.
| Topic | Biology, 2e | Fundamentals of Biochemistry | Karp’s Cell and Molecular Biology |
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Cell Theory (BIO)
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NA |
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Classification and Structure of Prokaryotic Cells (BIO)
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Growth and Physiology of Prokaryotic Cells (BIO)
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Genetics of Prokaryotic Cells (BIO)
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NA |
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Virus Structure (BIO)
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NA |
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Viral Life Cycle (BIO)
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NA |
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Content Category 2C: Processes of cell division, differentiation, and specialization
Content Category 2C: Processes of cell division, differentiation, and specializationThe ability of organisms to reproduce their own kind is the characteristic that best distinguishes living things. In sexually reproducing organisms, the continuity of life is based on the processes of cell division and meiosis.
The process of cell division is an integral part of the cell cycle. The progress of eukaryotic cells through the cell cycle is regulated by a complex molecular control system. Malfunctions in this system can result in unabated cellular division, and ultimately the development of cancer.
In the embryonic development of multicellular organisms, a fertilized egg gives rise to cells that differentiate into many different types of cells, each with a different structure, corresponding function, and location within the organism. During development, spatial-temporal gradients in the interactions between gene expression and various stimuli result in the structural and functional divergence of cells into specialized structure, organs, and tissues. The interaction of stimuli and genes is also explained by the progression of stem cells to terminal cells.
The content in this category covers the cell cycle; the causes, genetics, and basic properties of cancer; the processes of meiosis and gametogenesis; and the mechanisms governing cell specialization and differentiation.
| Topic | Biochemistry | Biochemistry: A Short Course | Biology, 2e | Fundamentals of Biochemistry | Human Physiology | Karp’s Cell and Molecular Biology |
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Mitosis (BIO)
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NA | NA | NA |
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Biosignalling (BC)
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Reproductive System (BIO)
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NA | NA | NA |
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Embryogenesis (BIO)
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NA | NA | NA |
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NA | |
Mechanisms of Development (BIO)
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NA | NA | NA | NA |
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Foundational Concept 3
Foundational Concept 3Complex systems of tissues and organs sense the internal and external environments of multicellular organisms, and through integrated functioning, maintain a stable internal environment within an ever-changing external environment.
Content Categories:
Content Category 3A: Structure and functions of the nervous and endocrine systems and ways in which these systems coordinate the organ systems
Content Category 3A: Structure and functions of the nervous and endocrine systems and ways in which these systems coordinate the organ systemsThe nervous and endocrine systems work together to detect external and internal signals, transmit and integrate information, and maintain homeostasis. They do all of this by producing appropriate responses to internal and external cues and stressors. The integration of these systems both with one another, and with the other organ systems, ultimately results in the successful and adaptive behaviors that allow for the propagation of the species.
Animals have evolved a nervous system that senses and processes internal and external information that is used to facilitate and enhance survival, growth, and reproduction. The nervous system interfaces with sensory and internal body systems to coordinate physiological and behavioral responses ranging from simple movements and small metabolic changes to long-distance migrations and social interactions. The physiological processes for nerve signal generation and propagation involve specialized membranes with associated proteins that respond to ligands and/or electrical field changes, signaling molecules and, by extension, the establishment and replenishment of ionic electrochemical gradients requiring ATP.
The endocrine system of animals has evolved to produce chemical signals that function internally to regulate stress responses, reproduction, development, energy metabolism, growth, and various individual and interactive behaviors. The integrated contributions of the nervous and endocrine systems to bodily functions are exemplified by the process whereby the signaling of neurons regulates hormone release, and by the targeting of membrane or nuclear receptors on neurons by circulating hormones.
The content in this category covers the structure, function, and basic aspects of nervous and endocrine systems, and their integration. The structure and function of nerve cells is also included in this category.
| Topic | Biochemistry | Biochemistry: A Short Course | Biology, 2e | Fundamentals of Biochemistry | Human Physiology | Karp’s Cell and Molecular Biology |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nervous System: Structure and Function (BIO)
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NA | NA | NA | NA |
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Nerve Cell (BIO)
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NA | NA | NA |
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Biosignalling (BC)
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Lipids (BC, OC)
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Endocrine System: Hormones and Their Sources (BIO)
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NA | NA | NA |
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NA | |
Endocrine System: Mechanisms of Hormone Action (BIO)
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NA | NA |
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Content Category 3B: Structure and integrative functions of the main organ systems
Content Category 3B: Structure and integrative functions of the main organ systemsAnimals use a number of highly-organized and integrated organ systems to carry out the necessary functions associated with maintaining life processes. Within the body, no organ system is an island. Interactions and coordination between organ systems allow organisms to engage in the processes necessary to sustain life. For example, the organs and structures of the circulatory system carry out a number of functions, such as transporting:
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nutrients absorbed in the digestive system;
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gases absorbed from the respiratory system and muscle tissue;
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hormones secreted from the endocrine system; and
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blood cells produced in bone marrow to and from cells in the body to help fight disease.
The content in this category covers the structure and function of the major organ systems of the body including the respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic, immune, digestive, excretory, reproductive, muscle, skeletal, and skin systems. Also covered in this category is the integration of these systems and their control and coordination by the endocrine and nervous systems.
| Topic | Biochemistry | Biology, 2e | Human Physiology | Karp’s Cell and Molecular Biology |
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Respiratory System (BIO)
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NA |
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Circulatory System (BIO)
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NA |
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NA | |
Lymphatic System (BIO)
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NA | NA |
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Immune System (BIO)
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NA |
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Digestive System (BIO)
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NA |
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Excretory System (BIO)
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NA |
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NA | |
Reproductive System (BIO)
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NA |
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NA | |
Muscle System (BIO)
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NA |
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Specialized Cell-Muscle Cell (BIO)
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NA |
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Skeletal System (BIO)
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NA |
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NA | |
Skin System (BIO)
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NA | NA |
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NA |
Foundational Concept 4
Foundational Concept 4Complex living organisms transport materials, sense their environment, process signals, and respond to changes using processes that can be understood in terms of physical principles.
Content Categories:
Content Category 4B: Importance of fluids for the circulation of blood, gas movement, and gas exchange
Content Category 4B: Importance of fluids for the circulation of blood, gas movement, and gas exchangeFluids are featured in several physiologically important processes, including the circulation of blood, gas movement into and out of the lungs, and gas exchange into the blood. The energetic requirements of fluid dynamics can be modeled using physical equations. A thorough understanding of fluids is necessary to understand the origins of numerous forms of disease.
The content in this category covers hydrostatic pressure, fluid flow rates, viscosity, the Kinetic Molecular Theory of Gases, and the Ideal Gas Law.
| Topic | Biology, 2e | Human Physiology |
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Circulatory System (BIO)
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Content Category 4C: Electrochemistry and electrical circuits and their elements
Content Category 4C: Electrochemistry and electrical circuits and their elementsCharged particles can be set in motion by the action of an applied electrical field and can be used to transmit energy or information over long distances. The energy released during certain chemical reactions can be converted to electrical energy, which can be harnessed to perform other reactions or work.
Physiologically, a concentration gradient of charged particles is set up across the cell membrane of neurons at considerable energetic expense. This allows for the rapid transmission of signals using electrical impulses — changes in the electrical voltage across the membrane — under the action of some external stimulus.
The content in this category covers electrical circuit elements, electrical circuits, and electrochemistry.
| Topic | Biology, 2e | Human Physiology | Karp’s Cell and Molecular Biology |
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Specialized Cell — Nerve Cell (BIO)
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Foundational Concept 5
Foundational Concept 5The principles that govern chemical interactions and reactions form the basis for a broader understanding of the molecular dynamics of living systems.
Content Categories:
- Category 5A: Unique nature of water and its solutions
- Category 5B: Nature of molecules and intermolecular interactions
- Category 5C: Separation and purification methods
- Category 5D: Structure, function, and reactivity of biologically-relevant molecules
- Category 5E: Principle of chemical thermodynamics and kinetics
Content Category 5A: Unique nature of water and its solutions
Content Category 5A: Unique nature of water and its solutionsIn order to fully understand the complex and dynamic nature of living systems, it is first necessary to understand the unique nature of water and its solutions. The unique properties of water allow it to strongly interact with and mobilize many types of solutes, including ions. Water is also unique in its ability to absorb energy and buffer living systems from the chemical changes necessary to sustain life.
The content in this category covers the nature of solutions, solubility, acids, bases, and buffers.
| Topic | Biochemistry | Biochemistry: A Short Course | Biology, 2e | Fundamentals of Biochemistry | Human Physiology | Karp’s Cell and Molecular Biology | Organic Chemistry with a Biological Emphasis, Vol. 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Acid/Base Equilibria (GC, BC)
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Ions in Solutions (GC, BC)
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NA |
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NA |
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NA |
Content Category 5B: Nature of molecules and intermolecular interactions
Content Category 5B: Nature of molecules and intermolecular interactionsCovalent bonding involves the sharing of electrons between atoms. If the result of such interactions is not a network solid, then the covalently bonded substance will be discrete and molecular.
The shape of molecules can be predicted based on electrostatic principles and quantum mechanics since only two electrons can occupy the same orbital. Bond polarity (both direction and magnitude) can be predicted based on knowledge of the valence electron structure of the constituent atoms. The strength of intermolecular interactions depends on molecular shape and the polarity of the covalent bonds present. The solubility and other physical properties of molecular substances depend on the strength of intermolecular interactions.
The content in this category covers the nature of molecules and includes covalent bonding, molecular structure, nomenclature, and intermolecular interactions.
| Topic | Organic Chemistry with a Biological Emphasis, Vol. 1 |
|---|---|
Covalent Bond (GC)
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Liquid Phase - Intermolecular Forces (GC)
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Content Category 5C: Separation and purification methods
Content Category 5C: Separation and purification methodsAnalysis of complex mixtures of substances ― especially biologically relevant materials ― typically requires separation of the components. Many methods have been developed to accomplish this task, and the method used is dependent on the types of substances which comprise the mixture. All these methods rely on the magnification of potential differences in the strength of intermolecular interactions.
The content in this category covers separation and purification methods including extraction, liquid and gas chromatography, and electrophoresis.
| Topic | Biochemistry | Biochemistry: A Short Course | Fundamentals of Biochemistry | Karp’s Cell and Molecular Biology |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Separations and Purifications (OC, BC)*
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Content Category 5D: Structure, function, and reactivity of biologically-relevant molecules
Content Category 5D: Structure, function, and reactivity of biologically-relevant moleculesThe structure of biological molecules forms the basis of their chemical reactions including oligomerization and polymerization. Unique aspects of each type of biological molecule dictate their role in living systems, whether providing structure or information storage, or serving as fuel and catalysts.
The content in this category covers the structure, function, and reactivity of biologically-relevant molecules including the mechanistic considerations that dictate their modes of reactivity.
| Topic | Biochemistry | Biochemistry: A Short Course | Biology, 2e | Fundamentals of Biochemistry | Human Physiology | Karp’s Cell and Molecular Biology | Organic Chemistry with a Biological Emphasis, Vol. 1 | Organic Chemistry with a Biological Emphasis, Vol. 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nucleotides and Nucleic Acids (OC, BC, BIO)*
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Amino Acids, Peptides, Proteins (OC, BC)*
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The Three-Dimensional Protein Structure (BC)
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NA | NA | |
Nonenzymatic Protein Function (BC)
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NA |
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NA | NA |
Lipids (BC, OC)*
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Carbohydrates (OC)*
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Phenols (OC, BC)
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NA | NA | NA |
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NA | NA | NA |
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Polycyclic and Heterocyclic Aromatic Compounds (OC, BC)
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NA | NA | NA |
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NA | NA | NA | NA |
Content Category 5E: Principles of chemical thermodynamics and kinetics
Content Category 5E: Principles of chemical thermodynamics and kineticsThe processes that occur in living systems are dynamic, and they follow the principles of chemical thermo-dynamics and kinetics. The position of chemical equilibrium is dictated by the relative energies of products and reactants. The rate at which chemical equilibrium is attained is dictated by a variety of factors: concentration of reactants, temperature, and the amount of catalyst (if any).
Biological systems have evolved to harness energy and utilize it in very efficient ways to support all processes of life, including homeostasis and anabolism. Biological catalysts, known as enzymes, have evolved to allow all the relevant chemical reactions required to sustain life to occur both rapidly and efficiently, and under the narrow set of conditions required.
The content in this category covers all principles of chemical thermodynamics and kinetics including enzymatic catalysis.
| Topic | Biochemistry | Biochemistry: A Short Course | Biology, 2e | Fundamentals of Biochemistry | Human Physiology | Karp’s Cell and Molecular Biology | Organic Chemistry with a Biological Emphasis, Vol. 1 | Organic Chemistry with a Biological Emphasis, Vol. 2 |
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Enzymes (BC, BIO)
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Principles of Bioenergetics (BC)
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Foundational Concept 6
Foundational Concept 6Biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors influence the ways that individuals perceive, think about, and react to the world.
Content Categories:
Concept Category 6A: Sensing the environment
Concept Category 6A: Sensing the environmentPsychological, sociocultural, and biological factors affect sensation and perception of the world. All sensory processing begins with first detecting a stimulus in the environment through sensory cells, receptors, and biological pathways.
After collecting sensory information, we then interpret and make sense of it. Although sensation and perception are distinct functions, they are both influenced by psychological, social, and biological factors and therefore become almost indistinguishable in practice. This complexity is illuminated by examining human sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell.
The content in this category covers sensation and perception across all five human senses.
| Topic | Biochemistry | Biology, 2e | Human Physiology |
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Sensory Processing (PSY, BIO)*
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NA |
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Vision (PSY, BIO)*
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NA |
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Hearing (PSY, BIO)*
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NA |
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Other Senses (PSY, BIO)*
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Content Category 6B: Making sense of the environment
Content Category 6B: Making sense of the environmentThe way we think about the world depends on our awareness, thoughts, knowledge, and memories. It is also influenced by our ability to solve problems, make decisions, form judgments, and communicate. Psychological, sociocultural, and biological influences determine the development and use of these different yet convergent processes.
Biological factors underlie the mental processes that create our reality, shape our perception of the world, and influence the way we perceive and react to every aspect of our lives. The content in this category covers critical aspects of cognition ― including consciousness, cognitive development, problem solving and decision making, intelligence, memory, and language.
| Topic | Human Physiology |
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Cognition (PSY)*
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Consciousness (PSY)*
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Memory (PSY)*
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Language (PSY)*
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Foundational Concept 7
Foundational Concept 7Biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors influence behavior and behavior change.
Content Categories:
Content Category 7A: Individual influences on behavior
Content Category 7A: Individual influences on behaviorA complex interplay of psychological and biological factors shapes behavior. Biological structures and processes serve as the pathway by which bodies carry out activities. They also affect predispositions to behave in certain ways, shape personalities, and influence the likelihood of developing psychological disorders. Psychological factors also affect behavior, and consequently, health and well-being.
The content in this category covers biological bases of behavior, including the effect of genetics and how the nervous and endocrine systems affect behavior. It also addresses how personality, psychological disorders, motivation, and attitudes affect behavior. Some of these topics are learned in the context of non-human animal species.
| Topic | Human Physiology |
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Biological Bases of Behavior (PSY, BIO)*
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Psychological Disorders (PSY)*
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Motivation (PSY)*
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Content Category 7C: Attitude and behavior change
Content Category 7C: Attitude and behavior changeLearning is a relatively permanent change in behavior brought about by experience. There are a number of different types of learning, which include habituation as well as associative, observational, and social learning.
Although people can learn new behaviors and change their attitudes, psychological, environmental, and biological factors influence whether those changes will be short-term or long-term. Understanding how people learn new behaviors and change their attitudes and the conditions that affect learning helps us understand behavior and our interactions with others.
The content in this category covers learning and theories of attitude and behavior change. This includes the elaboration likelihood model and social cognitive theory.
| Topic | Human Physiology |
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Associative Learning (PSY)*
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