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MCAT Biochemistry Questions

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Biochemistry Subjects To Study For The MCAT are:
Amino Acids, Peptides and Proteins
Biological Membranes
Carbohydrate metabolism
Carbohydrate structure
DNA and RNA
Enzymes
Lipids and lipid metabolism
Nonenzymatic proteins
Regulation of metabolism

MCAT Biochemistry Questions

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25 Questions

1. What is a globular protein?

A protein that is spherical and roundIn this method, the beads are coated with a receptor or an antibody that only binds a specific protein. When a mixture of proteins is poured through an affinity chromatograph, the protein that matches the receptor or antibody will get stuck in the column while all the other proteins elute out. Once the protein of interest is isolated in the column, molecules called free targets are flushed through the column to compete with and displace the proteins from the beads, thus allowing them to elute. One drawback of this technique is that the free target used to flush the protein out can sometimes bind very strongly to the protein of interest, which slightly weakens the purpose of trying to isolate the proteinAcetyl-CoA and Oxaloacetate undergo a condensation reaction with the help of Citrate Synthase to form Citrate and a free CoA.A molecule with an R group, 2 ether groups (-OR), and a hydrogen.

2. What is Affinity Chromatography?

A molecule with an R group, 2 ether groups (-OR), and a hydrogen.Acetyl-CoA and Oxaloacetate undergo a condensation reaction with the help of Citrate Synthase to form Citrate and a free CoA.A protein that is spherical and roundIn this method, the beads are coated with a receptor or an antibody that only binds a specific protein. When a mixture of proteins is poured through an affinity chromatograph, the protein that matches the receptor or antibody will get stuck in the column while all the other proteins elute out. Once the protein of interest is isolated in the column, molecules called free targets are flushed through the column to compete with and displace the proteins from the beads, thus allowing them to elute. One drawback of this technique is that the free target used to flush the protein out can sometimes bind very strongly to the protein of interest, which slightly weakens the purpose of trying to isolate the protein

3. Describe the first step of the Citric Acid Cycle

A molecule with an R group, 2 ether groups (-OR), and a hydrogen.A protein that is spherical and roundAcetyl-CoA and Oxaloacetate undergo a condensation reaction with the help of Citrate Synthase to form Citrate and a free CoA.In this method, the beads are coated with a receptor or an antibody that only binds a specific protein. When a mixture of proteins is poured through an affinity chromatograph, the protein that matches the receptor or antibody will get stuck in the column while all the other proteins elute out. Once the protein of interest is isolated in the column, molecules called free targets are flushed through the column to compete with and displace the proteins from the beads, thus allowing them to elute. One drawback of this technique is that the free target used to flush the protein out can sometimes bind very strongly to the protein of interest, which slightly weakens the purpose of trying to isolate the protein

4. What is an acetal?

A molecule with an R group, 2 ether groups (-OR), and a hydrogen.Acetyl-CoA and Oxaloacetate undergo a condensation reaction with the help of Citrate Synthase to form Citrate and a free CoA.In this method, the beads are coated with a receptor or an antibody that only binds a specific protein. When a mixture of proteins is poured through an affinity chromatograph, the protein that matches the receptor or antibody will get stuck in the column while all the other proteins elute out. Once the protein of interest is isolated in the column, molecules called free targets are flushed through the column to compete with and displace the proteins from the beads, thus allowing them to elute. One drawback of this technique is that the free target used to flush the protein out can sometimes bind very strongly to the protein of interest, which slightly weakens the purpose of trying to isolate the proteinA protein that is spherical and round

5. What is glycogen and what is its characteristic bond?

Acetyl-CoA and Oxaloacetate undergo a condensation reaction with the help of Citrate Synthase to form Citrate and a free CoA.A protein that is spherical and roundGlycogen is a carbohydrate storage unit in aminals. It is similar to starch with it's a-1,4 bonded glucoses, but it has significantly more a-1,6 branches. (For comparison, glycogen has a branch once every 10 molecules, amylopectin has one every 25 molecules.)In this method, the beads are coated with a receptor or an antibody that only binds a specific protein. When a mixture of proteins is poured through an affinity chromatograph, the protein that matches the receptor or antibody will get stuck in the column while all the other proteins elute out. Once the protein of interest is isolated in the column, molecules called free targets are flushed through the column to compete with and displace the proteins from the beads, thus allowing them to elute. One drawback of this technique is that the free target used to flush the protein out can sometimes bind very strongly to the protein of interest, which slightly weakens the purpose of trying to isolate the protein

6. What is the difference between primary active transport and secondary active transport?

Primary active transport is when an ATP molecule is used to directly power movement of molecules across a membrane. Secondary active transport is when the release of energy of one molecule going down its concentration gradient is used to drive another molecule against its concentration gradient.Acetyl-CoA and Oxaloacetate undergo a condensation reaction with the help of Citrate Synthase to form Citrate and a free CoA.In this method, the beads are coated with a receptor or an antibody that only binds a specific protein. When a mixture of proteins is poured through an affinity chromatograph, the protein that matches the receptor or antibody will get stuck in the column while all the other proteins elute out. Once the protein of interest is isolated in the column, molecules called free targets are flushed through the column to compete with and displace the proteins from the beads, thus allowing them to elute. One drawback of this technique is that the free target used to flush the protein out can sometimes bind very strongly to the protein of interest, which slightly weakens the purpose of trying to isolate the proteinA protein that is spherical and round

7. At low ph, ionizable groups tend to be [protonated or deprotonated?]

At low ph, ionizable groups tend to be protonatedA protein that is spherical and roundAcetyl-CoA and Oxaloacetate undergo a condensation reaction with the help of Citrate Synthase to form Citrate and a free CoA.In this method, the beads are coated with a receptor or an antibody that only binds a specific protein. When a mixture of proteins is poured through an affinity chromatograph, the protein that matches the receptor or antibody will get stuck in the column while all the other proteins elute out. Once the protein of interest is isolated in the column, molecules called free targets are flushed through the column to compete with and displace the proteins from the beads, thus allowing them to elute. One drawback of this technique is that the free target used to flush the protein out can sometimes bind very strongly to the protein of interest, which slightly weakens the purpose of trying to isolate the protein

8. What is the 7th step of Glycolysis?

A protein that is spherical and roundIn this method, the beads are coated with a receptor or an antibody that only binds a specific protein. When a mixture of proteins is poured through an affinity chromatograph, the protein that matches the receptor or antibody will get stuck in the column while all the other proteins elute out. Once the protein of interest is isolated in the column, molecules called free targets are flushed through the column to compete with and displace the proteins from the beads, thus allowing them to elute. One drawback of this technique is that the free target used to flush the protein out can sometimes bind very strongly to the protein of interest, which slightly weakens the purpose of trying to isolate the proteinPhosphoglycerate Kinase spends 2 ADPs to convert 2 1,3-Bisphoglycerates into 2 3-Phosphoglycerates and generate 2 ATP's.Acetyl-CoA and Oxaloacetate undergo a condensation reaction with the help of Citrate Synthase to form Citrate and a free CoA.

9. What is bioenergetics?

The study of energy states in biological systems.Acetyl-CoA and Oxaloacetate undergo a condensation reaction with the help of Citrate Synthase to form Citrate and a free CoA.A protein that is spherical and roundIn this method, the beads are coated with a receptor or an antibody that only binds a specific protein. When a mixture of proteins is poured through an affinity chromatograph, the protein that matches the receptor or antibody will get stuck in the column while all the other proteins elute out. Once the protein of interest is isolated in the column, molecules called free targets are flushed through the column to compete with and displace the proteins from the beads, thus allowing them to elute. One drawback of this technique is that the free target used to flush the protein out can sometimes bind very strongly to the protein of interest, which slightly weakens the purpose of trying to isolate the protein

10. What does it mean when we say codons are specific?

Because each individual only codes for one amino acid.In this method, the beads are coated with a receptor or an antibody that only binds a specific protein. When a mixture of proteins is poured through an affinity chromatograph, the protein that matches the receptor or antibody will get stuck in the column while all the other proteins elute out. Once the protein of interest is isolated in the column, molecules called free targets are flushed through the column to compete with and displace the proteins from the beads, thus allowing them to elute. One drawback of this technique is that the free target used to flush the protein out can sometimes bind very strongly to the protein of interest, which slightly weakens the purpose of trying to isolate the proteinAcetyl-CoA and Oxaloacetate undergo a condensation reaction with the help of Citrate Synthase to form Citrate and a free CoA.A protein that is spherical and round

11. What is negative feedback?

Acetyl-CoA and Oxaloacetate undergo a condensation reaction with the help of Citrate Synthase to form Citrate and a free CoA.When a product further down in the chain of reactions inhibits a previous reaction in the chain.A protein that is spherical and roundIn this method, the beads are coated with a receptor or an antibody that only binds a specific protein. When a mixture of proteins is poured through an affinity chromatograph, the protein that matches the receptor or antibody will get stuck in the column while all the other proteins elute out. Once the protein of interest is isolated in the column, molecules called free targets are flushed through the column to compete with and displace the proteins from the beads, thus allowing them to elute. One drawback of this technique is that the free target used to flush the protein out can sometimes bind very strongly to the protein of interest, which slightly weakens the purpose of trying to isolate the protein

12. How do fatty acids (in the cytoplasm) increase the levels of Acetyl-Coa in the mitochondria?

1. CoA is coupled with a fatty acid (acyl group) in the cytoplasm. 2. The acyl group is transferred to carnitine to form acyl-carnitine, which crosses the inner membrane of the mitochondria. 3. The acyl group is then transferred to a mitochondrial CoA to reform the CoA-fatty acid, which can undergo B-oxidation in the mitochondria to form acetyl-CoA.A protein that is spherical and roundIn this method, the beads are coated with a receptor or an antibody that only binds a specific protein. When a mixture of proteins is poured through an affinity chromatograph, the protein that matches the receptor or antibody will get stuck in the column while all the other proteins elute out. Once the protein of interest is isolated in the column, molecules called free targets are flushed through the column to compete with and displace the proteins from the beads, thus allowing them to elute. One drawback of this technique is that the free target used to flush the protein out can sometimes bind very strongly to the protein of interest, which slightly weakens the purpose of trying to isolate the proteinAcetyl-CoA and Oxaloacetate undergo a condensation reaction with the help of Citrate Synthase to form Citrate and a free CoA.

13. Describe the fifth step of the Citric Acid Cycle

Succinyl-CoA is converted into Succinate by Succinyl-CoA synthetase which also converts a GDP to GTP. This GTP will transfer its phosphate to ADP to form ATP. This is the only step of the citric acid cycle that results in substrate level phosphorylation.Acetyl-CoA and Oxaloacetate undergo a condensation reaction with the help of Citrate Synthase to form Citrate and a free CoA.In this method, the beads are coated with a receptor or an antibody that only binds a specific protein. When a mixture of proteins is poured through an affinity chromatograph, the protein that matches the receptor or antibody will get stuck in the column while all the other proteins elute out. Once the protein of interest is isolated in the column, molecules called free targets are flushed through the column to compete with and displace the proteins from the beads, thus allowing them to elute. One drawback of this technique is that the free target used to flush the protein out can sometimes bind very strongly to the protein of interest, which slightly weakens the purpose of trying to isolate the proteinA protein that is spherical and round

14. What is Cystine?

The name used to refer to the disulfide bond made between two cysteine's in a protein.A protein that is spherical and roundAcetyl-CoA and Oxaloacetate undergo a condensation reaction with the help of Citrate Synthase to form Citrate and a free CoA.In this method, the beads are coated with a receptor or an antibody that only binds a specific protein. When a mixture of proteins is poured through an affinity chromatograph, the protein that matches the receptor or antibody will get stuck in the column while all the other proteins elute out. Once the protein of interest is isolated in the column, molecules called free targets are flushed through the column to compete with and displace the proteins from the beads, thus allowing them to elute. One drawback of this technique is that the free target used to flush the protein out can sometimes bind very strongly to the protein of interest, which slightly weakens the purpose of trying to isolate the protein

15. Describe Glycogenesis

Glucose-6-Phopshate from Glycolysis is converted into Glucose 1-Phosphate. Glucose 1-Phosphate is activated with a UTP to make UDP-Glucose UDP-Glucose is added to the growing alpha 1-4 Glycogen chain by Glyocgen Synthase, the rate limiting step of Glycogenesis.A protein that is spherical and roundIn this method, the beads are coated with a receptor or an antibody that only binds a specific protein. When a mixture of proteins is poured through an affinity chromatograph, the protein that matches the receptor or antibody will get stuck in the column while all the other proteins elute out. Once the protein of interest is isolated in the column, molecules called free targets are flushed through the column to compete with and displace the proteins from the beads, thus allowing them to elute. One drawback of this technique is that the free target used to flush the protein out can sometimes bind very strongly to the protein of interest, which slightly weakens the purpose of trying to isolate the proteinAcetyl-CoA and Oxaloacetate undergo a condensation reaction with the help of Citrate Synthase to form Citrate and a free CoA.

16. Amino acids with basic side chains have [high or low?] pI's?

A protein that is spherical and roundIn this method, the beads are coated with a receptor or an antibody that only binds a specific protein. When a mixture of proteins is poured through an affinity chromatograph, the protein that matches the receptor or antibody will get stuck in the column while all the other proteins elute out. Once the protein of interest is isolated in the column, molecules called free targets are flushed through the column to compete with and displace the proteins from the beads, thus allowing them to elute. One drawback of this technique is that the free target used to flush the protein out can sometimes bind very strongly to the protein of interest, which slightly weakens the purpose of trying to isolate the proteinhigh pI's?Acetyl-CoA and Oxaloacetate undergo a condensation reaction with the help of Citrate Synthase to form Citrate and a free CoA.

17. After a protein is isolated, what is the next step of analysis?

A protein that is spherical and roundAcetyl-CoA and Oxaloacetate undergo a condensation reaction with the help of Citrate Synthase to form Citrate and a free CoA.In this method, the beads are coated with a receptor or an antibody that only binds a specific protein. When a mixture of proteins is poured through an affinity chromatograph, the protein that matches the receptor or antibody will get stuck in the column while all the other proteins elute out. Once the protein of interest is isolated in the column, molecules called free targets are flushed through the column to compete with and displace the proteins from the beads, thus allowing them to elute. One drawback of this technique is that the free target used to flush the protein out can sometimes bind very strongly to the protein of interest, which slightly weakens the purpose of trying to isolate the proteinTo study the protein's structure, activity, concentration, and amino acid composition.

18. Generally speaking, how can you predict the inhibitory and activatory actions of the Kreb's cycle?

Remember that the Kreb's Cycle's purpose is to generate ATP energy, and so it will generally be activated in times of energy need and high and deactivated in times of energy surplus. Also, remember the Kreb's Cycle is an equilibrium and therefore expect le'chatlier effects to manifest themselves.Acetyl-CoA and Oxaloacetate undergo a condensation reaction with the help of Citrate Synthase to form Citrate and a free CoA.In this method, the beads are coated with a receptor or an antibody that only binds a specific protein. When a mixture of proteins is poured through an affinity chromatograph, the protein that matches the receptor or antibody will get stuck in the column while all the other proteins elute out. Once the protein of interest is isolated in the column, molecules called free targets are flushed through the column to compete with and displace the proteins from the beads, thus allowing them to elute. One drawback of this technique is that the free target used to flush the protein out can sometimes bind very strongly to the protein of interest, which slightly weakens the purpose of trying to isolate the proteinA protein that is spherical and round

19. What are globosides?

In this method, the beads are coated with a receptor or an antibody that only binds a specific protein. When a mixture of proteins is poured through an affinity chromatograph, the protein that matches the receptor or antibody will get stuck in the column while all the other proteins elute out. Once the protein of interest is isolated in the column, molecules called free targets are flushed through the column to compete with and displace the proteins from the beads, thus allowing them to elute. One drawback of this technique is that the free target used to flush the protein out can sometimes bind very strongly to the protein of interest, which slightly weakens the purpose of trying to isolate the proteinA protein that is spherical and roundAcetyl-CoA and Oxaloacetate undergo a condensation reaction with the help of Citrate Synthase to form Citrate and a free CoA.Glycosphingolipids with two or more sugars attached to the sphingosine backbone.

20. What is the difference between a coenzyme/cofactor and a prosthetic group?

A protein that is spherical and roundAcetyl-CoA and Oxaloacetate undergo a condensation reaction with the help of Citrate Synthase to form Citrate and a free CoA.A prosthetic group is just a cofactor or coenzyme that is very tightly bound to the enzyme and is critical for its function.In this method, the beads are coated with a receptor or an antibody that only binds a specific protein. When a mixture of proteins is poured through an affinity chromatograph, the protein that matches the receptor or antibody will get stuck in the column while all the other proteins elute out. Once the protein of interest is isolated in the column, molecules called free targets are flushed through the column to compete with and displace the proteins from the beads, thus allowing them to elute. One drawback of this technique is that the free target used to flush the protein out can sometimes bind very strongly to the protein of interest, which slightly weakens the purpose of trying to isolate the protein

21. Describe an Inducible System operon?

Acetyl-CoA and Oxaloacetate undergo a condensation reaction with the help of Citrate Synthase to form Citrate and a free CoA.In this method, the beads are coated with a receptor or an antibody that only binds a specific protein. When a mixture of proteins is poured through an affinity chromatograph, the protein that matches the receptor or antibody will get stuck in the column while all the other proteins elute out. Once the protein of interest is isolated in the column, molecules called free targets are flushed through the column to compete with and displace the proteins from the beads, thus allowing them to elute. One drawback of this technique is that the free target used to flush the protein out can sometimes bind very strongly to the protein of interest, which slightly weakens the purpose of trying to isolate the proteinIn an inducible system, an ever-present repressor protein (coded for by the regulator) binds to the operator and stops RNA polymerase from transcribing it. However, if an inducer is present, then it will bind to the repressor and stop it from repressing the gene. This allows the operon to be transcribed. This is useful because it ties transcription of these genes to the presence of a specific molecule, which means that the gene is only on when the cell feels like it is needed. The classic inducible system is the lac operon, an operon that allows bacteria to digest lactose when it is in high enough concentrations.A protein that is spherical and round

22. What are Aspartic Acid's structure, character, three letter abbreviation, and one letter abbreviation?

In this method, the beads are coated with a receptor or an antibody that only binds a specific protein. When a mixture of proteins is poured through an affinity chromatograph, the protein that matches the receptor or antibody will get stuck in the column while all the other proteins elute out. Once the protein of interest is isolated in the column, molecules called free targets are flushed through the column to compete with and displace the proteins from the beads, thus allowing them to elute. One drawback of this technique is that the free target used to flush the protein out can sometimes bind very strongly to the protein of interest, which slightly weakens the purpose of trying to isolate the proteinAcetyl-CoA and Oxaloacetate undergo a condensation reaction with the help of Citrate Synthase to form Citrate and a free CoA.A protein that is spherical and roundAn acidic/negatively charged amino acid.

23. What is Km

Km (AKA the Michaelis Constant) is the concentration at which half of the enzyme's active sites are in use and the velocity of the reaction is half of the Vmax. Km can be used to compare the affinities of different enzymes for specific substrates. For example, an enzyme with a Km of .5M needs .5M of substrate to occupy half of its active sites. However, an enzyme with a Km of .25M only needs .25M of substrate to occupy half of its active sites.In this method, the beads are coated with a receptor or an antibody that only binds a specific protein. When a mixture of proteins is poured through an affinity chromatograph, the protein that matches the receptor or antibody will get stuck in the column while all the other proteins elute out. Once the protein of interest is isolated in the column, molecules called free targets are flushed through the column to compete with and displace the proteins from the beads, thus allowing them to elute. One drawback of this technique is that the free target used to flush the protein out can sometimes bind very strongly to the protein of interest, which slightly weakens the purpose of trying to isolate the proteinA protein that is spherical and roundAcetyl-CoA and Oxaloacetate undergo a condensation reaction with the help of Citrate Synthase to form Citrate and a free CoA.

24. What can you do to a solution to increase the rate of mutarotation?

In this method, the beads are coated with a receptor or an antibody that only binds a specific protein. When a mixture of proteins is poured through an affinity chromatograph, the protein that matches the receptor or antibody will get stuck in the column while all the other proteins elute out. Once the protein of interest is isolated in the column, molecules called free targets are flushed through the column to compete with and displace the proteins from the beads, thus allowing them to elute. One drawback of this technique is that the free target used to flush the protein out can sometimes bind very strongly to the protein of interest, which slightly weakens the purpose of trying to isolate the proteinAcetyl-CoA and Oxaloacetate undergo a condensation reaction with the help of Citrate Synthase to form Citrate and a free CoA.A protein that is spherical and roundAdd acid OR base

25. How is the process of endocytosis initiated?

A protein that is spherical and roundEndocytosis is initiated through membrane receptors that bind with appropriate molecules and cause endocytosis to occur.In this method, the beads are coated with a receptor or an antibody that only binds a specific protein. When a mixture of proteins is poured through an affinity chromatograph, the protein that matches the receptor or antibody will get stuck in the column while all the other proteins elute out. Once the protein of interest is isolated in the column, molecules called free targets are flushed through the column to compete with and displace the proteins from the beads, thus allowing them to elute. One drawback of this technique is that the free target used to flush the protein out can sometimes bind very strongly to the protein of interest, which slightly weakens the purpose of trying to isolate the proteinAcetyl-CoA and Oxaloacetate undergo a condensation reaction with the help of Citrate Synthase to form Citrate and a free CoA.

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25 Questions

❤ If you liked Fatskills, consider supporting us by checking out The Life Manuals You Never Got.

About | Explore | User Guide | Topics | Subjects | Doubt Solver | Career Aptitude Test | Answers | Free Tools | OSHA Basics Quiz | What Should We Know? Privacy | Terms |

Without work one finishes nothing. - Ralph Waldo Emerson© 2026 Fatskills.com

All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks and brands does not imply endorsement.

About | Explore | User Guide | Topics | Subjects | Doubt Solver | Career Aptitude Test | Answers | Free Tools | OSHA Basics Quiz | What Should We Know?
Privacy | Terms |

Without work one finishes nothing. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
© 2026 Fatskills.com