How To Study Biochemistry

In learning anything, it’s always best to start with the fundamentals. But why do the fundamentals have to be so difficult? While the other subjects are hard, biochemistry is a different monster altogether. So, let’s dive into the boss monster that is biochemistry together and equip you with some things you can do to survive.

How to Study for Biochemistry (General Tips, Strategies and Best Resources)

Biochemistry is one of those classes that can make you really hate med school.

All those metabolic flow charts, diagrams and weirdly named enzymes? You have to learn them.

Having passed this course myself (without a strong chemistry background), let me tell you; you can do it.

This article can help show you how. Ready to get started?

How to Study for Biochemistry: Quick Takeaways

Here are six useful tips to keep in mind before starting a biochemistry course:

• Start memorizing structures from day one: as soon as you see a new pathway, molecule or reaction; note it down and start memorizing it. That goes for things like amino acids, glycolysis, lipid metabolism, the pentose phosphate pathway, nucleotides, and all cofactors and enzymes. Check out this post if you need help on memorizing things fast.

• Review basic and organic chemistry: just for a quick overview and to refresh your memory. It will help with understanding the more challenging topics! Don’t worry about going too deep.

• Research your professor: figure out what they ask for in exams, what their lecture/class notes are like or whether the class is worth attending (some biochem lecturers can be really boring!)

• Draw things out: this is the best way to get metabolic pathways down from scratch. Visualize the reactions and the changes to molecules. Make sure you understand each step of the process. (Hint: this is one of the best reasons for using a tablet or iPad over a laptop. A whiteboard could also serve you well. Anything that can be drawn and erased easily.)

• Read assigned texts: if it’s from a good resource (or one that’s likely to be tested). Review lecture notes after class.

• Make/use flashcards for the facts: the best way to learn and recognize each amino acid. Make your cards more memorable by using mnemonics (i.e. KREB’s cycle; Citrate Is Kreb’s Starting Substrate For Making Oxaloacetate)

How to Succeed in Biochemistry Class

With those basics out the way, let’s go a little bit deeper. Let’s look at how you can succeed in any biochemistry class – no matter what your degree or field of study.

1. Focus On the Core Topics

Biochemistry can be pretty dense. To survive it you’ll want to strip it down to its essentials. Think 80/20 and the topics worth most of your attention.

Here’s a list of those:

• General Chemistry
  • Kinetics (Michaelis Menten)
  • Redox reactions
  • pH
  • Hemoglobin/myoglobin metabolism and oxygen saturation curves
  • Basic reaction mechanisms
  • Acid-base relationships
  • Macro molecules
  • Enzymes
  • Metabolic pathways

  If you absolutely have to cram biochemistry and don’t have time? Start with these subjects first!

  2. Understand First

  I probably shouldn’t have to say this (I’ve written about it plenty of times before) but surviving this subject, as it is any science subject, is best done by first trying to understand it.

  That means avoiding rote memorization and actually thinking about why these concepts are important.

  Try these things to help here:

  1. Study with your lecture slides and a good reference source (or textbook) side by side. Cross reference and check anything you’re unsure of
  2. Use the Feynman technique to explain the hard-to-grasp concepts. Act like you’re explaining something to a 5-year-old. That way you’ll understand it better.
  3. Work out how to group and categorize things. Understand the reasons for this categorization.

  This video on amino acids is a great example of this last one…

  3. Learn the Vocabulary

  Biochemistry has a very specific language. Understanding the suffixes attached to enzymes – the lyases, hydrogenases, oxidases, reductases etc – can really help get a fix on things.

  Spend some time doing this in the beginning and things will make much more sense later on.

  4. Focus on Structure and Function First

  Don’t skip the small details if you can avoid it in biochem. A lot of the time the professors like to test them.

  Prioritize learning the structures and functions of molecules and compounds. Doing this will help you better visualize what’s happening to them as they move through pathways; what’s happening to carbons etc.

  Get these core fundamentals down by picking one review resource and sticking with it.

  Try not to switch!

  How To Get An A in Biochemistry

  Getting an A in biochemistry is going to take some work. You’ve got to go above and beyond the basic advice and attempt to master the subject. That’s going to take a lot of time!

  Schedule your study sessions and do something everyday to push the needle. That could be note reviews, quiz questions and flashcard reviews. Anything that practices active recall of the subject.

  Besides this, learning to think critically can help. Many biochem questions, especially those on the MCAT, are conceptual in nature. You might be asked to apply the mechanics of a pathway to another pathway for example. So knowing how pathways work and why (as opposed to blindly memorizing them) is critical.

  Again, understanding is key. Especially if you want to get an A.

  How to Study Biochemistry in Medical School

  Not all schools include biochemistry as part of their med school curriculum. Although mine did (International European school), it might not be the case for you.

  Here’s how I’d recommend approaching it if your degree calls for it:

  • Class Notes Vs Textbook: biochemistry is usually less dense in med school than it is pre-med or college. Because of that you can probably get by using your school’s class or lecture notes rather than a textbook. This is what you’ll most likely be tested on too.
  • Flashcards: definitely use them. I’ve got some general recommendations on decks etc in the resources section of this article. I got on great with the biochemistry cards included in the Zanki deck (the gold standard for USMLE Step 1). These helped solidify all the basics.
  • Goljan’s Rapid Review of Biochemistry: just like I said before, maybe skip the big textbooks. They take a lot of time to read, time that could be better spent going over a good review book. Goljan’s is the best here; everything is condensed neatly into bullet points and is easily digestable. Pay close attention to its diagrams and you’ll do great….

  This is also the same book that DocOssareh recommends. So I’m in good company…

  How to Take Notes for Biochemistry

  Taking notes on biochemistry can be super useful. It’ll help you work out how to organise and classify the material. Two things that make both understanding and memorizing it easier.

  When you’re taking your notes, think about these types of questions:

  1. What vocabulary aren’t you sure about? Make sure you get why glucagon and glycogen are different for example…
  2. What is being catalyzed? How are atoms flowing? Knowing when things are catabolic and anabolic really helps…
  3. Where is this reaction taking place? This kind of thing is tested a lot!
  4. What quantity of energy is used or made in this process? Some questions also want you to know the units of energy too…
  5. What regulates this pathway? This is where the enzyme deficiencies or mutations – most of the stuff that correlates clinically – comes into play. Expect lots of questions based on this.

  Make Study Sheets

  Always look to condense your notes in biochem. Work from a broad list and get narrower as you go on. Practice recalling these study sheets on a whiteboard or tablet often.

  Biochemistry Study Resources

  This is a round-up of the best biochemistry study resources as recommended by nursing, medical and college students.

  The Best Flashcards for Biochemistry

  Flashcards should be the first tool in your arsenal to tackle the subject. Here are some paper-based (analog) and digital recommendations.

  Analog: Lippincott Illustrated Reviews Flash Cards: Biochemistry

  These are based as a review on the main Lippincotts book. I actually used these a fair bit in the first half of the course before I discovered Zanki and got a lot out of them. The questions they ask are very clinically based and on point for most exams.

  Could be overkill for most medicine courses however.

  Digital

  I’ve separated these up into Anki and Quizlet decks, depending on your preference.

  Anki Biochemistry Decks

  • Physeo: Physeo is one of top recommended resources for learning biochem well.
  • Elite Medical Prep: these guys have a 100 card deck that delivers all the basics you’ll need to know for med school.
  • Zanki’s Biochem: I already recommended this above. Cards here are based on Kaplan’s Biochemistry review and First Aid for USMLE. There are around 1400 of them but they’re probably the most high yield around.

  All these are free of course.

  Quizlet Biochemistry Decks

  If you don’t like Anki, Quizlet has you covered too…

  • Kaplan MCAT Biochemistry: you’ll have to pay for this one but it has plenty of good reviews.
  • Kagill Biochemistry: another paid yet comprehensive deck. 304 cards in total covering all the main metabolic pathways and more.
  • Hello-student’s Biochemistry: free 180-card deck created by a biochemistry professor specifically for their students. Solid round-up of the core ideas.

  The Best Books for Biochemistry

  There are several good books for biochemistry depending on your needs and level as a student.

  Lehninger’s Principles of Biochemistry

  Along with Lippincott’s, this is considered the most comprehensive book on biochemistry out there. It’s chapters are usually assigned reading at the US, UK and Indian college levels. According to students, it teaches the concepts in a clear way and is fairly easy to read.

  It’s chapter tests are a great resource for question practice too.

  Lippincott’s Biochemistry

  Lippincott’s was assigned reading on my course. I enjoyed reading it as it had excellent chapter summaries, diagrams and practice questions. It is quite lengthy though and takes time to go through.

  Perfect when matched up with the flashcards.

  Biochemistry

  Usually referred to as Stryer’s Biochemistry (not sure why they got all the credit), this is another comprehensive guide worth looking at.

  It doesn’t come up as frequently as Lippincott’s and Lehninger’s in terms of recommendations, but it has a good reputation on Amazon among university/college students.

  Kaplan’s Biochemistry

  The Kaplan series is designed as a more rapid review of USMLE-relevant material. It’s solid for a general overview but maybe too sparse for a college biochem major.

  Like I mentioned before, the Zanki deck flashcards are based on this.

  Part of their 7-book series Step 1 Lecture Notes.

  Medical Biochemistry At A Glance

  At 176-pages this is exactly the kind of book I can get on board with in med school. The metabolic pathway visuals in this are gold. Next to Goljan’s review book, I’d get this if you want to save time while still knowing enough biochem to pass.

  The Best YouTube Channels for Biochemistry

  YouTube is fantastic for learning biochem. Specifically as a lot of it is so visual. Here are the channels that are well worth bookmarking:

  • Moof University: excellent blackboard-style explainers that are short but precise. American commentary.
  • Khan Academy: very similar to Moof University but has lots of practice questions thrown in. Definitely work through the whole biomolecules module.
  • AK Lectures: this guy saved me so many times during biochem. Simple whiteboard-style explanations from a US-based med student. Great for other subjects too.
  • Shomus Biology: Indian-based biology and biochemistry teacher. Good to watch when other videos aren’t cutting it.

  The Best Websites for Studying Biochemistry

  Here are the top three most recommended websites for studying biochem:

  • Lecturio: lots of top-tier university professors lecturing on biochemistry here. An excellent question bank too. Check out my Lecturio review here.
  • Physeo: considered to have an edge over Pixorize when it comes to mnemonics and course structure. Has both traditional lecture videos and sketchy-style ones.
  • Boards and Beyond: nice review video series aimed at US med students. I actually used these myself (along with the YouTube sites mentioned) and found them to be very worthwhile.

  Premium memberships for these resources are paid but there is a lot of stuff given away for free.

  Where Can I Find Biochemistry Study Questions?

  Lots of the resources mentioned above have practice questions included. For extra study check out the following:

  • Albert.io: amazingly designed site with a ton of MCQ-style questions to work with. Covers all the biochem foundations; and the major protein, carb and lipid pathways. Free.
  • Shemmassian Consulting: quality MCAT-style biochem questions. These are more conceptual in format with the questions based on reading passages rather than stand alone concepts. Also free.

  Summary

  Biochem is a lot of memorization. Learning it well will put you in an excellent position.

  Read these tips, implement the ones you see value in and keep going. I’m confident you can do well!

  How to Study Biochemistry

  In learning anything, it’s always best to start with the fundamentals. But why do the fundamentals have to be so difficult? While the other subjects are hard, biochemistry is a different monster altogether. So, let’s dive into the boss monster that is biochemistry together and equip you with some things you can do to survive.

  

  Table of Contents

  Biochemistry is one of the most intimidating subjects in medical school because, unlike anatomy or physiology, the concepts you learn are hard to observe. You don’t really notice your body making ATP or absorbing vitamins. If you can’t directly observe it, it’s hard to recall it. But with the right mindset and approach, Biochemistry can be your new best friend.

  The concepts you’re going to learn are essential in all fields of medicine. These small molecules play a big part in keeping your body alive. Life-threatening diseases can be caused by (what seems like) minor mutations or deficiencies in your body. Drugs target certain chemical pathways to produce life-saving outcomes. Don’t worry, it’s possible to pass this subject even without a strong background in chemistry and biology. You just have to be diligent in memorizing and understanding the various concepts.

  How to Prepare for Biochemistry Exams

  There’s no best way to prepare. As I’ve said before, studying should be tailored to you and how you learn best. With the right mindset, you can triumph over those tricky metabolic pathways and macromolecules. First, think about these small, intricate concepts as part of a bigger picture. Part of understanding biochemistry is being able to shift your focus back and forth between general overviews and tiny details, and see where the details belong.

  What you actually need to prepare depends on how you learn. Before I started, I bought a lot of colored pens and large papers. Biochemistry requires a lot of memorization, so prepare your study area so that you can always see diagrams of the pathways. When you’re not looking at your books, you can passively read the diagrams in front of you for easier recall later on.

  You can also download apps for biochemistry if you don’t know how to get started with studying. You can even use a book recommended by your school or look for your own. I also recommend getting flashcards on biochemistry or make your own as you go along. Gathering effective resources is like coming into battle with good armor and weaponry. It may not win you the battle, but it gives you a fighting chance.

  Biochemistry Study Guide

  Lecturio has their own biochemistry course online for you to follow. I highly recommend you start with nailing down your inorganic and organic chemistry concepts first as these will pop up a lot as you go through your biochemistry course. Which of these concepts are the most important for biochemistry? Luckily, WillPeachMD has outlined some of the most essential concepts from both general and organic chemistry.

  • General chemistry: Kinetics, redox reactions, pH, and oxygen saturation curves
  • Organic chemistry: Acid-base relationships, functional groups, and nomenclature

  

  Take the Course: Biochemistry

  Cover all biochemistry essentials with Kevin Ahern, PhD

  If you’re going to study biochemistry on your own, start with learning the structures and functions of the 4 main macromolecules of the body: carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins. Not only is this one of the longest topics, it’s also what I believe is the most essential. It is the backbone of everything else you will learn from here on. Enzyme kinetics is also important. Enzymes are catalysts for spontaneous reactions that will come up in topics like pharmacodynamics.

  After the basics, other essential molecules like vitamins, hormones, and cellular signals can follow. These will be the basis for many of the pathways you’ll have to learn later on. They’re also the target for many of the most important drugs you’ll use in the future.

  Lastly, you can move on to the metabolic and synthetic pathways for those macromolecules, and genetics. I would leave this last because it requires knowledge of the previous subjects, and it’s personally the hardest. Know the rate-limiting steps as well as the products of each pathway. Many deficiencies and diseases you’ll see in your clinical subjects are associated with these steps. There are a lot of cycles and the amount of names you need to memorize can seem endless. But you’ll get there. It’s all a matter of repetition and using your best learning techniques. Analytic techniques can come last, because you need to learn your concepts before you can analyze them.

  The Best Way to Study for Biochemistry

  #1: Master the basics

  I cannot emphasize enough how important the basics are in biochemistry.

  Most, if not all, concepts will be difficult to follow without knowing the basics first. You need to understand the structures and why molecules function the way they do because of their structure. In this part, the saying “form follows function” comes into play so often that it’s better to understand first. The memorization should come second, because most of the names are based on their function.

  So before the subject starts, I suggest you start brushing up on some chemistry.

  You don’t have to thoroughly read it on top of whatever subject you’re studying already. For now, just familiarize yourself with the common functional groups and suffixes used in biochemistry.

  #2: Draw the pathways as many times as you need

  Biochemistry is extremely visual.

  You need to see the cycles again and again to really memorize it. Even better if you can draw it yourself from memory. It seems hard because the pathways have way too many steps and enzymes. Try not to feel overwhelmed. Instead, start with small chunks then link them together. Repetition is key here so you need to keep coming back to pathways you previously memorized and try to draw them again.

  It sounds tedious but it’ll pay off in the long run when you look at the bigger picture and realize that you actually understand most of it. You can color code their drawings to make it easier to remember. Adding footnotes can also help you consolidate small details you need to know about the pathway. What matters is that you get better at recalling the steps from memory.

  #3: Utilize flashcards and mnemonics

  Of course, it was hard to memorize everything perfectly. For me, it was downright impossible without help. I used flashcards to memorize everything, then I’d try to draw it myself afterwards. Mnemonics are useful for the recall of concepts that are hard to connect. I know some people who would make sentences and even stories to memorize difficult pathways. It sounds silly, but the sillier the mnemonics, the better.

  For example, a common mnemonic for essential amino acids is “PVT TIM HALL, sometimes Argues but never Tyres, in the BASIC training HAL (hall).” These are the first letters of the essential amino acids with Arginine as a semi-essential amino acid and Tyrosine being neither of the 2 ‘T’s in the mnemonic. HAL includes the first letters of the basic amino acids: Histidine, Arginine, and Lysine.

  #4: Know your nomenclature

  Contrary to popular belief, scientists don’t make names by slapping their hands on a keyboard. There’s a reason for them. In biochemistry, suffixes are your best friend because they are reused again and again. The best part is that these are giveaways to their function and substrate, too!

  Some examples are: enzymes end with “-ase”, “-lysis” means to break down, and “-ose” means it’s a carbohydrate.

  If you have trouble memorizing the names in pathways, the name is usually a hint for what’s involved. For example, the first step in glycolysis is turning glucose into glucose-6-phosphate via the enzyme hexokinase. That’s a mouthful already, but let’s break down these words into their derivatives! “Hexo” means “six” and “kinase” means you’re adding a phosphate group. So, “hexokinase” means you’re adding a phosphate group to the 6th carbon molecule of glucose. Hence, your product will be glucose-6-phosphate.

  #5: Connect the concepts together

  Your body works in a way that its processes complement each other. Some pathways lead to other ones. Other pathways are alternatives to some. For example, glycolysis leads to the Krebs cycle, or the Hexose Monophosphate Shunt makes NADPH for lipid synthesis. Many other pathways are prerequisites or products for one another. It sounds complicated but once you master the smaller chunks, all that’s left is to put the pieces together.

  Some people prefer starting with the big picture, then focusing on the details. But that can be overwhelming for many students. When I studied it, I found it easy to study the details and connect them to form the bigger picture.

  With every step, ask yourself “why” things happen. Why are some molecules cleaved? Why do we add phosphate groups? Get used to asking “why” questions, and eventually you’ll find connections that just click.

  I recommend having a large diagram incorporating all the pathways you need to learn. Post it somewhere that’s easy to see. Even better if you draw it yourself. It can be in front of your study desk, across your bed, or even on your window, as long as it’s somewhere you frequently look. It looks overwhelming, but if you plan it right, you’ll have the whole thing mastered in a few weeks. Believe me, by the time that everything’s done, you’ll look at the diagram and wonder how you managed to pull it off.

  Example Practice Question about Biochemistry

  A 72-year-old man presents to the hospital with retrosternal chest pain and shortness of breath. The pain started 5 hours before arrival and has not changed after taking sublingual nitroglycerin. The patient has a history of long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation but had not been taking anticoagulants at the time of presentation. He had also been diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia 3 months before admission and is taking 120 mg of elemental iron daily. ECG shows inferior ST-elevation myocardial infarction. The patient is managed with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of the right coronary artery within an hour of arrival. A few hours later, he develops cardiogenic shock and ultimately dies about 8 hours after his arrival. The autopsy reveals extensive inferior-posterior myocardial infarction, and the image shows a slide of tissue from his heart. Which of the following statements regarding this patient’s cardiac tissue is true?

  A. There is coagulative necrosis of the myocytes.

  B. The changes in the myocardial tissue result from lipid peroxidation during the patient’s lifetime.

  C. The changes are a result of iron overload.

  D. The slide shows cardiac steatosis.

  E. The microscopic image reveals myocardial hypertrophy.