Page 77 - First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 2020, Thirtieth edition [MedicalBooksVN.com]_Neat

HIGH-YIELD GENERAL PRINCIPLES

HIGH-YIELD PRINCIPLES IN

Biochemistry

“Biochemistry is the study of carbon compounds that crawl.” `Molecular 34
—Mike Adams
`Cellular 46
“We think we have found the basic mechanism by which life comes from
life.” `Laboratory Techniques 52
—Francis H. C. Crick
`Genetics 56
“The biochemistry and biophysics are the notes required for life; they
conspire, collectively, to generate the real unit of life, the organism.” `Nutrition 65
—Ursula Goodenough
`Metabolism 72

This high-yield material includes molecular biology, genetics, cell
biology, and principles of metabolism (especially vitamins, cofactors,
minerals, and single-enzyme-deficiency diseases). When studying
metabolic pathways, emphasize important regulatory steps and enzyme
deficiencies that result in disease, as well as reactions targeted by
pharmacologic interventions. For example, understanding the defect
in Lesch-Nyhan syndrome and its clinical consequences is higher yield
than memorizing every intermediate in the purine salvage pathway.

Do not spend time learning details of organic chemistry, mechanisms, or
physical chemistry. Detailed chemical structures are infrequently tested;
however, many structures have been included here to help students
learn reactions and the important enzymes involved. Familiarity with
the biochemical techniques that have medical relevance—such as
ELISA, immunoelectrophoresis, Southern blotting, and PCR—is
useful. Review the related biochemistry when studying pharmacology or
genetic diseases as a way to reinforce and integrate the material.

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