MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach) Amino Acids
Aug 26, 2025
Dive into the fascinating world of amino acids! Explore their structures, naming tricks, and the critical role they play in protein formation. Learn the differences between hydrophobic and hydrophilic types, and how to memorize their abbreviations easily. Discover the impact of mutations on enzyme function and stability, including real examples to illustrate these concepts. Plus, get essential tips to ace the MCAT with confidence and clarity around these vital building blocks of life.
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Prioritize One-Letter Codes
- Focus on one-letter amino acid codes because the MCAT usually uses them.
- Ignore three-letter codes except as a secondary reference.
R Group Dictates Water Behavior
- R groups determine amino acid hydrophobicity and function.
- Polar R groups make amino acids hydrophilic and able to hydrogen-bond with water.
Classify Hydrophilic Residues By Functional Group
- Memorize which side chains contain OH, NH3, carboxyl, or amide groups to classify hydrophilic residues.
- Use those functional groups to predict hydrogen-bonding and polarity.