Rapid Review — High-Yield MCAT Facts

Must memorize:

DNA base pairs: A-T (2 H bonds), G-C (3 H bonds)

pH of blood: 7.35–7.45

Normal body temp: 37°C / 98.6°F

Km: lower = higher enzyme affinity

Acetylcholine receptor blockers: atropine (muscarinic), curare (nicotinic)

Speed of nerve conduction increased by: myelination, larger axon diameter

Nodes of Ranvier: gaps in myelin; action potential jumps (saltatory conduction)

Krebs cycle occurs in: mitochondrial matrix

ETC occurs on: inner mitochondrial membrane

Gluconeogenesis occurs in: liver (primarily), kidneys

Insulin is a: peptide hormone (cannot cross membrane)

Steroid hormones: cross membrane, act on nuclear receptors

Blood type A: A antigens, anti-B antibodies

Blood type O: no antigens, anti-A and anti-B antibodies (universal donor)

Blood type AB: A and B antigens, no antibodies (universal recipient)

Rh factor: Rh+ has antigen; Rh− does not

Pressure units: 1 atm = 760 mmHg = 101,325 Pa

1 calorie = 4.184 joules

Reference:

Wikipedia: MCAT

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_College_Admission_Test