MCAT Section 3: Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
Simple Notes (Printable Sheet Format)
Purpose of Bio/Biochem Section - Tests your understanding of biology and biochemistry - Focus on
processes in cells and organ systems - Integration with chemistry and molecular biology
Structure of the Section - 95 minutes - 59 questions - Mix of passage-based and discrete (stand-alone)
questions
1. Biology Topics
• Cell Biology
• Prokaryotic vs eukaryotic cells
• Organelles and their functions (nucleus, mitochondria, ER, Golgi, lysosomes)
• Cell membranes: fluid mosaic model, transport (diffusion, osmosis, active transport)
• Cell Division
• Mitosis vs meiosis
• Cell cycle and checkpoints
• Apoptosis (programmed cell death)
• Genetics
• DNA replication, transcription, translation
• Mendelian genetics: dominant/recessive, Punnett squares
• Mutations and inheritance patterns
• Organ Systems
• Nervous: neurons, action potentials, neurotransmitters
• Endocrine: hormones, glands, feedback loops
• Circulatory: heart structure, blood flow, oxygen transport
• Immune: innate vs adaptive immunity, antibodies
2. Biochemistry Topics
• Amino Acids & Proteins
1
Simple Notes (Printable Sheet Format)
Purpose of Bio/Biochem Section - Tests your understanding of biology and biochemistry - Focus on
processes in cells and organ systems - Integration with chemistry and molecular biology
Structure of the Section - 95 minutes - 59 questions - Mix of passage-based and discrete (stand-alone)
questions
1. Biology Topics
• Cell Biology
• Prokaryotic vs eukaryotic cells
• Organelles and their functions (nucleus, mitochondria, ER, Golgi, lysosomes)
• Cell membranes: fluid mosaic model, transport (diffusion, osmosis, active transport)
• Cell Division
• Mitosis vs meiosis
• Cell cycle and checkpoints
• Apoptosis (programmed cell death)
• Genetics
• DNA replication, transcription, translation
• Mendelian genetics: dominant/recessive, Punnett squares
• Mutations and inheritance patterns
• Organ Systems
• Nervous: neurons, action potentials, neurotransmitters
• Endocrine: hormones, glands, feedback loops
• Circulatory: heart structure, blood flow, oxygen transport
• Immune: innate vs adaptive immunity, antibodies
2. Biochemistry Topics
• Amino Acids & Proteins
1
