When it comes to amino acids on the MCAT you have to know… everything. But everything quickly gets overwhelming. And after a quick search, I didn’t find any good amino acid charts so I’ve decided to create one for you. Download a copy to your computer and another to your phone. When you find yourself […]
Converting Fischer to Haworth Pyranose and Furanose
Video 5 in the Fischer Projection series shows you how to convert a linear sugar in the Fischer Projection to a 6-member Haworth Projection Pyranose or 5-member Furanose. You’ll learn my shortcut to help you instantly recognize the correct version of any cyclic sugar. (click to watch on YouTube or catch the Video transcript here) […]
Converting Newman to Fischer Projections Tutorial Video
Fischer Projection Series: Video 4 (Newman Projection Series: Video 6) This video shows you how to convert from a Newman Projection to a Fischer projection using the long and tedious method, followed by my shortcut. You’ll also see my trick for converting from Fischer back to Newman. (Watch on YouTube: Newman to Fischer. Click CC […]
Stereochemistry of Amino Acids RS to DL
Amino acids are biologically active molecules. 19 of the 20 common amino acids have a chiral alpha carbon. 2 amino acids (Leucine and Threonine) have a second chiral center in their side chain. This video shows you how to: Find R/S for 3-D amino acids Find R/S and D/L for amino acid Fischer projections Trick […]
Fischer Projection Practice Problem Set
Fischer projections crop in both organic chemistry and biochemistry. After studying my Fischer Projection tutorial series try your hand at this short quiz and see how you do. The questions range from simple to intermediate and are designed to help you figure out where you stand. If you find yourself stuck on any given problem […]
Amino Acids Practice Quiz
Amino acids are a big deal on the MCAT. You can’t simply ‘get’ the concept. You must be able to quickly recall information and apply them to questions. The quiz below will help you figure out if you’ve mastered this topic. The questions are simple but thorough. You either know it, or you don’t! Be sure […]
Amino Acid Charge in Zwitterions and Isoelectric Point MCAT Tutorial
Knowing how to find both charge and isoelectric point for amino acids is a critical MCAT skill. Understanding why an amino acid will gain or lose a proton at a given pH is even more critical. The MCAT is a test of logic and understanding, which is why this article will break down amino acid […]
Converting Sawhorse to Fischer Projections Tutorial Video
Converting between sawhorse and Fischer projections is a critical skill in understanding your chiral molecules. Even if you’re not required to DRAW conversions on your exam, knowing HOW is a critical skill to truly understanding the nature of chirality in Fischer Projections. This video shows you my step by step + shortcut approach. (click to […]
Amino Acids 3 Polar Acidic and Basic Side Chains
Hydrophilic amino acids are much more reactive and interactive compared to hydrophobic side chains. This video breaks down the hydrophilic amino acids including polar neutral, acidic and basic side chains. (Watch on YouTube: Polar/Acidic/Basic Amino Acids. Click cc on the bottom right for video transcript) Referenced in this video: Acid Base Tutorial Series Zwitterion Tutorial […]
Amino Acids 2 Hydrophobic Non-Polar Side Chains
Hydrophobic amino acids have neutral non-polar side chains. Given the lack of polarity these groups have no means to interact with an aqueous biological environment. This video breaks down each of the hydrophobic amino acids to help you understand the name, 1 and 3 letter abbreviations, and side chain functional groups. (Watch on YouTube: Hydrophobic […]
