Mnemonics for the Biology Section of the MCAT

February 20, 2024

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There are many different methods and ideas available for MCAT preparation. With so many choices, deciding which is ideal for you can be difficult. 

Fortunately, there are proven tips and tricks about the MCAT that you may use to plan and maximize your time before the test. One of these is using mnemonics to aid with information retention.

This article is a compilation of the mnemonics for the biology section of the MCAT. If you want to master them to make studying for the test less challenging, this article is for you.

What Do I Need to Memorize for the MCAT Biology Section?

The MCAT biology section scares pre-med students who did not major in biology or biological science. They are concerned that they will not be successful in this section. 

Additionally, many worry that a poor biology grade may cause medical schools to doubt their ability to handle the demanding intellectual requirements of medical school.

Do not worry if you are one of these students. Knowing the topics that matter is what is essential.

Here is a list of topics you need to study for the MCAT.  

What are Mnemonics?

A mnemonic is a technique created to improve memory. With the aid of visual and auditory clues, mnemonics link freshly learned content to previously remembered information. Simple mnemonic methods focus on using acronyms, keywords, or rhymes.

Mnemonic devices can be adjusted to fit a range of subject matters. This technique promotes improved learning retention and aids in recalling difficult words or concepts.

Do Mnemonics Work on the MCAT?

Biology is covered in three sections of the MCAT. This suggests that remembering the human body's different components and functions is essential. 

The good news is that because of how our brains are wired, each of these details (kept in long-term memory) may have already been quickly observed and recorded.

Recalling more significant amounts of information is simpler when you use MCAT mnemonics. This is especially true when the material is provided in lists like qualities, steps, stages, components, phases, etc. 

It can be beneficial to prepare for the MCAT Biology and the MCAT Chem and Physics parts, which require memorization of various concepts, structures, and words.

How Can I Best Utilize Mnemonics for the MCAT?

You can improve your memorization abilities by creating MCAT mnemonics. You might have to work harder to remember crucial information without mnemonics. 

Mnemonics can raise your memory retention and test-taking efficiency, boosting your MCAT score.

Here are some pointers for making efficient use of MCAT mnemonics.

  • Make unique mnemonics for yourself that express your personality. Make sure it is simple to recall.
  • Be unique, provocative, personal, or any mix of these. It is easier to recall personal information and emotional ties.
  • Please create your own mnemonic instead of utilizing someone else's to increase the likelihood that you will remember it. You can consider your connections to past experiences, loved ones, or favorite movies.
  • Say your mnemonic loudly in front of others. It is easier to recall a phrase or term when hearing oneself say it.
  • As part of your regular MCAT preparation, you might use flashcards to help you remember MCAT mnemonics.
  • Include your mnemonics on the list of equations and study aids you can scribble down during the teaching period leading up to the MCAT.

Mnemonics for the Biology Section of the MCAT

A lot of memorization is required for the MCAT biology topics and the other MCAT ideas you need to study for. Mnemonics are a method that has been successful in helping people remember essential data.

Here are some mnemonics for the MCAT's biology section to make studying for the exam quicker and easier.

Topics

Sub-topics

Mnemonics

Redox reactions

Oxidation

Is

Loss of Electrons

Reduction 

Is

Gain of Electrons

OIL RIG

Different kinds of blots

Southern blot = DNA

Northern blot =  RNA

O                           O

Western blot  =  Proteins

SNOW DROP

Anterior Pituitary Hormones

FSH

LH

ACTH

TSH

Prolactin

Endorphins

Growth hormones

FLAT PEG

Neurons 

Sensory

Afferent

Motor

Efferent

Dorsal

Afferent

Ventral

Efferent

SAME DAVE

Causes of Deviation from Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium 

Mutations

Migration

Genetic Drift

Non-Random Mating

Selection

My

Mom

Does 

Not 

Smoke

Cell Cycle 

Growth Phase 1

DNA Synthesis 

Growth Phase 2

Mitosis

Cytokinesis

Go

Sally

Go

Make

Children

Mitosis 

Prophase

Metaphase

Anaphase

Telophase

People

Meet

Ant

Talk

Chordate Features 

Dorsal

Notochord

Pharyngeal Slits

Postanal Tail

Do

Not

Pinch

People

Developmental Stages 

Morula

Blastula

Gastrula

Must

Be

Good

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

Vitamins A

D

E

K

A D E K

Gastrointestinal Hormones 

Gastrin

Cholecystokinin 

Secretin

Enterogastrone

Garlic

Cloves

Smell

Exquisite

Hormones that Increase Blood Glucose 

Somatotropin

Thyroid Hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine)

Epinephrine

Norepinephrine

Glucagon

Glucocorticosteroids

STENNG

Immunoglobulins

IgM

IgA

IgD

IgG

IgE

MADGE

Kingdoms

Monera

Protista

Fungi

Plants

Animals

My

Poor

Friend

Picks

Apples

Male Reproductive Track 

Seminiferous Tubules

Epididymis

Vas Deferens

(Nothing)

Urethra

Penis

SEVeN UP

Menstrual Cycle 

Follicular Phase

Ovulatory Phase

Luteal Phase

Feeling

Old

Lately

Pyrimidines 

Cytosine

Uracil and

Thiamine are

PYramidines

CUT the PY (pie)

Purines 

Guanine and

Adenine are

Purines

GAPur

Relationship Between Purines and Pyrimidines 

Adenine bonds to

Thymine;

Cytosine bonds to 

Guanine

All

Tigers

Can

Growl

Proteases in the Duodenum

Enterokinase

Trypsin

Chymotrypsin

Carboxypeptidase

Elastase

Eat

Tender

Chicken

Chunks

Elegantly

Striated Muscle

Z-line

I-band

A-band

H-zone

ZIAH

White Blood Cells

(In order of decreasing numbers)


Neutrophils

Lymphocytes

Monocytes

Eosinophils

Basophils

Nobody

Likes

My

Educational

Background

Keep in mind that the purpose of these MCAT biology mnemonics is to aid you in memorizing essential ideas for the test. You can always use your creativity to modify them to suit your requirements.

Additional FAQs – Mnemonics for the Biology Section of the MCAT

How many Questions About Biology are there in the MCAT?

Your biology knowledge and abilities are required for three (out of the four) MCAT portions. Only the MCAT CARS portion excludes questions on biology.

Biology is covered in 45 of the 230 questions on the MCAT. It indicates that biology makes up 20% of the MCAT.

Is MCAT Biology Hard?

Like the other courses needed for the MCAT, MCAT biology is complex.

Learning and studying for the necessary topics could be challenging if you did not major in biology throughout your undergraduate years.

Because of this, we urge you to start your MCAT preparation as soon as possible. You should have ample time to study for the MCAT's biology component. 

Employ the MCAT biology mnemonics listed above to make studying for the MCAT easier.

Can I make My Own Mnemonics in the MCAT?

You can always create your own MCAT mnemonics. Some candidates have made it simpler for themselves by using mnemonics because they are more individualized.

You decide which mnemonics to utilize based on which you believe are more helpful. 

However, remember that your personal mnemonics should be straightforward, distinctive, and simple to learn.

Here's a complete guide on how to make your own MCAT mnemonics. 

mcat mnemonic

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