MCAT Master Outline

FC 1: Biomolecules
1A: Structure and Function of Proteins and Amino Acids
Amino Acids (BC, OC)
 Description – LEARNED
o Absolute configuration at the α position
o Amino acids as dipolar ions
o Classifications – MEMORIZE
 Acidic or basic
 Hydrophobic or hydrophilic
 Reactions – LEARNED
o Sulfur linkage for cysteine and cystine
o Peptide linkage: polypeptides and proteins
o Hydrolysis

Protein Structure (BIO, BC, OC)

 Structure – LEARNED
o 1° structure of proteins
o 2° structure of proteins
o 3° structure of proteins; role of proline, cystine, hydrophobic bonding
o 4° structure of proteins (BIO, BC)
 Conformational stability – LEARNED
o Denaturing and folding
o Hydrophobic interactions
o Solvation layer (entropy) (BC)
 Separation techniques – KINDA KNOW
o Isoelectric point
o Electrophoresis

Non-Enzymatic Protein Function (BIO, BC)

 Binding (BC) – LEARNED
 Immune system – LEARNED
 Motors – LEARNED

Enzyme Structure and Function (BIO, BC)

 Function of enzymes in catalyzing biological reactions – LEARNED
  Enzyme classification by reaction type – LEARNED
 Reduction of activation energy– LEARNED
 Substrates and enzyme specificity – LEARNED
 Active Site Model – LEARNED
 Induced-fit Model – LEARNED
 Mechanism of catalysis – LEARNED
o Cofactors
o Coenzymes
o Water-soluble vitamins
 Effects of local conditions on enzyme activity – LEARNED

Control of Enzyme Activity (BIO, BC)

 Kinetics – LEARNED
o General (catalysis)
o Michaelis–Menten – MEMORIZE
o Cooperativity
 Feedback regulation – LEARNED
 Inhibition – types – LEARNED
o Competitive
o Non-competitive
o Mixed (BC)
o Uncompetitive (BC)
 Regulatory enzymes – LEARNED
o Allosteric enzymes
o Covalently-modified enzymes
o Zymogen

1B: Transmission of Genetic Info from Gene to Protein

Nucleic Acid Structure and Function (BIO, BC)
 Description – LEARNED
 Nucleotides and nucleosides – LEARNED
o Sugar phosphate backbone
o Pyrimidine, purine residues
 Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA): double helix, Watson–Crick model of DNA
structure – LEARNED
 Base pairing specificity: A with T, G with C – LEARNED
 Function in transmission of genetic information (BIO) – LEARNED
 DNA denaturation, reannealing, hybridization – LEARNED

DNA Replication (BIO)

  Mechanism of replication: separation of strands, specific coupling of free
nucleic acids – LEARNED
 Semi-conservative nature of replication – LEARNED
 Specific enzymes involved in replication – LEARNED – REVIEW
 Origins of replication, multiple origins in eukaryotes – LEARNED
 Replicating the ends of DNA molecules – LEARNED

Repair of DNA (BIO)

 Repair during replication – LEARNED
 Repair of mutations – LEARNED

Genetic Code (BIO)

 Central Dogma: DNA → RNA → protein – LEARNED
 The triplet code – LEARNED
 Codon–anticodon relationship – LEARNED
 Degenerate code, wobble pairing – LEARNED
 Missense, nonsense codons – LEARNED
 Initiation, termination codons – LEARNED – MEMORIZE
 Messenger RNA (mRNA) – LEARNED

Transcription (BIO)
 Transfer RNA (tRNA); ribosomal RNA (rRNA) – LEARNED
 Mechanism of transcription – LEARNED
 mRNA processing in eukaryotes, introns, exons – LEARNED
 Ribozymes, spliceosomes, small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs), small
nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) – LEARNED
 Functional and evolutionary importance of introns – LEARNED

Translation (BIO)
 Roles of mRNA, tRNA, rRNA – LEARNED
 Role and structure of ribosomes – LEARNED
 Initiation, termination co-factors – LEARNED
 Post-translational modification of proteins – LEARNED

Eukaryotic Chromosome Organization (BIO)

 Chromosomal proteins – LEARNED
 Single copy vs. repetitive DNA – LEARNED
 Supercoiling – LEARNED
 Heterochromatin vs. euchromatin – LEARNED
 Telomeres, centromeres – LEARNED

Control of Gene Expression in Prokaryotes (BIO)

 Operon Concept, Jacob–Monod Model – LEARNED
  Gene repression in bacteria – LEARNED
 Positive control in bacteria – LEARNED

Control of Gene Expression in Eukaryotes (BIO)

 Transcriptional regulation – LEARNED
 DNA binding proteins, transcription factors – LEARNED
 Gene amplification and duplication – LEARNED
 Post-transcriptional control, basic concept of splicing (introns, exons) –
LEARNED
 Cancer as a failure of normal cellular controls, oncogenes, tumor suppressor
genes – LEARNED
 Regulation of chromatin structure – LEARNED
 DNA methylation – LEARNED
 Role of non-coding RNAs – LEARNED

Recombinant DNA and Biotechnology (BIO)

 Gene cloning – LEARNED
 Restriction enzymes (types) – LEARNED – MEMORIZE
 DNA libraries – LEARNED
 Generation of cDNA – LEARNED
 Hybridization – LEARNED
 Expressing cloned genes – LEARNED
 Polymerase chain reaction – LEARNED
 Gel electrophoresis and Southern blotting – LEARNED
 DNA sequencing – LEARNED
 Analyzing gene expression – LEARNED
 Determining gene function – LEARNED
 Stem cells – KINDA KNOW
 Practical applications of DNA technology: medical applications, human gene
therapy, pharmaceuticals, forensic evidence, environmental cleanup,
agriculture – LEARNED
 Safety and ethics of DNA technology – LEARNED

1C: Transmission of Heritable Info Between Generations;

Processes Increasing Genetic Diversity
Evidence that DNA is Genetic Material (BIO) – KINDA KNOW

Mendelian Concepts (BIO)

 Phenotype and genotype – COMFORTABLE
 Gene – COMFORTABLE
  Locus – COMFORTABLE
 Allele: single and multiple – KINDA KNOW
 Homozygosity and heterozygosity – COMFORTABLE
 Wild-type – COMFORTABLE
 Recessiveness – COMFORTABLE
 Complete dominance – COMFORTABLE
 Co-dominance – KINDA KNOW
 Incomplete dominance, leakage, penetrance, expressivity – KINDA KNOW
 Hybridization: viability – KINDA KNOW
 Gene pool – COMFORTABLE

Meiosis and Other Factors Affecting Genetic Variability (BIO)

 Significance of meiosis – COMFORTABLE
 Important differences between meiosis and mitosis – KINDA KNOW
 Segregation of genes – KINDA KNOW
o Independent assortment
o Linkage
o Recombination
 Single crossovers
 Double crossovers
 Synaptonemal complex
 Tetrad
o Sex-linked characteristics
o Very few genes on Y chromosome
o Sex determination
o Cytoplasmic/extranuclear inheritance
 Mutation – KINDA KNOW
o General concept of mutation - error in DNA sequence
o Types of mutations: random, translation error, transcription error,
base substitution, inversion, addition, deletion, translocation,
mispairing
o Advantageous vs. deleterious mutation
o Inborn errors of metabolism
o Relationship of mutagens to carcinogens
 Genetic drift – KINDA KNOW
 Synapsis or crossing-over mechanism for increasing genetic diversity –
COMFORTABLE

Analytic Methods (BIO)

 Hardy–Weinberg Principle – KINDA KNOW – MEMORIZE
 Testcross (Backcross; concepts of parental, F1, and F2 generations) – KINDA
KNOW
 Gene mapping: crossover frequencies – KINDA KNOW
  Biometry: statistical methods – DON’T KNOW

Evolution (BIO)
 Natural selection – COMFORTABLE
o Fitness concept
o Selection by differential reproduction
o Concepts of natural and group selection
o Evolutionary success as increase in percent representation in the gene
pool of the next generation
 Speciation – COMFORTABLE
o Polymorphism
o Adaptation and specialization
o Inbreeding
o Outbreeding
o Bottlenecks
 Evolutionary time as measured by gradual random changes in genome –
COMFORTABLE

1D: Bioenergetics and Fuel Molecule Metabolism

Principles of Bioenergetics (BC, GC)
 Bioenergetics/thermodynamics – LEARNED
o Free energy/Keq
 Equilibrium constant
 Relationship of the equilibrium constant and ΔG°
o Concentration
 Le Chaâ telier’s Principle
o Endothermic/exothermic reactions
o Free energy: G
o Spontaneous reactions and ΔG°
 Phosphoryl group transfers and ATP – LEARNED
o ATP hydrolysis ΔG << 0
o ATP group transfers
 Biological oxidation-reduction – LEARNED
o Half-reactions
o Soluble electron carriers
o Flavoproteins

Carbohydrates (BC, OC)

 Description – LEARNED
o Nomenclature and classification, common names
 o Absolute configuration
o Cyclic structure and conformations of hexoses
o Epimers and anomers
 Hydrolysis of the glycoside linkage – LEARNED
 Monosaccharides – LEARNED
 Disaccharides – LEARNED
 Polysaccharides – LEARNED

Glycolysis, Gluconeogenesis, and the Pentose Phosphate Pathway (BIO, BC)

 Glycolysis (aerobic), substrates and products – LEARNED
o Feeder pathways: glycogen, starch metabolism
 Fermentation (anaerobic glycolysis) – LEARNED
 Gluconeogenesis (BC) – LEARNED
 Pentose phosphate pathway (BC) – LEARNED
 Net (maximum) molecular and energetic results of respiration processes –
LEARNED

Principles of Metabolic Regulation (BC) – REVIEW

 Regulation of metabolic pathways (BIO, BC) – LEARNED
o Maintenance of a dynamic steady state
 Regulation of glycolysis and gluconeogenesis – LEARNED
 Metabolism of glycogen – LEARNED
 Regulation of glycogen synthesis and breakdown – LEARNED
o Allosteric and hormonal control
 Analysis of metabolic control – LEARNED

Citric Acid Cycle (BIO, BC)

 Acetyl-CoA production (BC) – LEARNED
 Reactions of the cycle, substrates and products – LEARNED
 Regulation of the cycle – LEARNED – REVIEW
 Net (maximum) molecular and energetic results of respiration processes –
LEARNED

Metabolism of Fatty Acids and Proteins (BIO, BC)

 Description of fatty acids (BC) – LEARNED
 Digestion, mobilization, and transport of fats – LEARNED
 Oxidation of fatty acids – LEARNED
o Saturated fats
o Unsaturated fats
 Ketone bodies (BC) – LEARNED
 Anabolism of fats (BIO) – LEARNED
 Non-template synthesis: biosynthesis of lipids and polysaccharides (BIO) –
LEARNED
 Metabolism of proteins (BIO) – LEARNED – REVIEW
Oxidative Phosphorylation (BIO, BC)
 Electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation, substrates and
products, general features of the pathway – LEARNED
 Electron transfer in mitochondria – LEARNED
o NADH, NADPH
o Flavoproteins
o Cytochromes
 ATP synthase, chemiosmotic coupling – LEARNED
o Proton motive force
 Net (maximum) molecular and energetic results of respiration processes –
LEARNED
 Regulation of oxidative phosphorylation – LEARNED – REVIEW
 Mitochondria, apoptosis, oxidative stress (BC) – LEARNED – REVIEW

Hormonal Regulation and Integration of Metabolism (BC)

 Higher level integration of hormone structure and function – LEARNED –
REVIEW
 Tissue specific metabolism – LEARNED
 Hormonal regulation of fuel metabolism – LEARNED – REVIEW
 Obesity and regulation of body mass – LEARNED
FC 2: Cells
2A: Assemblies of Molecules, Cells, and Groups of Cells
within Single Cellular and Multicellular Organisms
Plasma Membrane (BIO, BC)
 General function in cell containment – LEARNED
 Composition of membranes – LEARNED
o Lipid components (BIO, BC, OC)
 Phospholipids (and phosphatids)
 Steroids
 Waxes
o Protein components
o Fluid mosaic model
 Membrane dynamics – LEARNED
 Solute transport across membranes – LEARNED
o Thermodynamic considerations
o Osmosis
 Colligative properties; osmotic pressure (GC)
o Passive transport
o Active transport
 Sodium/potassium pump
 Membrane channels – LEARNED
 Membrane potential – LEARNED
 Membrane receptors – LEARNED
 Exocytosis and endocytosis – LEARNED
 Intercellular junctions (BIO) – LEARNED
o Gap junctions
o Tight junctions
o Desmosomes

Membrane-Bound Organelles and Defining Characteristics of Eukaryotic Cells

(BIO)
 Defining characteristics of eukaryotic cells: membrane bound nucleus,
presence of organelles, mitotic division – COMFORTABLE
 Nucleus – COMFORTABLE
o Compartmentalization, storage of genetic information
o Nucleolus: location and function
o Nuclear envelope, nuclear pores
 Mitochondria – KINDA KNOW
o Site of ATP production
o Inner and outer membrane structure (BIO, BC)
 o Self-replication
 Lysosomes: membrane-bound vesicles containing hydrolytic enzymes –
COMFORTABLE
 Endoplasmic reticulum – KINDA KNOW
o Rough and smooth components
o Rough endoplasmic reticulum site of ribosomes
o Membrane structure
o Role in membrane biosynthesis
o Role in biosynthesis of secreted proteins
 Golgi apparatus: general structure and role in packaging and secretion –
KINDA KNOW
 Peroxisomes: organelles that collect peroxides – KINDA KNOW

Cytoskeleton (BIO)
 General function in cell support and movement – COMFORTABLE
 Microfilaments: composition and role in cleavage and contractility – KINDA
KNOW
 Microtubules: composition and role in support and transport – LEARNED
 Intermediate filaments, role in support – KINDA KNOW
 Composition and function of cilia and flagella – KINDA KNOW
 Centrioles, microtubule organizing centers – KINDA KNOW

Tissues Formed from Eukaryotic Cells (BIO)

 Epithelial cells – KINDA KNOW
 Connective tissue cells – DON’T KNOW

2B: Structure, Growth, Physiology, and Genetics of

Prokaryotes and Viruses
Cell Theory (BIO)
 History and development – KINDA KNOW
 Impact on biology – KINDA KNOW

Classification and Structure of Prokaryotic Cells (BIO)

 Prokaryotic domains – KINDA KNOW
o Archaea
o Bacteria
 Major classifications of bacteria by shape – DON’T KNOW
o Bacilli (rod-shaped)
o Spirilli (spiral-shaped)
o Cocci (spherical)
  Lack of nuclear membrane and mitotic apparatus – COMFORTABLE
 Lack of typical eukaryotic organelles – KINDA KNOW
 Presence of cell wall in bacteria – COMFORTABLE
 Flagellar propulsion, mechanism – KINDA KNOW

Growth and Physiology of Prokaryotic Cells (BIO)

 Reproduction by fission – KINDA KNOW
 High degree of genetic adaptability, acquisition of antibiotic resistance –
KINDA KNOW
 Exponential growth – COMFORTABLE
 Existence of anaerobic and aerobic variants – KINDA KNOW
 Parasitic and symbiotic – KINDA KNOW
 Chemotaxis – KINDA KNOW

Genetics of Prokaryotic Cells (BIO)

 Existence of plasmids, extragenomic DNA – KINDA KNOW
 Transformation: incorporation into bacterial genome of DNA fragments from
external medium – KINDA KNOW
 Conjugation – KINDA KNOW
 Transposons (also present in eukaryotic cells) – KINDA KNOW

Virus Structure (BIO)

 General structural characteristics (nucleic acid and protein, enveloped and
nonenveloped) – KINDA KNOW
 Lack organelles and nucleus – COMFORTABLE
 Structural aspects of typical bacteriophage – KINDA KNOW
 Genomic content — RNA or DNA – KINDA KNOW
 Size relative to bacteria and eukaryotic cells – KINDA KNOW

Viral Life Cycle (BIO)

 Self-replicating biological units that must reproduce within specific host cell
– COMFORTABLE
 Generalized phage and animal virus life cycles – KINDA KNOW
o Attachment to host, penetration of cell membrane or cell wall, and
entry of viral genetic material
o Use of host synthetic mechanism to replicate viral components
o Self-assembly and release of new viral particles
 Transduction: transfer of genetic material by viruses – KINDA KNOW
 Retrovirus life cycle: integration into host DNA, reverse transcriptase, HIV –
KINDA KNOW
 Prions and viroids: subviral particles – DON’T KNOW
2C: Processes of Cell Division, Differentiation, and
Specialization
Mitosis (BIO)
 Mitotic process: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, interphase –
COMFORTABLE
 Mitotic structures – KINDA KNOW
o Centrioles, asters, spindles
o Chromatids, centromeres, kinetochores
o Nuclear membrane breakdown and reorganization
o Mechanisms of chromosome movement
 Phases of cell cycle: G0, G1, S, G2, M – KINDA KNOW
 Growth arrest – KINDA KNOW
 Control of cell cycle – KINDA KNOW
 Loss of cell cycle controls in cancer cells – KINDA KNOW

Biosignalling (BC)
 Oncogenes, apoptosis – DON’T KNOW

Reproductive System (BIO)

 Gametogenesis by meiosis – KINDA KNOW
 Ovum and sperm – KINDA KNOW
o Differences in formation
o Differences in morphology
o Relative contribution to next generation
 Reproductive sequence: fertilization; implantation; development; birth –
KINDA KNOW

Embryogenesis (BIO)
 Stages of early development (order and general features of each) – KINDA
KNOW
o Fertilization
o Cleavage
o Blastula formation
o Gastrulation
 First cell movements
 Formation of primary germ layers (endoderm, mesoderm,
ectoderm)
o Neurulation
 Major structures arising out of primary germ layers – KINDA KNOW
 Neural crest – KINDA KNOW
 Environment–gene interaction in development – KINDA KNOW
Mechanisms of Development (BIO)
 Cell specialization – KINDA KNOW
o Determination
o Differentiation
o Tissue types
 Cell–cell communication in development – DON’T KNOW
 Cell migration – KINDA KNOW
 Pluripotency: stem cells – KINDA KNOW
 Gene regulation in development – KINDA KNOW
 Programmed cell death – KINDA KNOW
 Existence of regenerative capacity in various species – DON’T KNOW
 Senescence and aging – DON’T KNOW
FC 3: Organ Systems
3A: Structure/Functions of the Nervous and Endocrine
Systems; Ways in which They Coordinate the Organ
Systems
Nervous System: Structure and Function (BIO)
 Major Functions – KINDA KNOW
o High level control and integration of body systems
o Adaptive capability to external influences
 Organization of vertebrate nervous system – LEARNED
 Sensor and effector neurons – LEARNED
 Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems: antagonistic control –
LEARNED
 Reflexes – KINDA KNOW
o Feedback loop, reflex arc
o Role of spinal cord and supraspinal circuits
 Integration with endocrine system: feedback control – DON’T KNOW

Nerve Cell (BIO)

 Cell body: site of nucleus, organelles – KINDA KNOW
 Dendrites: branched extensions of cell body – KINDA KNOW
 Axon: structure and function – KINDA KNOW
 Myelin sheath, Schwann cells, insulation of axon – KINDA KNOW
 Nodes of Ranvier: propagation of nerve impulse along axon – DON’T KNOW
 Synapse: site of impulse propagation between cells – COMFORTABLE
 Synaptic activity: transmitter molecules – KINDA KNOW
 Resting potential: electrochemical gradient – KINDA KNOW
 Action potential – KINDA KNOW
o Threshold, all-or-none
o Sodium/potassium pump
 Excitatory and inhibitory nerve fibers: summation, frequency of firing – KINDA
KNOW
 Glial cells, neuroglia – KINDA KNOW

Electrochemistry (GC)
 Concentration cell: direction of electron flow, Nernst equation – EHHH

Biosignalling (BC)
 Gated ion channels – LEARNED
o Voltage gated
o Ligand gated
  Receptor enzymes – LEARNED
 G protein-coupled receptors – LEARNED

Lipids (BC, OC)

 Description; structure – LEARNED
o Steroids
o Terpenes and terpenoids

Endocrine System: Hormones and Their Sources (BIO)

 Function of endocrine system: specific chemical control at cell, tissue, and
organ level – KINDA KNOW
 Definitions of endocrine gland, hormone – DON’T KNOW
 Major endocrine glands: names, locations, products – DON’T KNOW
 Major types of hormones – DON’T KNOW
 Neuroendrocrinology ― relation between neurons and hormonal systems –
DON’T KNOW

Endocrine System: Mechanisms of Hormone Action (BIO)

 Cellular mechanisms of hormone action – KINDA KNOW
 Transport of hormones: blood supply – KINDA KNOW
 Specificity of hormones: target tissue – KINDA KNOW
 Integration with nervous system: feedback control – DON’T KNOW
 Regulation by second messengers – DON’T KNOW

3B: Structure and Integrative Functions of the Main Organ

Systems
Respiratory System (BIO)
 General function – KINDA KNOW
o Gas exchange, thermoregulation
o Protection against disease: particulate matter
 Structure of lungs and alveoli – KINDA KNOW
 Breathing mechanisms – DON’T KNOW
o Diaphragm, rib cage, differential pressure
o Resiliency and surface tension effects
 Thermoregulation: nasal and tracheal capillary beds; evaporation, panting –
DON’T KNOW
 Particulate filtration: nasal hairs, mucus/cilia system in lungs – DON’T KNOW
 Alveolar gas exchange – KINDA KNOW
o Diffusion, differential partial pressure
o Henry’s Law (GC) – MEMORIZE
  pH control – DON’T KNOW
 Regulation by nervous control – DON’T KNOW
o CO2 sensitivity

Circulatory System (BIO)

 Functions: circulation of oxygen, nutrients, hormones, ions and fluids,
removal of metabolic waste – KINDA KNOW
 Role in thermoregulation – KINDA KNOW
 Four-chambered heart: structure and function – KINDA KNOW
 Endothelial cells – DON’T KNOW
 Systolic and diastolic pressure – KINDA KNOW
 Pulmonary and systemic circulation – DON’T KNOW
 Arterial and venous systems (arteries, arterioles, venules, veins) – DON’T
KNOW
o Structural and functional differences
o Pressure and flow characteristics
 Capillary beds – DON’T KNOW
o Mechanisms of gas and solute exchange
o Mechanism of heat exchange
o Source of peripheral resistance
 Composition of blood – DON’T KNOW
o Plasma, chemicals, blood cells
o Erythrocyte production and destruction; spleen, bone marrow
o Regulation of plasma volume
 Coagulation, clotting mechanisms – KINDA KNOW
 Oxygen transport by blood – KINDA KNOW
o Hemoglobin, hematocrit
o Oxygen content
o Oxygen affinity
 Carbon dioxide transport and level in blood – DON’T KNOW
 Nervous and endocrine control – DON’T KNOW

Lymphatic System (BIO)

 Structure of lymphatic system – DON’T KNOW
 Major functions – DON’T KNOW
o Equalization of fluid distribution
o Transport of proteins and large glycerides
o Production of lymphocytes involved in immune reactions
o Return of materials to the blood

Immune System (BIO)

 Innate (non-specific) vs. adaptive (specific) immunity – KINDA KNOW
 Adaptive immune system cells – DON’T KNOW
 o T-lymphocytes
o B-lymphocytes
 Innate immune system cells – DON’T KNOW
o Macrophages
o Phagocytes
 Tissues – DON’T KNOW
o Bone marrow
o Spleen
o Thymus
o Lymph nodes
 Concept of antigen and antibody – COMFORTABLE
 Antigen presentation – KINDA KNOW
 Clonal selection – DON’T KNOW
 Antigen-antibody recognition – KINDA KNOW
 Structure of antibody molecule – KINDA KNOW
 Recognition of self vs. non-self, autoimmune diseases – KINDA KNOW
 Major histocompatibility complex – DON’T KNOW

Digestive System (BIO)

 Ingestion – KINDA KNOW
o Saliva as lubrication and source of enzymes
o Ingestion; esophagus, transport function
 Stomach – KINDA KNOW
o Storage and churning of food
o Low pH, gastric juice, mucal protection against self-destruction
o Production of digestive enzymes, site of digestion
o Structure (gross)
 Liver – EHHH
o Structural relationship of liver within gastrointestinal system
o Production of bile
o Role in blood glucose regulation, detoxification
 Bile – KINDA KNOW
o Storage in gall bladder
o Function
 Pancreas – KINDA KNOW
o Production of enzymes
o Transport of enzymes to small intestine
 Small Intestine – KINDA KNOW
o Absorption of food molecules and water
o Function and structure of villi
o Production of enzymes, site of digestion
o Neutralization of stomach acid
o Structure (anatomic subdivisions)
  Large Intestine – EHHH
o Absorption of water
o Bacterial flora
o Structure (gross)
 Rectum: storage and elimination of waste, feces – KINDA KNOW
 Muscular control – KINDA KNOW
o Peristalsis
 Endocrine control – DON’T KNOW
o Hormones
o Target tissues
 Nervous control: the enteric nervous system – DON’T KNOW

Excretory System (BIO)

 Roles in homeostasis – KINDA KNOW
o Blood pressure
o Osmoregulation
o Acid–base balance
o Removal of soluble nitrogenous waste
 Kidney structure – DON’T KNOW
o Cortex
o Medulla
 Nephron structure – DON’T KNOW
o Glomerulus
o Bowman’s capsule
o Proximal tubule
o Loop of Henle
o Distal tubule
o Collecting duct
 Formation of urine – DON’T KNOW
o Glomerular filtration
o Secretion and reabsorption of solutes
o Concentration of urine
o Counter-current multiplier mechanism
 Storage and elimination: ureter, bladder, urethra – DON’T KNOW
 Osmoregulation: capillary reabsorption of H2O, amino acids, glucose, ions –
KINDA KNOW
 Muscular control: sphincter muscle – KINDA KNOW

Reproductive System (BIO)

 Male and female reproductive structures and their functions – KINDA KNOW
o Gonads
o Genitalia
o Differences between male and female structures
  Hormonal control of reproduction – KINDA KNOW
o Male and female sexual development
o Female reproductive cycle
o Pregnancy, parturition, lactation
o Integration with nervous control

Muscle System (BIO)

 Important functions – KINDA KNOW
o Support: mobility
o Peripheral circulatory assistance
o Thermoregulation (shivering reflex)
 Structure of three basic muscle types: striated, smooth, cardiac – DON’T KNOW
 Muscle structure and control of contraction – KINDA KNOW
o T-tubule system
o Contractile apparatus
o Sarcoplasmic reticulum
o Fiber type
o Contractile velocity of different muscle types
 Regulation of cardiac muscle contraction – DON’T KNOW
 Oxygen debt: fatigue – KINDA KNOW
 Nervous control – DON’T KNOW
o Motor neurons
o Neuromuscular junction, motor end plates
o Sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation
o Voluntary and involuntary muscles

Specialized Cell - Muscle Cell (BIO)

 Structural characteristics of striated, smooth, and cardiac muscle – DON’T
KNOW
 Abundant mitochondria in red muscle cells: ATP source – KINDA KNOW
 Organization of contractile elements: actin and myosin filaments,
crossbridges, sliding filament model – KINDA KNOW
 Sarcomeres: “I” and “A” bands, “M” and “Z” lines, “H” zone – DON’T KNOW
 Presence of troponin and tropomyosin – KINDA KNOW
 Calcium regulation of contraction – KINDA KNOW

Skeletal System (BIO)

 Functions – KINDA KNOW
o Structural rigidity and support
o Calcium storage
o Physical protection
 Skeletal structure – DON’T KNOW
o Specialization of bone types, structures
 o Joint structures
o Endoskeleton vs. exoskeleton
 Bone structure – DON’T KNOW
o Calcium/protein matrix
o Cellular composition of bone
 Cartilage: structure and function – DON’T KNOW
 Ligaments, tendons – KINDA KNOW
 Endocrine control – DON’T KNOW

Skin System (BIO)

 Structure – KINDA KNOW
o Layer differentiation, cell types
o Relative impermeability to water
 Functions in homeostasis and osmoregulation – KINDA KNOW
 Functions in thermoregulation – DON’T KNOW
o Hair, erectile musculature
o Fat layer for insulation
o Sweat glands, location in dermis
o Vasoconstriction and vasodilation in surface capillaries
 Physical protection – DON’T KNOW
o Nails, calluses, hair
o Protection against abrasion, disease organisms
 Hormonal control: sweating, vasodilation, and vasoconstriction – KINDA KNOW
FC 4: Physical Processes
4A: Translational Motion, Forces, Work, Energy, and
Equilibrium in Living Systems
Translational Motion (PHY)
 Units and dimensions– TEST READY
 Vectors, components – COMFORTABLE
 Vector addition – COMFORTABLE
 Speed, velocity (average and instantaneous) – COMFORTABLE
 Acceleration – COMFORTABLE

Force (PHY)
 Newton’s First Law, inertia – COMFORTABLE
 Newton’s Second Law (F = ma) – COMFORTABLE
 Newton’s Third Law, forces equal and opposite – COMFORTABLE
 Friction, static and kinetic – COMFORTABLE
 Center of mass – KINDA KNOW

Equilibrium (PHY)
 Vector analysis of forces acting on a point object – COMFORTABLE
 Torques, lever arms – COMFORTABLE

Work (PHY)
 Work done by a constant force: W = Fd cosθ – COMFORTABLE
 Mechanical advantage – KINDA KNOW
 Work Kinetic Energy Theorem – COMFORTABLE
 Conservative forces – COMFORTABLE

Energy of Point Object Systems (PHY)

 Kinetic Energy: KE = ½ mv2; units – COMFORTABLE
 Potential Energy – COMFORTABLE
o PE = mgh (gravitational, local)
o PE = ½ kx2 (spring)
 Conservation of energy – COMFORTABLE
 Power, units – KINDA KNOW

Periodic Motion (PHY)

 Amplitude, frequency, phase – COMFORTABLE
 Transverse and longitudinal waves: wavelength and propagation speed –
COMFORTABLE
4B: Importance of Fluids for Circulation of Blood, Gas
Movement, Solute Exchange
Fluids (PHY)
 Density, specific gravity – KINDA KNOW
 Buoyancy, Archimedes’ Principle – KINDA KNOW – MEMORIZE
 Hydrostatic pressure – EHHH
o Pascal’s Law – MEMORIZE
o Hydrostatic pressure; P = ρgh (pressure vs. depth) – MEMORIZE
 Viscosity: Poiseuille Flow – LEARNED – MEMORIZE
 Continuity equation (A ∙ v = constant) – LEARNED – MEMORIZE
 Concept of turbulence at high velocities – LEARNED
 Surface tension – LEARNED
 Bernoulli’s equation – LEARNED – MEMORIZE
 Venturi effect, pitot tube – LEARNED

Circulatory System (BIO)

 Arterial and venous systems; pressure and flow characteristics – DON’T KNOW

Gas Phase (GC, PHY)

 Absolute temperature, (K) Kelvin Scale– TEST READY
 Pressure, simple mercury barometer – KINDA KNOW
 Molar volume at 0°C and 1 atm = 22.4 L/mol – KINDA KNOW
 Ideal gas – COMFORTABLE
o Definition
o Ideal Gas Law: PV = nRT
o Boyle’s Law: PV = constant
o Charles’ Law: V/T = constant
o Avogadro’s Law: V/n = constant
 Kinetic Molecular Theory of Gases – KINDA KNOW
o Heat capacity at constant volume and at constant pressure (PHY)
o Boltzmann’s Constant (PHY) – MEMORIZE
 Deviation of real gas behavior from Ideal Gas Law – KINDA KNOW
o Qualitative
o Quantitative (Van der Waals’ Equation) -
 Partial pressure, mole fraction – KINDA KNOW
 Dalton’s Law relating partial pressure to composition – KINDA KNOW –
MEMORIZE
4C: Electrochemistry, Electrical Circuits and their
Elements
Electrostatics (PHY)
 Charge, conductors, charge conservation – COMFORTABLE
 Insulators – COMFORTABLE
 Coulomb’s Law – COMFORTABLE – MEMORIZE
 Electric field E – COMFORTABLE
o Field lines
o Field due to charge distribution
 Electrostatic energy, electric potential at a point in space – COMFORTABLE

Circuit Elements (PHY)

 Current I = ΔQ/Δt, sign conventions, units – COMFORTABLE
 Electromotive force, voltage – COMFORTABLE
 Resistance – COMFORTABLE
o Ohm’s Law: I = V/ – MEMORIZE R
o Resistors in series – MEMORIZE
o Resistors in parallel – MEMORIZE
o Resistivity: ρ = R ∙ A / L – MEMORIZE
 Capacitance – COMFORTABLE
o Parallel plate capacitor
o Energy of charged capacitor – MEMORIZE
o Capacitors in series – MEMORIZE
o Capacitors in parallel – MEMORIZE
o Dielectrics
 Conductivity – DON’T KNOW
o Metallic
o Electrolytic
 Meters – KINDA KNOW

Magnetism (PHY)
 Definition of magnetic field B – KINDA KNOW
 Motion of charged particles in magnetic fields; Lorentz force – COMFORTABLE –
MEMORIZE

Electrochemistry (GC)
 Electrolytic cell – KINDA KNOW
o Electrolysis
o Anode, cathode
o Electrolyte
 o Faraday’s Law relating quantity of elements deposited (or gas
liberated) at an electrode to current – MEMORIZE
o Electron flow; oxidation, and reduction at the electrodes
 Galvanic or Voltaic cells – KINDA KNOW
o Half-reactions
o Reduction potentials; cell potential
o Direction of electron flow
 Concentration cell – DON’T KNOW
 Batteries – DON’T KNOW
o Electromotive force, Voltage
o Lead-storage batteries
o Nickel-cadmium batteries

Specialized Cell - Nerve Cell (BIO)

 Myelin sheath, Schwann cells, insulation of axon – KINDA KNOW
 Nodes of Ranvier: propagation of nerve impulse along axon – DON’T KNOW

4D: How Light and Sound Interact with Matter

Sound (PHY)
 Production of sound – COMFORTABLE
 Relative speed of sound in solids, liquids, and gases – COMFORTABLE
 Intensity of sound, decibel units, log scale – KINDA KNOW – MEMORIZE
 Attenuation (Damping) – KINDA KNOW
 Doppler Effect: moving sound source or observer, reflection of sound from a
moving object – COMFORTABLE – MEMORIZE
 Pitch – COMFORTABLE
 Resonance in pipes and strings – KINDA KNOW
 Ultrasound – DON’T KNOW
 Shock waves – DON’T KNOW

Light, Electromagnetic Radiation (PHY)

 Concept of Interference; Young Double-slit Experiment – COMFORTABLE
 Thin films, diffraction grating, single-slit diffraction – KINDA KNOW
 Other diffraction phenomena, X-ray diffraction – DON’T KNOW
 Polarization of light: linear and circular – KINDA KNOW
 Properties of electromagnetic radiation – COMFORTABLE
o Velocity equals constant c, in vacuo
o Electromagnetic radiation consists of perpendicularly oscillating
electric and magnetic fields; direction of propagation is perpendicular
to both (E x B = direction of propagation)
  Classification of electromagnetic spectrum, photon energy E = hf – DON’T
KNOW – MEMORIZE
 Visual spectrum, color – KINDA KNOW – MEMORIZE

Molecular Structure and Absorption Spectra (OC)

 Infrared region – KINDA KNOW
o Intramolecular vibrations and rotations
o Recognizing common characteristic group absorptions, fingerprint
region
 Visible region (GC) – KINDA KNOW
o Absorption in visible region gives complementary color (e.g.,
carotene)
o Effect of structural changes on absorption (e.g., indicators)
 Ultraviolet region – DON’T KNOW
o π-Electron and non-bonding electron transitions
o Conjugated systems
 NMR spectroscopy – KINDA KNOW
o Protons in a magnetic field; equivalent protons
o Spin-spin splitting

Geometrical Optics (PHY)

 Reflection from plane surface: angle of incidence equals angle of reflection –
COMFORTABLE
 Refraction, refractive index n; Snell’s law: n1 sin θ1 = n2 sin θ2 – COMFORTABLE –
MEMORIZE
 Dispersion, change of index of refraction with wavelength – KINDA KNOW
 Conditions for total internal reflection – COMFORTABLE
 Spherical mirrors – COMFORTABLE – MEMORIZE
o Center of curvature
o Focal length
o Real and virtual images
 Thin lenses – COMFORTABLE – MEMORIZE
o Converging and diverging lenses
o Use of formula 1/p + 1/q = 1/f, with sign conventions – MEMORIZE
o Lens strength, diopters
 Combination of lenses – COMFORTABLE
 Lens aberration – KINDA KNOW
 Optical Instruments, including the human eye – KINDA KNOW
4E: Atoms, Nuclear Decay, Electronic Structure, Atomic
Chemical Behavior
Atomic Nucleus (PHY, GC)
 Atomic number, atomic weight – KINDA KNOW
 Neutrons, protons, isotopes – COMFORTABLE
 Nuclear forces, binding energy – KINDA KNOW
 Radioactive decay – KINDA KNOW
o α, β, γ decay
o Half-life, exponential decay, semi-log plots
 Mass spectrometer – KINDA KNOW

Electronic Structure (PHY, GC)

 Orbital structure of hydrogen atom, principal quantum number n, number of
electrons per orbital (GC) – KINDA KNOW
 Ground state, excited states – KINDA KNOW
 Absorption and emission line spectra – KINDA KNOW
 Use of Pauli Exclusion Principle – KINDA KNOW
 Paramagnetism and diamagnetism – KINDA KNOW
 Conventional notation for electronic structure (GC) – KINDA KNOW
 Bohr atom – KINDA KNOW
 Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle – KINDA KNOW
 Effective nuclear charge (GC) – EHHH
 Photoelectric effect – KINDA KNOW

The Periodic Table - Classification of Elements into Groups by Electronic

Structure (GC)
 Alkali metals – KINDA KNOW
 Alkaline earth metals: their chemical characteristics – KINDA KNOW
 Halogens: their chemical characteristics – KINDA KNOW
 Noble gases: their physical and chemical characteristics – KINDA KNOW
 Transition metals – KINDA KNOW
 Representative elements – EHHH
 Metals and non-metals – EHHH
 Oxygen group – KINDA KNOW

The Periodic Table - Variations of Chemical Properties with Group and Row
(GC)
 Valence electrons – KINDA KNOW
 First and second ionization energy – COMFORTABLE
o Definition
o Prediction from electronic structure for elements in different groups
or rows
  Electron affinity – KINDA KNOW
o Definition
o Variation with group and row
 Electronegativity – KINDA KNOW
o Definition
o Comparative values for some representative elements and important
groups
 Electron shells and the sizes of atoms – KINDA KNOW
 Electron shells and the sizes of ions – KINDA KNOW

Stoichiometry (GC)
 Molecular weight – COMFORTABLE
 Empirical versus molecular formula – COMFORTABLE
 Metric units commonly used in the context of chemistry – KINDA KNOW
 Description of composition by percent mass – KINDA KNOW
 Mole concept, Avogadro’s number NA = 6.0221 x 1023 particles/mole – KINDA
KNOW
 Definition of density – KINDA KNOW
 Oxidation number – KINDA KNOW
o Common oxidizing and reducing agents
o Disproportionation reactions
 Description of reactions by chemical equations
o Conventions for writing chemical equations – KINDA KNOW
o Balancing equations, including redox equations
o Limiting reactants
o Theoretical yields
FC 5: Chemical Processes
5A: Unique Nature of Water and its Solutions
Acid/Base Equilibria (GC, BC)
 Brønsted–Lowry definition of acid, base – KINDA KNOW
 Ionization of water – KINDA KNOW
o Kw, its approximate value (Kw = [H+][OH−] = 10−14 at 25°C, 1 atm) –
MEMORIZE
o Definition of pH: pH of pure water
 Conjugate acids and bases (e.g., NH4+ and NH3) – COMFORTABLE
 Strong acids and bases (e.g., nitric, sulfuric) – KINDA KNOW – MEMORIZE
 Weak acids and bases (e.g., acetic, benzoic) – KINDA KNOW – MEMORIZE
o Dissociation of weak acids and bases with or without added salt
o Hydrolysis of salts of weak acids or bases
o Calculation of pH of solutions of salts of weak acids or bases
 Equilibrium constants Ka and Kb: pKa, pKb – KINDA KNOW
 Buffers – KINDA KNOW
o Definition and concepts (common buffer systems)
o Influence on titration curves

Ions in Solutions (GC, BC)

 Anion, cation: common names, formulas and charges for familiar ions (e.g.,
NH4+ ammonium, PO43− phosphate, SO42− sulfate) – KINDA KNOW – MEMORIZE
 Hydration, the hydronium ion – KINDA KNOW

Solubility (GC)
 Units of concentration (e.g., molarity) – KINDA KNOW
 Solubility product constant; the equilibrium expression Ksp – EHHH
 Common-ion effect, its use in laboratory separations – DON’T KNOW
o Complex ion formation
o Complex ions and solubility
o Solubility and pH

Titration (GC)
 Indicators – KINDA KNOW
 Neutralization – KINDA KNOW
 Interpretation of the titration curves – KINDA KNOW
 Redox titration – DON’T KNOW
5B: Nature of Molecules and Intermolecular Interactions
Covalent Bond (GC)
 Lewis Electron Dot formulas – KINDA KNOW
o Resonance structures
o Formal charge
o Lewis acids and bases
 Partial ionic character – KINDA KNOW
o Role of electronegativity in determining charge distribution
o Dipole Moment
 σ and π bonds – KINDA KNOW
o Hybrid orbitals: sp3, sp2, sp and respective geometries
o Valence shell electron pair repulsion and the prediction of shapes of
molecules (e.g., NH3, H2O, CO2)
o Structural formulas for molecules involving H, C, N, O, F, S, P, Si, Cl
o Delocalized electrons and resonance in ions and molecules
 Multiple bonding – KINDA KNOW
o Effect on bond length and bond energies
o Rigidity in molecular structure
 Stereochemistry of covalently bonded molecules (OC) – KINDA KNOW
o Isomers
 Structural isomers
 Stereoisomers (e.g., diastereomers, enantiomers, cis/trans
isomers)
 Conformational isomers
o Polarization of light, specific rotation
o Absolute and relative configuration
 Conventions for writing R and S forms
 Conventions for writing E and Z forms

Liquid Phase - Intermolecular Forces (GC)

 Hydrogen bonding – KINDA KNOW
 Dipole Interactions – KINDA KNOW
 Van der Waals’ Forces (London dispersion forces) – KINDA KNOW

5C: Separation and Purification Methods

Separations and Purifications (OC, BC)
 Extraction: distribution of solute between two immiscible solvents –
COMFORTABLE
  Distillation – COMFORTABLE
 Chromatography: Basic principles involved in separation process – KINDA
KNOW
o Column chromatography
 Gas-liquid chromatography (GLC)
 High pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC)
o Paper chromatography
o Thin-layer chromatography (TLC)
 Separation and purification of peptides and proteins (BC) – KINDA KNOW
o Electrophoresis
o Quantitative analysis
o Chromatography
 Size-exclusion
 Ion-exchange
 Affinity
 Racemic mixtures, separation of enantiomers (OC) – DON’T KNOW

5D: Structure, Function, and Reactivity of Biologically-

Relevant Molecules
Nucleotides and Nucleic Acids (BC, BIO)
 Nucleotides and nucleosides: composition – KINDA KNOW
o Sugar phosphate backbone
o Pyrimidine, purine residues
 Deoxyribonucleic acid: DNA; double helix – COMFORTABLE
 Chemistry (BC) – KINDA KNOW
 Other functions (BC) – DON’T KNOW

Amino Acids, Peptides, Proteins (OC, BC)

 Amino acids: description – KINDA KNOW
o Absolute configuration at the α position
o Dipolar ions
o Classification
 Acidic or basic
 Hydrophilic or hydrophobic
o Synthesis of α-amino acids (OC)
 Strecker Synthesis
 Gabriel Synthesis
 Peptides and proteins: reactions – KINDA KNOW
o Sulfur linkage for cysteine and cystine
 o Peptide linkage: polypeptides and proteins
o Hydrolysis (BC)
 General Principles – KINDA KNOW
o Primary structure of proteins
o Secondary structure of proteins
o Tertiary structure of proteins
o Isoelectric point

The Three-Dimensional Protein Structure (BC)

 Conformational stability – KINDA KNOW
o Hydrophobic interactions
o Solvation layer (entropy)
 Quaternary structure – KINDA KNOW
 Denaturing and Folding – KINDA KNOW

Non-Enzymatic Protein Function (BC)

 Binding – KINDA KNOW
 Immune system – KINDA KNOW
 Motor – KINDA KNOW

Lipids (BC, OC)

 Description, Types – DON’T KNOW
o Storage
 Triacyl glycerols
 Free fatty acids: saponification
o Structural
 Phospholipids and phosphatids
 Sphingolipids (BC)
 Waxes
o Signals/cofactors
 Fat-soluble vitamins
 Steroids
 Prostaglandins (BC)

Carbohydrates (OC)
 Description – KINDA KNOW
o Nomenclature and classification, common names
o Absolute configuration
o Cyclic structure and conformations of hexoses
o Epimers and anomers
 Hydrolysis of the glycoside linkage – EHHH
 Keto-enol tautomerism of monosaccharides – KINDA KNOW
 Disaccharides (BC) – DON’T KNOW
  Polysaccharides (BC) – DON’T KNOW

Aldehydes and Ketones (OC)

 Description – KINDA KNOW
o Nomenclature
o Physical properties
 Important reactions – KINDA KNOW
o Nucleophilic addition reactions at C=O bond
 Acetal, hemiacetal
 Imine, enamine
 Hydride reagents
 Cyanohydrin
o Oxidation of aldehydes
o Reactions at adjacent positions: enolate chemistry
 Keto-enol tautomerism (α-racemization)
 Aldol condensation, retro-aldol
 Kinetic versus thermodynamic enolate
 General principles – KINDA KNOW
o Effect of substituents on reactivity of C=O; steric hindrance
o Acidity of α-H; carbanions

Alcohols (OC)
 Description – KINDA KNOW
o Nomenclature
o Physical properties (acidity, hydrogen bonding)
 Important reactions – KINDA KNOW
o Oxidation
o Substitution reactions: SN1 or SN2
o Protection of alcohols
o Preparation of mesylates and tosylates

Carboxylic Acids (OC)

 Description – KINDA KNOW
o Nomenclature
o Physical properties
 Important reactions – KINDA KNOW
o Carboxyl group reactions
 Amides (and lactam), esters (and lactone), anhydride
formation
 Reduction
 Decarboxylation
o Reactions at 2-position, substitution
Acid Derivatives (Anhydrides, Amides, Esters) (OC)
 Description – KINDA KNOW
o Nomenclature
o Physical properties
 Important reactions – KINDA KNOW
o Nucleophilic substitution
o Transesterification
o Hydrolysis of amides
 General principles – KINDA KNOW
o Relative reactivity of acid derivatives
o Steric effects
o Electronic effects
o Strain (e.g., β-lactams)

Phenols (OC, BC)

 Oxidation and reduction (e.g., hydroquinones, ubiquinones): biological
2e− redox centers – KINDA KNOW

Polycyclic and Heterocyclic Aromatic Compounds (OC, BC)

 Biological aromatic heterocycles – DON’T KNOW

5E: Principles of Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics

Enzymes (BC)
 Classification by reaction type – – LEARNED
 Mechanism – LEARNED
o Substrates and enzyme specificity
o Active site model
o Induced-fit model
o Cofactors, coenzymes, and vitamins
 Kinetics – LEARNED
o General (catalysis)
o Michaelis–Menten
o Cooperativity
o Effects of local conditions on enzyme activity
 Inhibition – LEARNED
 Regulatory enzymes – LEARNED
o Allosteric
o Covalently modified
Principles of Bioenergetics (BC)
 Bioenergetics/thermodynamics – KINDA KNOW
o Free energy/Keq
o Concentration
 Phosphorylation/ATP – KINDA KNOW
o ATP hydrolysis ΔG << 0
o ATP group transfers
 Biological oxidation–reduction – DON’T KNOW
o Half-reactions
o Soluble electron carriers
o Flavoproteins

Energy Changes in Chemical Reactions – Thermochemistry, Thermodynamics

(GC, PHYS)
 Thermodynamic system – state function – KINDA KNOW
 Zeroth Law – concept of temperature – KINDA KNOW
 First Law - conservation of energy in thermodynamic processes – KINDA KNOW
 PV diagram: work done = area under or enclosed by curve (PHY) – KINDA
KNOW
 Second Law – concept of entropy – KINDA KNOW
o Entropy as a measure of “disorder”
o Relative entropy for gas, liquid, and crystal states
 Measurement of heat changes (calorimetry), heat capacity, specific heat –
KINDA KNOW
 Heat transfer – conduction, convection, radiation (PHY) – KINDA KNOW
 Endothermic/exothermic reactions (GC) – KINDA KNOW
o Enthalpy, H, and standard heats of reaction and formation
o Hess’ Law of Heat Summation
 Bond dissociation energy as related to heats of formation (GC) – KINDA KNOW
 Free energy: G (GC) – KINDA KNOW
 Spontaneous reactions and ΔG° (GC) – KINDA KNOW
 Coefficient of expansion (PHY) – KINDA KNOW
 Heat of fusion, heat of vaporization – COMFORTABLE
 Phase diagram: pressure and temperature – KINDA KNOW

Rate Processes in Chemical Reactions - Kinetics and Equilibrium (GC)

 Reaction rate – KINDA KNOW
 Dependence of reaction rate on concentration of reactants – KINDA KNOW
o Rate law, rate constant
o Reaction order
 Rate-determining step – COMFORTABLE
 Dependence of reaction rate upon temperature – EHHH
o Activation energy
  Activated complex or transition state
 Interpretation of energy profiles showing energies of reactants,
products, activation energy, and ΔH for the reaction
o Use of the Arrhenius Equation – MEMORIZE
 Kinetic control versus thermodynamic control of a reaction – KINDA KNOW
 Catalysts – KINDA KNOW
 Equilibrium in reversible chemical reactions – KINDA KNOW
o Law of Mass Action – MEMORIZE
o Equilibrium Constant
o Application of Le Chaâ telier’s Principle
 Relationship of the equilibrium constant and ΔG° – KINDA KNOW – MEMORIZE
FC 6: Processing the Environment
6A: Sensing the Environment
Sensory Processing (PSY, BIO)
 Sensation – KINDA KNOW
o Threshold
o Weber’s Law (PSY)
o Signal detection theory (PSY)
o Sensory adaptation
o Psychophysics
 Sensory receptors – DON’T KNOW
o Sensory pathways
o Types of sensory receptor – MEMORIZE

Vision (PSY, BIO)

 Structure and function of the eye – KINDA KNOW
 Visual processing – KINDA KNOW
o Visual pathways in the brain
o Parallel processing (PSY)
o Feature detection (PSY)

Hearing (PSY, BIO)

 Structure and function of the ear – KINDA KNOW
 Auditory processing (e.g., auditory pathways in the brain) – KINDA KNOW
 Sensory reception by hair cells – KINDA KNOW

Other Senses (PSY, BIO)

 Somatosensation (e.g., pain perception) – DON’T KNOW
 Taste (e.g., taste buds/chemoreceptors that detect specific chemicals) – KINDA
KNOW
 Smell – KINDA KNOW
o Olfactory cells/chemoreceptors that detect specific chemicals
o Pheromones (BIO)
o Olfactory pathways in the brain (BIO)
 Kinesthetic sense (PSY) – DON’T KNOW
 Vestibular sense – DON’T KNOW

Perception (PSY)
 Bottom-up/Top-down processing – KINDA KNOW
 Perceptual organization (e.g., depth, form, motion, constancy) – KINDA KNOW
 Gestalt principles – KINDA KNOW
6B: Making Sense of the Environment
Attention (PSY)
 Selective attention – KINDA KNOW
 Divided attention – EHHH

Cognition (PSY)
 Information-processing model – KINDA KNOW
 Cognitive development – KINDA KNOW
o Piaget’s stages of cognitive development – MEMORIZE
o Cognitive changes in late adulthood
o Role of culture in cognitive development
o Influence of heredity and environment on cognitive development
 Biological factors that affect cognition (PSY, BIO) – DON’T KNOW
 Problem solving and decision making – EHHH
o Types of problem solving
o Barriers to effective problem solving
o Approaches to problem solving
o Heuristics and biases (e.g., overconfidence, belief perseverance)
 Intellectual functioning – KINDA KNOW
o Theories of intelligence
o Influence of heredity and environment on intelligence
o Variations in intellectual ability

Consciousness (PSY)
 States of consciousness – COMFORTABLE
o Alertness (PSY, BIO)
o Sleep
 Stages of sleep
 Sleep cycles and changes to sleep cycles
 Sleep and circadian rhythms (PSY, BIO)
 Dreaming
 Sleep-wake disorders
o Hypnosis and meditation
 Consciousness-altering drugs – DON’T KNOW
o Types of consciousness-altering drugs and their effects on the nervous
system and behavior
o Drug addiction and the reward pathway in the brain

Memory (PSY)
  Encoding – KINDA KNOW
o Process of encoding information
o Processes that aid in encoding memories
 Storage – KINDA KNOW
o Types of memory storage (e.g., sensory, working, long-term)
o Semantic networks and spreading activation
 Retrieval – KINDA KNOW
o Recall, recognition, and relearning
o Retrieval cues
o The role of emotion in retrieving memories (PSY, BIO)
o Processes that aid retrieval
 Forgetting – KINDA KNOW
o Aging and memory
o Memory dysfunctions (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, Korsakoff’s
syndrome)
o Decay
o Interference (e.g. retro/antero)
o Memory construction and source monitoring
 Changes in synaptic connections underlie memory and learning (PSY, BIO) –
KINDA KNOW
o Neural plasticity
o Memory and learning
o Long-term potentiation

Language (PSY)
 Theories of language development (e.g., learning, Nativist, Interactionist) –
DON’T KNOW
 Influence of language on cognition – EHHH
 Brain areas that control language and speech (PSY, BIO) – KINDA KNOW

6C: Responding to the World

Emotion (PSY)
 Three components of emotion (i.e., cognitive, physiological, behavioral) –
KINDA KNOW
 Universal emotions (i.e., fear, anger, happiness, surprise, disgust, and
sadness) – KINDA KNOW
 Adaptive role of emotion – COMFORTABLE
 Theories of emotion – KINDA KNOW – MEMORIZE
o James–Lange theory
o Cannon–Bard theory
 o Schachter–Singer theory
 The role of biological processes in perceiving emotion (PSY, BIO) – KINDA
KNOW
o Brain regions involved in the generation and experience of emotions
o The role of the limbic system in emotion
o Emotion and the autonomic nervous system
o Physiological markers of emotion (signatures of emotion)

Stress (PSY)
 The nature of stress – DON’T KNOW
o Appraisal
o Different types of stressors (e.g., cataclysmic events, personal)
o Effects of stress on psychological functions
 Stress outcomes/response to stressors – KINDA KNOW
o Physiological (PSY, BIO)
o Emotional
o Behavioral
 Managing stress (e.g., exercise, relaxation, spirituality) – KINDA KNOW
FC 7: Behavior
7A: Individual Influences on Behavior
Biological Bases of Behavior (PSY, BIO)
 The nervous system – KINDA KNOW
o Neurons (e.g., the reflex arc)
o Neurotransmitters
o Structure and function of the peripheral nervous system
o Structure and function of the central nervous system
 The brain
 Forebrain
 Midbrain
 Hindbrain
 Brainstem
 Cerebellum
 Diencephalon
 Cerebrum
 Control of voluntary movement in cerebral cortex
 Info processing in cerebral cortex
 Lateralization of cortical functions
 Methods used in studying the brain
 The spinal cord
 Neuronal communication and its influence on behavior (PSY) – KINDA KNOW
 Influence of neurotransmitters on behavior (PSY) – KINDA KNOW
 The endocrine system – DON’T KNOW
o Components of the endocrine system
o Effects of the endocrine system on behavior
 Behavioral genetics – EHHH
o Genes, temperament, and heredity
o Adaptive value of traits and behaviors
o Interaction between heredity and environmental influences
 Influence of genetic and environmental factors on the development of
behaviors – DON’T KNOW
o Experience and behavior (PSY)
o Regulatory genes and behavior (BIO)
o Genetically based behavioral variation in natural populations
 Human physiological development (PSY) – DON’T KNOW
o Prenatal development
o Motor development
o Developmental changes in adolescence
Personality (PSY)
 Theories of personality – EHHH
o Psychoanalytic perspective
o Humanistic perspective
o Trait perspective
o Social cognitive perspective
o Biological perspective
o Behaviorist perspective
 Situational approach to explaining behavior – KINDA KNOW

Psychological Disorders (PSY)

 Understanding psychological disorders – DON’T KNOW
o Biomedical vs. biopsychosocial approaches
o Classifying psychological disorders
o Rates of psychological disorders
 Types of psychological disorders – KINDA KNOW
o Anxiety disorders
o Obsessive–compulsive disorder
o Trauma- and stressor-related disorders
o Somatic symptom and related disorders
o Bipolar and related disorders
o Depressive disorders
o Schizophrenia
o Dissociative disorder
o Personality disorders
 Biological bases of nervous system disorders (PSY, BIO) – KINDA KNOW
o Schizophrenia
o Depression
o Alzheimer’s disease
o Parkinson’s disease
o Stem cell-based therapy to regenerate neurons in the central nervous
system (BIO)

Motivation (PSY)
 Factors that influence motivation – KINDA KNOW
o Instinct
o Arousal
o Drives (e.g., negative feedback systems) (PSY, BIO)
o Needs
 Theories that explain how motivation affects human behavior – KINDA KNOW
o Drive reduction theory
o Incentive theory
o Other theories (e.g., cognitive, need-based)
  Biological and sociocultural motivators that regulate behavior (e.g., hunger,
sex drive, substance addiction) – KINDA KNOW

Attitudes (PSY)
 Components of attitudes (i.e., cognitive, affective, and behavioral) – KINDA
KNOW
 The link between attitudes and behavior – KINDA KNOW
o Processes by which behavior influences attitudes (e.g., foot-in-the
door phenomenon, role-playing effects)
o Processes by which attitudes influence behavior
o Cognitive dissonance theory

7B: Social Processes that Influence Human Behavior

How the Presence of Others Affects Individual Behavior (PSY)
 Social facilitation – KINDA KNOW
 Deindividuation – KINDA KNOW
 Bystander effect – COMFORTABLE
 Social loafing – COMFORTABLE
 Social control (SOC) – DON’T KNOW
 Peer pressure (PSY, SOC) – DON’T KNOW
 Conformity (PSY, SOC) – COMFORTABLE
 Obedience (PSY, SOC) – COMFORTABLE

Group Decision-making Processes (PSY, SOC)

 Group polarization (PSY) – DON’T KNOW
 Groupthink – EHHH

Normative and Non-Normative Behavior (SOC)

 Social norms (PSY, SOC) – DON’T KNOW
o Sanctions (SOC)
o Folkways, mores, and taboos (SOC)
o Anomie (SOC)
 Deviance – DON’T KNOW
o Perspectives on deviance (e.g., differential association, labeling theory,
strain theory)
 Aspects of collective behavior (e.g., fads, mass hysteria, riots) – DON’T KNOW

Socialization (PSY, SOC)

 Agents of socialization (e.g., the family, mass media, peers, workplace) – KINDA
KNOW
7C: Attitude and Behavior Change
Habituation and Dishabituation (PSY) – KINDA KNOW

Associative Learning (PSY)

 Classical conditioning (PSY, BIO) – COMFORTABLE
o Neutral, conditioned, and unconditioned stimuli
o Conditioned and unconditioned response
o Processes: acquisition, extinction, spontaneous recovery,
generalization, discrimination
 Operant conditioning (PSY, BIO) – COMFORTABLE
o Processes of shaping and extinction
o Types of reinforcement: positive, negative, primary, conditional
o Reinforcement schedules: fixed-ratio, variable-ratio, fixed-interval,
variable-interval
o Punishment
o Escape and avoidance learning
 The role of cognitive processes in associative learning – KINDA KNOW
 Biological processes that affect associative learning (e.g., biological
predispositions, instinctive drift) (PSY, BIO) – KINDA KNOW

Observational Learning (PSY)

 Modeling – KINDA KNOW
 Biological processes that affect observational learning – KINDA KNOW
o Mirror neurons
o Role of the brain in experiencing vicarious emotions
 Applications of observational learning to explain individual behavior – KINDA
KNOW

Theories of Attitude and Behavior Change (PSY)

 Elaboration likelihood model – DON’T KNOW
 Social cognitive theory – KINDA KNOW
 Factors that affect attitude change (e.g., changing behavior, characteristics of
the message and target, social factors)
FC 8: Individuals and Society
8A: Self-identity
Self-Concept, Self-identity, and Social Identity (PSY, SOC)
 The role of self-esteem (c.f. self-worth), self-efficacy, and locus of control in
self-concept (c.f. self-identity) (PSY) – EHHH
 Different types of identities (e.g., race/ethnicity, gender, age, sexual
orientation, class – KINDA KNOW

Formation of Identity (PSY, SOC)

 Theories of identity development (e.g., gender, moral, psychosexual, social) –
KINDA KNOW
 Influence of social factors on identity formation – EHHH
o Influence of individuals (e.g., imitation, looking-glass self, role-taking)
o Influence of groups (e.g., reference group)
 Influence of culture and socialization on identity formation – EHHH

8B: Social Thinking

Attributing Behavior to Persons or Situations (PSY)
 Attributional processes (e.g., fundamental attribution error, role of culture in
attributions) – KINDA KNOW
 How self-perceptions shape our perceptions of others – DON’T KNOW
 How perceptions of the environment shape our perceptions of others – DON’T
KNOW

Prejudice and Bias (PSY, SOC)

 Processes that contribute to prejudice – DON’T KNOW
o Power, prestige, and class (SOC)
o The role of emotion in prejudice (PSY)
o The role of cognition in prejudice (PSY)
 Stereotypes – KINDA KNOW
 Stigma (SOC) – KINDA KNOW
 Ethnocentrism (SOC) – DON’T KNOW
o Ethnocentrism vs. cultural relativism

Processes Related to Stereotypes (PSY)

 Self-fulfilling prophecy – KINDA KNOW
 Stereotype threat – DON’T KNOW
8C: Social Interactions
Elements of Social Interaction (PSY, SOC)
 Status (SOC) – DON’T KNOW
o Types of status (e.g., achieved, ascribed)
 Role – DON’T KNOW
o Role conflict and role strain (SOC)
o Role exit (SOC)
 Groups – DON’T KNOW
o Primary and secondary groups (SOC)
o In-group vs. out-group
o Group size (e.g., dyads, triads) (SOC)
 Networks (SOC) – DON’T KNOW
 Organizations (SOC) – DON’T KNOW
o Formal organization
o Bureaucracy
 Characteristics of an ideal bureaucracy
 Perspectives on bureaucracy (e.g., iron law of oligarchy,
McDonaldization)

Self-presentation and Interacting with Others (PSY, SOC)

 Expressing and detecting emotion – KINDA KNOW
o The role of gender in the expression and detection of emotion
o The role of culture in the expression and detection of emotion
 Presentation of self – DON’T KNOW
o Impression management
o Front stage vs. back stage self (Dramaturgical approach) (SOC)
 Verbal and nonverbal communication – KINDA KNOW
 Animal signals and communication (PSY, BIO) – KINDA KNOW

Social Behavior (PSY)

 Attraction – KINDA KNOW
 Aggression – KINDA KNOW
 Attachment – KINDA KNOW
 Altruism – KINDA KNOW
 Social support (PSY, SOC) – KINDA KNOW
 Biological explanations of social behavior in animals (PSY, BIO) – KINDA KNOW
o Foraging behavior (BIO)
o Mating behavior and mate choice
o Applying game theory (BIO)
 o Altruism
o Inclusive fitness (BIO)

Discrimination (PSY, SOC)

 Individual vs. institutional discrimination (SOC) – DON’T KNOW
 The relationship between prejudice and discrimination – KINDA KNOW
 How power, prestige, and class facilitate discrimination (SOC) – DON’T KNOW
FC 9: Society and Culture
9A: Understanding Social Structure
Theoretical Approaches (SOC)
 Microsociology vs. macrosociology – DON’T KNOW
 Functionalism – DON’T KNOW
 Conflict theory – DON’T KNOW
 Symbolic interactionism – DON’T KNOW
 Social constructionism – DON’T KNOW
 Exchange-rational choice – DON’T KNOW
 Feminist theory – KINDA KNOW

Social Institutions (SOC)

 Education – DON’T KNOW
o Hidden curriculum
o Teacher expectancy
o Educational segregation and stratification
 Family (PSY, SOC) – DON’T KNOW
o Forms of kinship (SOC)
o Diversity in family forms
o Marriage and divorce
o Violence in the family (e.g., child abuse, elder abuse, spousal abuse)
(SOC)
 Religion – DON’T KNOW
o Religiosity
o Types of religious organizations (e.g., churches, sects, cults)
o Religion and social change (e.g., modernization, secularization,
fundamentalism)
 Government and economy – DON’T KNOW
o Power and authority
o Comparative economic and political systems
o Division of labor
 Health and medicine – DON’T KNOW
o Medicalization
o The sick role
o Delivery of health care
o Illness experience
o Social epidemiology

Culture (PSY, SOC)

  Elements of culture (e.g., beliefs, language, rituals, symbols, values) – KINDA
KNOW
 Material vs. symbolic culture (SOC) – DON’T KNOW
 Culture lag (SOC) – DON’T KNOW
 Culture shock (SOC) – KINDA KNOW
 Assimilation (SOC) – KINDA KNOW
 Multiculturalism (SOC) – DON’T KNOW
 Subcultures and countercultures (SOC) – DON’T KNOW
 Mass media and popular culture (SOC) – DON’T KNOW
 Evolution and human culture (PSY, BIO) – KINDA KNOW
 Transmission and diffusion (SOC) – DON’T KNOW

9B: Demographic Characteristics and Processes

Demographic Structure of Society (PSY, SOC)
 Age – DON’T KNOW
o Aging and the life course
o Age cohorts (SOC)
o Social significance of aging
 Gender – DON’T KNOW
o Sex versus gender
o The social construction of gender (SOC)
o Gender segregation (SOC)
 Race and ethnicity (SOC) – DON’T KNOW
o The social construction of race
o Racialization
o Racial formation
 Immigration status (SOC) – DON’T KNOW
o Patterns of immigration
o Intersections with race and ethnicity
 Sexual orientation – DON’T KNOW

Demographic Shifts and Social Change (SOC)

 Theories of demographic change (i.e., Malthusian theory and demographic
transition) – DON’T KNOW
 Population growth and decline (e.g., population projections, population
pyramids) – DON’T KNOW
 Fertility, migration, and mortality – DON’T KNOW
o Fertility and mortality rates (e.g., total, crude, age-specific)
o Patterns in fertility and mortality
o Push and pull factors in migration
 Social movements – DON’T KNOW
o Relative deprivation
o Organization of social movements
o Movement strategies and tactics
 Globalization – DON’T KNOW
o Factors contributing to globalization (e.g., communication technology,
economic interdependence)
o Perspectives on globalization
o Social changes in globalization (e.g., civil unrest, terrorism)
 Urbanization – DON’T KNOW
o Industrialization and urban growth
o Suburbanization and urban decline
o Gentrification and urban renewal
FC 10: Social Inequality
10A: Social Inequality
Spatial Inequality (SOC)
 Sensation – DON’T KNOW
o Residential segregation
o Neighborhood safety and violence
o Environmental justice (location and exposure to health risks)

Social Class (SOC)

 Aspects of social stratification – DON’T KNOW
o Social class and socioeconomic status
o Class consciousness and false consciousness
o Cultural capital and social capital
o Social reproduction
o Power, privilege, and prestige
o Intersectionality (e.g., race, gender, age)
o Socioeconomic gradient in health
o Global inequalities
 Patterns of social mobility – DON’T KNOW
o Intergenerational and intragenerational mobility
o Vertical and horizontal mobility
o Meritocracy
 Poverty – DON’T KNOW
o Relative and absolute poverty
o Social exclusion (segregation and isolation)

Health Disparities (SOC) – DON’T KNOW

e.g., class, gender, and race inequalities in health.

Healthcare Disparities (SOC) – DON’T KNOW

e.g., class, gender, and race inequalities in health care.