Foundation 1: Biomolecules

The passages you’ll find in this set cover biology and biochemistry topics from AAMC Foundation 1. This foundation, along with Foundations 2 and 3 (tested in the passage sets below this one), is part of the Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems section of the MCAT. Foundation 1 covers topics in biochemistry, gene expression, genetics/heritability, and bioenergetics/metabolism, whereas Foundation 2 covers topics in cell biology, and Foundation 3 covers human organ systems (anatomy and physiology).

This statement by the AAMC describes the significance of Foundation 1 topics for pre-medical students: “Biomolecules have unique properties that determine how they contribute to the structure and function of cells, and how they participate in the processes necessary to maintain life.” Accordingly, many of the MCAT passages in this section test you on the structure and function of biomolecules as well as the biomolecular processes and principles that drive cellular processes and support life.

Passages in this set are labeled with topics that roughly align with those listed in the AAMC Biological and Biochemical Foundations blueprint, under Foundation 1. The passages are also organized by topic, in an order consistent with the AAMC blueprint. The topic of each passage is indicated by its subtitle, as circled below.

###Here is a list of our Foundation 1 passage topics and their corresponding AAMC content categories:

Content Category 1A: Structure and function of proteins and their constituent amino acids

• Amino acids
• Enzyme kinetics
• Enzyme study

Content Category 1B: : Transmission of genetic information from the gene to the protein

• Protein/gene expression
• DNA replication
• DNA technology

Content Category 1C: Transmission of heritable information from generation to generation and the processes that increase genetic diversity

• Chromosomal abnormalities
• Gene mutation(s)
• Genetics

Content Category 1D: Principles of bioenergetics and fuel molecule metabolism

• Bioenergetics
• Metabolism

As with all of our passage sets, we recommend that students go through Foundation 1 passages prior to studying the AAMC resources. This will be a great introduction to MCAT passage-based questions and will reinforce content-based topics. You can do this in one of three ways:

Option 1: Practice the Foundation 1 passages as you work through Unit 6 of the Khan Academy MCAT course, which covers “Biomolecules” and the Foundation 1 topics tested on the MCAT. Try out the practice passages after studying the corresponding lessons. For instance, try out the Amino acids passages right after studying the Amino acids and proteins lessons in Unit 6. Here are the corresponding passage topics in this unit and lessons in Unit 6:

If you’re using a book set or other study guide, you can similarly match practice passages with associated content.

Option 2: After you’ve completed ALL Unit 6 content-based lessons, go through this passage set in order. This will provide a valuable review of content and also prepare you for the AAMC practice materials. If you’re using a book set or other content resource, you can similarly go through this practice passage set, in order, after studying all Foundation 1 content elsewhere.

Option 3: If you’re limited on time, study only the passages covering your weak areas — for example, if you struggle with DNA technology questions or content, then find those passages. You can navigate directly to specific passages, as passages are organized by topic, as shown below.