Biochemistry is required for many pre-nursing and pre-medical programs. It covers molecular biology, metabolic pathways, enzyme kinetics, and cellular chemistry. NurseQuizPrep PhD biochemistry specialists provide comprehensive exam prep with clinical applications relevant to nursing and medical students.

Metabolic Pathways

Glycolysis, Krebs cycle (TCA), electron transport chain, gluconeogenesis, fatty acid oxidation (beta-oxidation), and amino acid catabolism. Understanding these pathways is essential for interpreting lab values and understanding metabolic disorders.

• Glycolysis: 10-step pathway, net 2 ATP per glucose, anaerobic
• Krebs cycle: occurs in mitochondrial matrix, produces NADH and FADH2
• ETC: produces 32-34 ATP via oxidative phosphorylation

Enzyme Kinetics & Protein Biochemistry

Michaelis-Menten kinetics (Km, Vmax), competitive vs. non-competitive inhibition, allosteric regulation, protein structure (primary through quaternary), and hemoglobin oxygen-binding curves.

• Km: substrate concentration at half-maximal velocity — lower Km = higher affinity
• Competitive inhibition: increases apparent Km, Vmax unchanged
• Hemoglobin: cooperative binding, Bohr effect, 2,3-BPG

Clinical Biochemistry Applications

Lab value interpretation (LFTs, cardiac enzymes, metabolic panels), inborn errors of metabolism (phenylketonuria, maple syrup urine disease, galactosemia), and nutritional biochemistry.

• Troponin I and T: most sensitive/specific cardiac biomarkers for MI
• LFTs: ALT and AST elevation pattern suggests liver vs. cardiac origin
• PKU: phenylalanine accumulates — low phenylalanine diet from birth