Glycolysis Mnemonics
Enzymes: "Gregory Pecker Prefers Pimpin Pretty Fools" = GK, GPI, PFK-1, Aldolase, G3PDH, PGK, PGM, Enolase, PK.
Irreversible steps: Glucose -> G6P -> F6P -> F1,6BP. These are the regulatory steps.
TCA Cycle
8 substrates. 8 enzymes. Focus on the three regulatory enzymes: Citrate synthase, Isocitrate dehydrogenase, alpha-KG dehydrogenase.
Electron Transport Chain
Complex I (NADH dehydrogenase) -> CoQ -> Complex III -> Cyt c -> Complex IV -> O2. Complex II (succinate dehydrogenase) feeds electrons separately.
Fatty Acid Metabolism
Beta-oxidation: Activation -> Transport (carnitine shuttle) -> 4-step cycle repeated. Unsaturated FA need additional enzymes (enoyl-CoA isomerase, reductase).
Amino Acid Metabolism
Know the essential amino acids, ketogenic vs glucogenic classification, urea cycle enzymes, and key pathways (transamination, deamination, gluconeogenesis from AA).
References & further reading
Every clinical claim in this article is anchored to a primary source. Click through to verify, and use the same habit in your revision.
Revision history
- 19 September 2026 — Initial publication
Frequently asked questions
Which biochemistry textbook is best for exams?
Harper Illustrated Biochemistry is excellent with good diagrams. Lippincott is more student-friendly. Satyanarayana is popular in India for its simplified approach and exam-oriented presentation.
What are the most important metabolic pathways?
Glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, glycogen metabolism, TCA cycle, ETC/oxidative phosphorylation, fatty acid synthesis and oxidation, urea cycle, and heme synthesis.
How do I memorize the TCA cycle enzymes?
Use mnemonics. For the TCA cycle substrates: "Can I Keep Selling Sex For Money, Officer?" = Citrate, Isocitrate, alpha-Ketoglutarate, Succinyl-CoA, Succinate, Fumarate, Malate, Oxaloacetate.
Related reading
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