About MCAT Biology and Biochemistry Exam

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About MCAT Biology and Biochemistry Exam

The MCAT Biology and Biochemistry Exam is designed to assess your understanding of biological systems and biochemical processes fundamental to medicine.

MCAT Exam

The MCAT exam consists of 230 multiple-choice questions and has a total duration of 6 hours and 15 minutes. However, the overall seated time extends to 7 hours and 30 minutes, which includes breaks and other administrative activities. The exam is structured into four distinct sections, each designed to assess various competencies in the sciences, critical reasoning, and problem-solving.

Number of Questions Duration Section
59 95 minutes Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
59 95 minutes Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
59 95 minutes Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
53 90 minutes Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
MCAT Biology Exam Calculator Policy

Calculators aren’t allowed in the MCAT, so practicing written and mental calculations is important. Fortunately, the math required is minimal, focusing more on estimations and basic arithmetic rather than complex calculations. Developing these skills will help you work efficiently on the exam.

Composition of questions (%)*

Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems

First-semester biochemistry, 25%

Introductory biology, 65%

General chemistry, 5%

Organic chemistry, 5%

Course Curriculum

1.1 Principles of Cell Theory

1.2 Structure and Function of Eukaryotic Cells

1.3 Prokaryotic Cells: Types and Structures

1.4 Genetics and Reproduction in Prokaryotic Cells

1.5 Virus and Subviral Agents

2.1 Cell Cycle Regulation and Mitosis

2.2 Meiosis: Process and Significance

2.3 Human Reproductive System and Functions

3.1 Stages of Early Embryonic Development

3.2 Developmental Mechanisms and Differentiation

3.3 Circulatory System in the Fetus

3.4 Pregnancy and the Birth Process

4.1 Neural Cells and Their Functions

4.2 Neural Impulse Transmission

4.3 Structure and Organization of the Human Nervous System

5.1 How Hormones Work: Mechanisms of Action

5.2 Endocrine Glands and Their Hormones

6.1 Structure and Process of Breathing

6.2 Roles and Functions of the Respiratory System

7.1 Structure of the Cardiovascular System

7.2 Composition and Functions of Blood

7.3 Cardiovascular System: Functions and Regulation

8.1 Components of the Immune System

8.2 Innate Immune Response

8.3 Adaptive Immune Response

8.4 Structure and Function of the Lymphatic System

9.1 Structure of the Digestive System

9.2 Processes of Ingestion and Digestion

9.3 Digestive Accessory Organs

9.4 Absorption and Elimination Processes

10.1 The Excretory System: Structure and Function

10.2 Functions and Structure of the Skin

11.1 Overview of the Muscular System

11.2 Structure and Function of the Skeletal System

12.1 Basic Principles of Genetics

12.2 Variations in the Gene Pool

12.3 Methods of Genetic Analysis

12.4 Principles of Evolution