MCAT: FL 2 Practice Exam Review Missed Questions

What is the equation for kcat? What does it represent?

kcat represents the turnover number — how many substrate molecules each enzyme converts per second when saturated

Define half-life and give the decay equation.

the time required for half of a radioactive sample to decay into daughter nuclei

What is the torque equation, and what does each variable mean?

r = distance from pivot, F = applied force, and theta = angle between force and lever arm

What does a cooperative binding curve look like?

sigmoidal (s-shaped) curve

Which base nucleotide base pairs have more hydrogen bonds, and what dir3ection does DNA Pol read/synthesize?

• GC = 3-H bonds

• AT = 2-H bonds

• DNA Pol reads 3’ to 5’ and synthesizes 5’ to 3’

How do you set up a Ksp expression for a salt like AB2?

Ksp = [A²+][B^-]² = (x)(2x)² = 4x³

Rank single, double, and triple bonds by strength and length.

strength: triple > double > single

length: single > double > triple

shorter = stronger

What is the molar volume of an ideal gas at STP?

22.4 L/mol at 1 atm and 273 K

What is the mechanical and electrical equations for power?

What is the equation for work done on a spring?

What type of image does a diverging lens always produce?

virtual, upright, and reduced image

Which organelle synthesizes secretory, membrane‑bound, and lysosomal proteins?

Rough ER — ribosomes on its surface translate proteins into the lumen for secretion or membrane insertion.

What is the primary function of the loop of Henle?

Establishes a concentration gradient in the medulla via countercurrent multiplication to allow water reabsorption

What is the correct order of nephron segments?

Bowman's capsule → PCT → Descending limb → Ascending limb → DCT → Collecting duct

Where does most nutrient absorption occur?

small intestine, especially the jejunum

What hormone stimulates gallbladder contraction and pancreatic enzyme release?

CCK (cholecytoskinin)

What are the three primary germ layers and what do they form?

• ectoderm: skin and nervous system

• mesoderm: muscle, bone, blood, and kidneys

• endoderm: GI tract, lungs, liver, and pancreas

Which germ layer forms the adrenal cortex?

the mesoderm

What are the three types of MTs in mitosis?

• astral MTs: anchor spindle to membrane

• kinetochore MTs: attach to chromosomes

• interpolar MTs: push poles apart

Which regions of an antibody are variable vs. constant?

• variable region: antigen binding

• constant region: effector function

What hormone triggers ovulation?

LH surge

Where does sperm mature and gain motility?

epididymis

What is the dependency ratio?

a measure of the number of people who are too young or too old to work compared to the working-age population

What is the social gradient in health?

the concept that health outcomes improve with increasing socioeconomic status

What is the life course perspective?

a framework that views health and behavior as shaped by early life experiences, social context, and cumulative exposures across the lifespan

What is absolute poverty?

inability to meet basic necessities (food, shelter, water) regardless of societal standards

What is relative poverty?

poverty defined relative to the median income of a society

What is structural poverty?

poverty caused by systemic factors (economic, political, social) not individual failings

What is the affective component of attitude?

the emotional response toward an object or idea

What is the behavioral component of attitude?

how a person acts toward something

What is the cognitive component of attitude?

the beliefs or thoughts about an object or idea

What is selection bias?

systematic error caused by non-random sampling of participants

What is social desirability bais?

when participants give answers they think are socially acceptable, not truthful

What do depressants do?

• lower CNS activity

• causes relaxation and decreased anxiety

What do stimulants do?

• increase CNS activity

• elevate mood, alertness, and energy

What do hallucinogens do?

distort perceptions and cause sensory hallucinations

What do opioids do?

• bind opioid receptors

• relieve pain

• cause euphoria

What is conflict theory?

society is driven by power struggles between groups competing for resources

What is social stratification?

hierarchical organization of individuals based on SES, power, or prestige

What is racialization?

the process by which a group becomes defined as a race by society

What functions are associated with the left hemisphere?

• language

• logic

• math

• analytical processing

What functions are associated with the right hemisphere?

• spatial processing

• creativity

• emotional tone

• facial recognition

What is structural functionalism?

a theory that views society as a complex system with parts working together to maintain stability and equilibrium

What is vertical mobility?

moving up or down the social hierarchy

What is horizontal mobility?

changing roles at the same social level

What is intergenerational mobility?

mobility across generations (child vs. parent)

What is intragenerational mobility?

mobility within a single lifetime