The key in drawing these out is to learn how to memorize the amino acids through repetition and will help you to remember these acids well beyond the MCAT. Aspartic Acid (pronounced AsparDic Acid) = D.Phenylalanine (pronounced like an f) = F.Here are some ways to remember some of the less obvious amino acid codes: Try to think of ways that will help you remember these codes. After you know their function group, you just need to categorize them as polar, nonpolar, acid, or base.Įach time you write out the full name of the amino acid and draw the amino acid’s function group, write down the 3-letter code and 1-letter code. There are 20 amino acids, so choose to draw one amino acid a day and you will have them all memorized within 3 weeks.īecause amino acids have the same basic structure, you really just need to remember their function group. Draw Themĭrawing ( or coloring) the amino acids is actually going to help actually ingrain the knowledge versus a mnemonic device that will really only help you do well on the next test. Hydrophilic Amino Acids: REKHN (pronounced reckon) 2. Hydrophobic Amino Acids: FLAVI (like the virus) Nonpolar, Nonaromatic Amino Acids: AVGLIMP L ysine Amino Acids with Aromatic Side Groups

L eucine Amino Acids with OH-Containing Side Groups L ysine Hydrophobic Amino Acids Mneumonics: The ten essential amino acids can be remembered as: PTV HIM TALL:

Mnemonic devices help speed up the process of memorization because it helps you brain to better encode and recall important details. One of the best and oldest trips on learning how to memorize amino acids are using mnemonics devices. Prepping for the MCAT? Get helpful guides & resources here How to Memorize Amino Acids 1. Amino acids are the building blocks of our body, but that doesn’t mean they are easy to remember! We have put together some tips on how to memorize amino acids as well as listed a couple of sources for amino acid flashcards to help you do better on the MCAT!

Mcat list of hydrophobic amino acids