USMLE Step 1 Biochemistry Preparation

Biochemistry & molecular biology is approximately 14% of Step 1 content — the largest single foundational sciences block. Topics include: glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, glycogen metabolism, TCA cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, fatty acid synthesis and beta-oxidation, ketogenesis, amino acid metabolism, urea cycle, purine and pyrimidine metabolism, DNA replication and repair, transcription, translation, protein modification, vitamins (water- and fat-soluble), enzyme kinetics, and inborn errors of metabolism including lysosomal storage disorders. It is also the most internally-connected block — many Step 1 vignettes rely on biochemistry mechanism understanding even when the surface question is pharmacology or pathology.

Lippincott Illustrated Reviews: Biochemistry (the canonical USMLE biochemistry text) is the primary reference, paired with First Aid Step 1 biochemistry chapter for content mapping. We do not use Kaplan Lecture Notes (too dense for high-yield Step 1 study) or Goljan biochemistry (more pathology-focused). UWorld biochemistry blocks are walked through live for application drilling.

Top 10 highest-yield Step 1 biochemistry topics in our experience: (1) glycolysis and gluconeogenesis enzymes + regulation, (2) fatty acid metabolism + ketone body chemistry, (3) vitamins B1/B2/B3/B6/B12 deficiency syndromes, (4) lysosomal storage disorders (Tay-Sachs, Gaucher, Niemann-Pick, Fabry, Hurler, Hunter), (5) urea cycle disorders, (6) enzyme kinetics + competitive vs non-competitive inhibition, (7) DNA replication and repair (excision repair defects), (8) protein modification + Golgi trafficking, (9) heme synthesis + porphyrias, (10) collagen synthesis + osteogenesis imperfecta.

Biochemistry is included as the lead block within the full Step 1 Biology Foundations programme — $799 Self-Paced / $1,599 Small-Batch / $2,499 1:1 Senior Faculty (6-week biochemistry block within 4-6 month programme). Ad-hoc 1:1 biochemistry tutoring is $175/hour — typical engagement is 10-20 hours for students who scored low on biochemistry section in an NBME self-assessment or are remediating a Step 1 fail.