Here are the best mnemonics to ace glycolysis on the MCAT, broken down with clear explanations, visuals, and high-yield insights.
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What is Glycolysis on the MCAT?
Glycolysis is a ten-step metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose (a 6-carbon sugar) into two molecules of pyruvate (a 3-carbon compound). This process occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell and does not require oxygen, making it an essential source of ATP during anaerobic conditions.
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Why Glycolysis Trips Up So Many MCAT Students
You’ve probably heard it already: glycolysis is foundational biochemistry. But for many students, it becomes a memorization black hole.
Here’s the truth: the MCAT loves glycolysis, but it rarely asks for a step-by-step regurgitation. Instead, you’ll see:
Enzyme regulation questions (especially those involving PFK-1)
Metabolic integration scenarios (glycolysis vs. gluconeogenesis)
Hormonal regulation problems (how insulin and glucagon affect glycolysis)
Passage-based questions involving energy yields (ATP, NADH)
Let’s go over some memory tools and explain how they plug directly into how the MCAT tests glycolysis.
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10 Main Compounds in Glycolysis
Let’s start with the 10 main compounds in glycolysis. These are what glucose is converted into, step by step, in the cytoplasm, eventually producing ATP, NADH, and pyruvate.
Mnemonics to Remember These
Here’s a simple mnemonic to help you remember these compounds:
Word
Glycolysis Compound
Grandma
Glucose
Gets
Glucose-6-phosphate
Fancy
Fructose-6-phosphate
French Bread
Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate
Grandpa
Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P)
Brings
1,3-Bisphosphoglycerate
Plenty
3-Phosphoglycerate
Piping
2-Phosphoglycerate
Pepperoni
Phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP)
Pizza
Pyruvate
You don’t need to memorize the chemical structures. But, you do need to know the sequence, especially when asked about energy investment vs. payoff steps and when identifying where ATP or NADH is produced.
Where does DHAP fit in?
Right after fructose-1,6-bisphosphate is split by aldolase, two molecules form:
Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P)
Dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP)
DHAP is isomerized into G3P by triose phosphate isomerase. So everything that follows occurs twice per glucose.
Mnemonic Adjustment: Some mnemonics skip DHAP, but others include it by inserting a step after aldolase.
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Enzymes in Sequence (Function, Regulation, and Pathways)
The MCAT often tests enzyme function, regulation, and sometimes even names in pathways.
Keep this mnemonic in mind for these
Word
Enzyme
Harry
Hexokinase / Glucokinase
Ignores
Phosphoglucose Isomerase
Peter
Phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK-1)
And
Aldolase
Gets
Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate Dehydrogenase
Punched
Phosphoglycerate Kinase
Making
Phosphoglycerate Mutase
Everyone
Enolase
Panic
Pyruvate Kinase
MCAT Relevance:
PFK-1 is the main regulatory enzyme—the "committed" step.
Hexokinase and pyruvate kinase are also irreversible.
Enzymes with similar names (mutase, isomerase, kinase) are easy to mix up—watch out.
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The Irreversible Steps of Glycolysis
These are the anchor points of glycolysis. They consume or produce energy, are regulated by hormones, and are irreversible under physiological conditions, making them test-day favorites.
Here’s an easy mnemonic to remember for these steps:
Enzyme
Reaction
Why It Matters
Hexokinase / Glucokinase (Henry Grabs)
Glucose → Glucose-6-phosphate
Uses 1 ATP, traps glucose in cell
PFK-1 (Pickles For)
Fructose-6-phosphate → F-1,6-bisphosphate
Rate-limiting step, controlled by insulin/glucagon
Pyruvate Kinase (Picnics)
PEP → Pyruvate
Produces 1 ATP per pyruvate
MCAT Relevance:
Expect questions where ATP, AMP, citrate, or F2,6-BP modulate these enzymes.
Also tested in glycolysis vs. gluconeogenesis comparisons.
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Classic MCAT Trap: Glucagon vs. Insulin in Glycolysis
Students often misinterpret how insulin and glucagon relate to one another.
Hormone
Affects PFK-2
F2,6-BP
Glycolysis Outcome
Insulin
Activates
↑ F2,6-BP
Glycolysis ON
Glucagon
Inhibits
↓ F2,6-BP
Glycolysis OFF
F2,6-BP is a powerful activator of PFK-1, the committed step in glycolysis. Insulin increases F2,6-BP via PFK-2, while glucagon decreases it by inhibiting the same enzyme.
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Common Mistakes and Memory Traps
Avoid theseMCAT Pitfalls:
Confusing F-6-P with F-1,6-BP: One’s an input, the other’s a committed step product.
Forgetting DHAP: It doesn’t continue down the pathway unless converted to G3P.
Mixing up irreversible vs. reversible steps: Know the 3 "pickles for picnics" enzymes.
Glucagon/insulin misunderstanding: Glucagon reduces glycolysis; insulin stimulates it.
Skipping enzyme names entirely: The MCAT can present mutated versions or inhibition scenarios, so you need baseline knowledge.
Final Tips: How to Memorize Glycolysis Efficiently for the MCAT
Draw it from memory weekly—it cements sequence + enzymes.
Recite your mnemonics during walks or commutes.
Link energy logic: Which steps consume ATP? Which generate it?
Use active recall: Quiz yourself on enzyme-substrate pairs with flashcards.
Integrate with metabolism: Understand how glycolysis connects to TCA, ETC, gluconeogenesis.
Bottom Line
Glycolysis doesn’t have to be a memorization nightmare. With the right mnemonics and an understanding of regulation and relevance, you can tackle any MCAT question that comes your way. Keep it funny, keep it visual, and keep it in your memory!
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