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MCAT BBLS Section — Dr. Donnelly
BBLS — Section #1

Master the MCAT® BBLS
with Expert Guidance

The Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems (BBLS) is the cornerstone of MCAT science. Dr. Donnelly’s Science Passage Buster method gives you the frameworks to decode even the most complex passage-based questions.

59Questions
95Minutes
25%Of Total Score
#1Section
BBLS Section Breakdown

Four Disciplines. One Section.

Success in BBLS requires mastery across four heavily integrated disciplines. Understanding the section weighting allows you to build a strategic study plan from day one.

65%
65%

Introductory Biology

The largest portion of BBLS spans cellular biology, genetics, physiology, and molecular biology. Mastering these systems is non-negotiable for a competitive score.

Highest WeightFC 1–3
25%
25%

Biochemistry

Covers metabolism, enzyme kinetics, protein structure and function. Questions frequently integrate biological concepts with biochemical mechanisms in a single passage.

High YieldEnzyme Kinetics
5%
5%

Organic Chemistry

A small but present portion focusing on the organic reactions most relevant to biological systems — particularly carbonyl chemistry and its role in metabolic pathways.

Bioorganic FocusCarbonyl Chem
5%
5%

General Chemistry

Appears in BBLS to test your understanding of aqueous solutions, acid-base chemistry, and thermodynamics as they apply to living systems and biological reactions.

Aqueous SystemsBio-Context
Strategic Question Analysis

59 Questions.
95-Minute Window.

The BBLS section combines passage-based reasoning with direct recall. Know the format cold before exam day to avoid wasted time.

10 Research Passages (4–6 Questions Each)Each passage presents an experiment, study, or hypothesis with supporting data such as tables, graphs, and figures. You will answer 4–6 questions requiring both recall and passage interpretation.
15 Discrete Standalone QuestionsIndependent questions that directly test your foundational knowledge of Biology, Biochemistry, and Chemistry without any supporting passage.
Timing & Exam Tips

Dr. MCAT Pro-Tips:
Beating the Clock

The 95-minute window of BBLS is challenging. Students who master time management consistently outperform those who rely on content knowledge alone.

Speed Reading (<3 minutes per passage)Train yourself to extract the core experimental question before reading the full passage. Skip dense details on first pass.
Focus on Equations, Graphs & TablesData representations are the primary vehicle for MCAT questions in BBLS. Identify what variables are being compared and what hypothesis is being tested.
Mental Math (No Calculators)Calculators are not permitted. Practise rapid estimation and unit conversion daily — especially for enzyme kinetics and thermodynamics problems.
MCAT® BBLS: Core Competencies

Master the 3 Foundational Concepts

The Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems section is built around three Foundational Concepts. These map across molecular, cellular, organ-system, and organismal levels of biology.

FC 1
Foundational Concept 1: Molecules & Cells — Biochemical Basis of LifeMaster the biomolecules and metabolic pathways that underpin all living processes — from amino acid structure to energy production.
1A — Proteins & Amino AcidsStructure, folding, function, and post-translational modifications.
1B — Gene → Protein (Genetic Information Flow)Transcription, translation, gene regulation, and the central dogma.
1C — Heritable Information Generation-to-GenerationDNA replication, repair, and meiosis as mechanisms of inheritance.
1D — BioenergeticsThermodynamics of biochemical reactions, ATP synthesis, and coupled reactions.
FC 2
Foundational Concept 2: Cells — Assemblies, Architecture & DivisionUnderstand how cells are organised, how prokaryotes and viruses function, and how cells divide and differentiate.
2A — Assemblies of Molecules & CellsMembrane structure, organelles, and the eukaryotic cell compartment.
2B — Structure & Growth: Prokaryotes & VirusesMicrobiology essentials — bacterial cell walls, viral replication cycles.
2C — Cell Division & DifferentiationMitosis, meiosis, cell cycle regulation, and stem cell biology.
FC 3
Foundational Concept 3: Organ Systems — Nervous, Endocrine & Integrative FunctionsComprehend how the major organ systems maintain homeostasis, how the nervous and endocrine systems regulate physiology, and how systems interact.
3A — Nervous & Endocrine SystemsNeurotransmission, signal transduction, hormonal regulation, and feedback loops.
3B — Integrative Functions of Main Organ SystemsDigestive, circulatory, respiratory, immune, and reproductive systems — all tested through a passage-based lens.
Biology — 65%
Biochemistry — 25%
Organic Chemistry — 5%
General Chemistry — 5%
10 Research Passages
15 Discrete Questions
🦀 BBLS Biological Sciences Expert

Why Choose Private
DrMCAT Tutoring?

Dr. Donnelly combines Oxford-level academic rigour with a proven proprietary system to give students an unfair advantage in BBLS. The focus is always on applied understanding — not rote memorisation.

Proprietary Strategies that Work

Every student receives a personalised roadmap designed to close content gaps and sharpen passage-reading speed. Here’s what you gain:

Master Passages: Learn to decode complex research studies in under 3 minutes
Target Weaknesses: Diagnostic-driven approach pinpoints exactly where your score is leaking
Build Confidence: Structured progress milestones keep you motivated and on track
Ph.D. from Oxford University — bringing elite academic expertise to your prep
20+ Years of specialised MCAT tutoring with a proven track record
★★★★★500+ students mentored • Ph.D. Oxford University
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Dr. Stuart Donnelly
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Science Passage BusterProprietary Strategy
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BBLS Section #125% of total score
Free Consultation — No Obligation

Ready to Master
the BBLS Section?

Stop guessing and start mastering. The Science Passage Buster gives you the exact frameworks to decode complex biology passages fast — and convert them into points.

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FC 1–3Fully covered
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Science Passage Buster — proprietary method
Foundational Concepts 1–3 fully covered
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