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Okay, so the thing is that I'm having problems in learning the topics of biochemistry. You know, I have a very bad memory regarding the biochemistry. So, can you help me out explaining the topic with the important point in the biochemistry, with the important introduced points regarding everything, not just the whole reactions, but the basic concepts with the relation with each other and each pathway, and the main main minor acids are the main main important points for the MCQs. As you know, I am appearing in the USMLE, so can you help me out?

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USMLE Step 1 biochemistry high yield topics amino acids pathways 2025

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I now have enough from the medical library plus web sources to build you a strong, structured USMLE-focused biochemistry review. Here it is:

USMLE Step 1 Biochemistry - High-Yield Master Review

Based on Lippincott Illustrated Reviews: Biochemistry and USMLE high-yield patterns.

PART 1: THE BIG PICTURE (Understand this FIRST)

All of biochemistry revolves around energy and building blocks. Every pathway either:
  • Breaks something down (catabolism) - to make ATP or recycled building blocks
  • Builds something up (anabolism) - using ATP and reducing power (NADPH)
The 4 hub molecules everything connects through:
Glucose --> Pyruvate --> Acetyl-CoA --> TCA cycle --> Electron transport chain --> ATP
Keep this chain in your head. Every pathway either feeds INTO this chain or branches OFF it.

PART 2: CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM

Glycolysis (Glucose -> Pyruvate, in cytoplasm)

StepWhat happensKey point
Investment phase2 ATP spent (hexokinase, PFK-1)You spend before you earn
Payoff phase4 ATP + 2 NADH madeNet = 2 ATP
End product2 PyruvateGoes to mitochondria
Rate-limiting enzyme: PFK-1 (Phosphofructokinase-1)
  • Activated by: AMP, fructose-2,6-bisphosphate (F-2,6-BP)
  • Inhibited by: ATP, citrate (if TCA is full, slow down glycolysis)
  • Mnemonic: "PFK is the gas pedal - low energy = press gas (AMP activates)"
3 Irreversible steps in glycolysis (these are bypassed in gluconeogenesis):
  1. Hexokinase/Glucokinase (Glucose --> G-6-P)
  2. PFK-1 (F-6-P --> F-1,6-BP)
  3. Pyruvate Kinase (PEP --> Pyruvate)
MCQ tip: If a patient has a PFK-1 deficiency (Tarui disease) - they get exercise-induced muscle cramps + hemolytic anemia. RBCs rely 100% on glycolysis!

Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex (PDH) - The critical bridge

Pyruvate --> Acetyl-CoA (irreversible! this is why you cannot make glucose from fat)
Cofactors needed: "Tender Loving Care For Nancy"
  • Thiamine (B1)
  • Lipoic acid
  • CoA (pantothenic acid/B5)
  • FAD (B2/riboflavin)
  • NAD+ (B3/niacin)
PDH is activated when: energy is low (high AMP, high CoA, high NAD+) PDH is inhibited when: energy is high (high ATP, high NADH, high Acetyl-CoA)
MCQ tip: PDH deficiency = lactic acidosis + neurological symptoms. Treatment: high-fat diet (uses ketones instead) + thiamine supplementation.

TCA Cycle (in mitochondria) - The "energy accounting" cycle

One Acetyl-CoA turn produces: 3 NADH + 1 FADH2 + 1 GTP + 2 CO2
Rate-limiting enzyme: Isocitrate dehydrogenase
  • Inhibited by ATP and NADH
  • Activated by ADP and NAD+
Key intermediates to remember:
  • Oxaloacetate (OAA) - the entry and exit point for Acetyl-CoA; also made from pyruvate (PC reaction)
  • Succinyl-CoA - used for heme synthesis
  • Alpha-ketoglutarate - receives amino groups (transamination); connects amino acid metabolism to TCA
  • Citrate - exported to cytoplasm for fatty acid synthesis
MCQ tip: When the TCA cycle is overwhelmed (e.g., in alcoholism), OAA gets depleted, and the cycle slows - causing lactic acidosis and hypoglycemia.

Gluconeogenesis (making glucose - liver + kidney)

Only occurs when fasting/starvation. Uses the same enzymes as glycolysis EXCEPT the 3 irreversible steps, which are bypassed by:
Glycolysis (irreversible)Gluconeogenesis bypassCofactor
Pyruvate kinasePyruvate carboxylase + PEPCKBiotin + GTP
PFK-1Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase-
HexokinaseGlucose-6-phosphatase- (only in liver/kidney!)
Key concept - Cori Cycle: Lactate from muscle --> liver --> glucose --> back to muscle. This is how the body recycles lactate during exercise. The liver does the heavy lifting.
Substrates for gluconeogenesis: GOAL
  • Glycerol (from fat breakdown)
  • Odd-chain fatty acids (propionyl-CoA only)
  • Amino acids (glucogenic ones)
  • Lactate

Glycogen Metabolism

ProcessKey enzymeLocationRegulation
Synthesis (glycogenesis)Glycogen synthaseLiver + muscleActivated by insulin
Breakdown (glycogenolysis)Glycogen phosphorylaseLiver + muscleActivated by glucagon/epinephrine
Mnemonic for glycogen storage diseases: "Very Poor Carb Metabolism"
  • Von Gierke (Type I) - Glucose-6-phosphatase deficiency - liver/kidney, no glucose release, severe hypoglycemia, lactic acidosis, HIGH uric acid
  • Pompe (Type II) - Acid maltase (alpha-1,4-glucosidase) - lysosomal - cardiomegaly, hypotonia ("floppy baby")
  • Cori (Type III) - Debranching enzyme - mild Von Gierke-like
  • McArdle (Type V) - Muscle phosphorylase - exercise-induced cramps, NO rise in lactate after exercise (classic MCQ!)

PART 3: AMINO ACIDS (The MOST tested on USMLE)

Essential vs. Nonessential

Essential amino acids (cannot synthesize, must eat): "PVT TIM HaLL"
  • Phenylalanine, Valine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Isoleucine, Methionine, Histidine, Leucine, Lysine
Conditionally essential (needed in disease states): Arginine, Glutamine, Tyrosine, Cysteine

Glucogenic vs. Ketogenic

  • Purely Ketogenic (only 2!): Leucine, Lysine - "LeucineKetogenic, LysineKetogenic" - "Luscious Lemons make Keto"
  • Both glucogenic AND ketogenic: Phenylalanine, Isoleucine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Tyrosine - "PITTT"
  • Everything else: Glucogenic only

Key Amino Acid Derivatives (High-Yield MCQ!)

Amino AcidProductClinical relevance
TryptophanSerotonin, Niacin (B3), MelatoninCarcinoid tumor -> excess serotonin; niacin deficiency (pellagra) if low tryptophan
PhenylalanineTyrosinePKU = can't convert Phe to Tyr
TyrosineDopamine, Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, Thyroid hormone, MelaninAlbinism = tyrosinase deficiency
HistidineHistamineAllergy, anaphylaxis
GlycineHeme, purines, creatineHeme synthesis begins with Glycine + Succinyl-CoA
GlutamateGABA, GlutathioneGABA deficiency -> seizures
ArginineNitric oxide (NO), Urea, CreatineUrea cycle disorder -> hyperammonemia
MethionineSAM (S-adenosylmethionine)Universal methyl donor; homocysteine metabolism

Phenylketonuria (PKU) - Classic MCQ Case

  • Deficient enzyme: Phenylalanine hydroxylase (or BH4 cofactor)
  • Result: Phenylalanine accumulates, tyrosine becomes deficient
  • Presentation: Intellectual disability, fair skin/hair (low melanin), musty odor, seizures
  • Key: Newborn screening catches it; treatment = low-Phe diet

Homocysteine Metabolism - Extremely High-Yield

Homocysteine sits at a crossroads. It can go two ways:
  1. Remethylation to Methionine - needs B12 + folate
  2. Transsulfuration to Cysteine - needs B6 (pyridoxine)
High homocysteine (homocystinuria/homocysteinemia) causes: Premature atherosclerosis, DVT, lens dislocation (upward - vs. Marfan's which is also upward... actually Marfan = upward, homocystinuria = DOWNWARD), intellectual disability
Which B vitamin deficiency raises homocysteine?
  • B12 deficiency: homocysteine HIGH, methylmalonic acid HIGH
  • Folate deficiency: homocysteine HIGH, methylmalonic acid NORMAL
  • B6 deficiency: homocysteine HIGH (can't convert to cysteine)

PART 4: LIPID METABOLISM

Fatty Acid Synthesis (in CYTOPLASM - fed state)

  • Key enzyme: Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase (ACC) - rate-limiting step
    • Activated by: insulin, citrate
    • Inhibited by: glucagon, epinephrine, palmitoyl-CoA (product feedback)
  • Requires: NADPH (from pentose phosphate pathway)
  • Occurs in: liver, lactating mammary glands, adipose

Fatty Acid Oxidation / Beta-Oxidation (in MITOCHONDRIA - fasting state)

  • Entry: Fatty acyl-CoA --> must be transported in by Carnitine (carnitine shuttle)
  • Rate-limiting enzyme: Carnitine acyltransferase I (CAT-I)
    • Inhibited by malonyl-CoA (when you're synthesizing fat, you block breakdown - elegant!)
  • Each cycle removes 2 carbons as Acetyl-CoA, produces NADH + FADH2
MCQ tip: Carnitine deficiency = cannot oxidize long-chain fatty acids = muscle weakness, hypoglycemia, fatty liver. Treatment: L-carnitine supplementation.
Medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency = most common fatty acid oxidation disorder:
  • Presents in infants with fasting hypoketotic hypoglycemia
  • Hypoketotic because ketones can't be made (can't burn fat)
  • Dicarboxylic aciduria on urine organic acids

Ketone Bodies (made in liver, used everywhere except liver)

  • Made from: Acetyl-CoA (during starvation, DKA, prolonged fasting)
  • Ketone bodies: Acetoacetate, Beta-hydroxybutyrate, Acetone (the breath smell)
  • Liver makes them but CANNOT use them (lacks succinyl-CoA transferase / thiophorase)
  • Brain uses them during prolonged starvation (after ~3 days)
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) logic: No insulin --> no glucose uptake --> fat breakdown --> massive Acetyl-CoA --> overwhelms TCA --> ketone bodies accumulate --> acidosis

Lipoproteins - High-Yield!

LipoproteinMade inCarriesKey apolipoprotein
ChylomicronIntestineDietary TGsApoB-48, ApoC-II, ApoE
VLDLLiverEndogenous TGsApoB-100
IDLBlood (from VLDL)TGs + CholesterolApoB-100, ApoE
LDLBlood (from IDL)Cholesterol to tissuesApoB-100
HDLLiver + intestineReverse cholesterol transportApoA-I
Key apolipoproteins:
  • ApoC-II = activates LPL (lipoprotein lipase) - releases TG from lipoproteins
  • ApoB-48 = chylomicron ID
  • ApoB-100 = LDL receptor ligand (mutated in familial hypercholesterolemia)
  • ApoE = receptor-mediated uptake of remnants
  • ApoA-I = activates LCAT (cholesterol esterification in HDL)
Familial hypercholesterolemia: Defective LDL receptor -> LDL can't be taken up -> very high LDL -> tendon xanthomas, premature MI

PART 5: VITAMINS (Super High-Yield!)

Water-Soluble Vitamins

VitaminCoenzyme formDeficiency diseaseClassic MCQ clue
B1 (Thiamine)TPPBeriberi, Wernicke-KorsakoffAlcoholic + confusion + ataxia + ophthalmoplegia
B2 (Riboflavin)FAD, FMNCheilosis, corneal vascularization"2 lips, 2 eyes"
B3 (Niacin)NAD+, NADP+Pellagra (3 Ds: Diarrhea, Dermatitis, Dementia)Sun-exposed skin rash
B5 (Pantothenic acid)CoARare - dermatitis, enteritis"Pantothenate = Pants = everything" (very common)
B6 (Pyridoxine)PLPSideroblastic anemia, peripheral neuropathyINH causes B6 deficiency!
B7 (Biotin)-Dermatitis, alopecia, neurologicalRaw egg whites (avidin binds biotin)
B9 (Folate)THFMegaloblastic anemia, neural tube defectsNo methylmalonic acid elevation
B12 (Cobalamin)-Megaloblastic anemia + subacute combined degenerationMethylmalonic acid elevated; only in animal products
C (Ascorbic acid)-ScurvyPerifollicular hemorrhage, poor wound healing, "corkscrew hairs"
B12 vs. Folate deficiency:
  • Both: megaloblastic anemia (hypersegmented neutrophils)
  • Only B12: neurological symptoms (posterior + lateral column demyelination), high methylmalonic acid
  • Folate: associated with pregnancy (neural tube defects), MTX toxicity, phenytoin use

Fat-Soluble Vitamins: "ADEK"

VitaminFunctionDeficiencyToxicity
A (Retinol)Vision, epithelial integrity, immune functionNight blindness, xerophthalmiaTeratogenic! Pseudotumor cerebri, liver toxicity
D (Calcitriol)Ca2+ and phosphate absorptionRickets (children), Osteomalacia (adults)Hypercalcemia, nephrolithiasis
E (Tocopherol)Antioxidant, protects RBC membranesHemolytic anemia, ataxia (posterior column)Enhances anticoagulant effect of warfarin
K (Phylloquinone)Cofactor for clotting factors (II, VII, IX, X, Protein C, S)Bleeding; neonates at risk-

PART 6: ENZYME KINETICS (Concepts, not math!)

Michaelis-Menten Basics

  • Km = substrate concentration at half-maximal velocity = affinity measure (LOW Km = HIGH affinity)
  • Vmax = maximum reaction rate
  • Lineweaver-Burk plot = double reciprocal plot, helps identify inhibition type

Types of Inhibition

TypeKmVmaxMnemonic
CompetitiveIncreases (↑)No change"Competitor blocks the active site - outcompete with more substrate"
NoncompetitiveNo changeDecreases (↓)"Binds allosteric site - can't outcompete"
UncompetitiveDecreases (↓)Decreases (↓)"Both go down equally"
MCQ tip: Methotrexate is a competitive inhibitor of dihydrofolate reductase. You can overcome it with high-dose leucovorin (folinic acid).

PART 7: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (Key concepts)

DNA Replication

  • Direction: 5' -> 3' (always)
  • Leading strand: synthesized continuously
  • Lagging strand: synthesized in Okazaki fragments
  • DNA Pol III: main replication enzyme (prokaryotes)
  • DNA Pol I: removes RNA primers (prokaryotes)
  • DNA Pol alpha, delta, epsilon: eukaryotes

Transcription

  • RNA Pol II transcribes mRNA
  • Promoter elements: TATA box (eukaryotes), Pribnow box (-10 region in prokaryotes)
  • Alpha-amanitin (Amanita mushroom toxin): inhibits RNA Pol II --> liver failure

Translation Antibiotics (extremely high-yield!)

DrugTargetsMechanism
Aminoglycosides30SMisreading of mRNA
Tetracyclines30SBlock tRNA entry
Chloramphenicol50SInhibits peptidyltransferase
Macrolides (erythromycin)50SBlock translocation
Linezolid50SBlocks initiation
Clindamycin50SBlocks translocation
Mnemonic: "30S = A-T (Aminoglycosides, Tetracyclines)" | "50S = CCML (Chloramphenicol, Clindamycin, Macrolides, Linezolid)"

PART 8: UREA CYCLE (Nitrogen disposal)

Purpose: Get rid of toxic NH4+ (ammonia) as urea
Location: Liver (mainly) - starts in mitochondria, finishes in cytoplasm
Rate-limiting enzyme: Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase I (CPS-I)
  • Activated by: N-acetylglutamate (NAG)
  • NAG is made from glutamate + Acetyl-CoA
Key disorders:
  • Ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency = most common urea cycle defect, X-linked
    • High ammonia + high orotic acid (because carbamoyl phosphate overflows into pyrimidine synthesis)
    • Triggers: high protein meal, illness
Hyperammonemia symptoms: Confusion, tremor, slurred speech, asterixis, coma - same as hepatic encephalopathy
Treatment: Low-protein diet, give arginine (to keep cycle running), sodium benzoate/phenylacetate (alternative nitrogen disposal)

PART 9: CONNECTING THE PATHWAYS (The Big Relationships)

                     GLUCOSE
                    /       \
           Glycolysis        Pentose Phosphate Path
                |             (makes NADPH + ribose-5-P)
             Pyruvate
           /     |     \
    Lactate    Alanine   Acetyl-CoA -----> Fatty acids
    (Cori)   (Cahill       |               Cholesterol
     cycle)   cycle)     TCA cycle
                         /     \
                      OAA    Alpha-KG
                       |        |
               Gluconeogenesis  Amino acid metabolism
                                (transamination)
Key connections:
  1. Fed state (insulin high): Glycolysis ON, Gluconeogenesis OFF, Fatty acid synthesis ON, Glycogen synthesis ON
  2. Fasting (glucagon high): Glycogenolysis ON, Gluconeogenesis ON, Beta-oxidation ON, Ketogenesis ON
  3. Alcoholism disrupts everything: High NADH -> inhibits gluconeogenesis, TCA cycle -> hypoglycemia, lactic acidosis, fatty liver, high uric acid (gout)

QUICK MCQ HIGH-YIELD SUMMARY

ScenarioThink of
Exercise + no lactate riseMcArdle disease (muscle phosphorylase defect)
Fasting hypoketotic hypoglycemia in infantMCAD deficiency
Alcoholic + confusion + eye movement problemsWernicke (B1 deficiency)
High homocysteine + high methylmalonic acidB12 deficiency
High homocysteine + normal methylmalonic acidFolate deficiency
Fair baby + musty odor + intellectual disabilityPKU
Cardiomegaly + floppy babyPompe disease (Type II glycogenosis)
Severe hypoglycemia + lactic acidosis + high uric acidVon Gierke (Type I, G-6-Pase deficiency)
Lens dislocation downward + tall + thrombosisHomocystinuria
Lens dislocation upward + tall + aortic root dilationMarfan syndrome
Raw egg eater + hair loss + dermatitisBiotin deficiency
Child in developing country + night blindnessVitamin A deficiency
Perifolicular hemorrhage + gum bleedingScurvy (Vitamin C)

This is your master framework. The key to USMLE biochem is not memorizing every reaction - it's understanding:
  1. What does each pathway produce and what activates/inhibits it
  2. What happens when an enzyme is MISSING (the disease)
  3. How pathways CONNECT (e.g., high NADH from alcohol blocks multiple pathways at once)
Would you like me to go deeper on any specific topic, create practice MCQs for you, or make a downloadable study guide (PDF/PPTX) from this material?

Can you make ppt

Reading File
Reading File
Reading File
Running Command

ls /home/daytona/workspace/ 2>/dev/null || mkdir -p /home/daytona/workspace

Running Command

mkdir -p /home/daytona/workspace/biochem-usmle-ppt

Writing File

~/biochem-usmle-ppt/build.js

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    ["03", "Amino Acids", "Essential, glucogenic/ketogenic, derivatives, diseases"],
    ["04", "Lipid Metabolism", "FA synthesis/oxidation, ketone bodies, lipoproteins"],
    ["05", "Vitamins", "Water-soluble B vitamins, fat-soluble ADEK"],
    ["06", "Enzyme Kinetics", "Km, Vmax, competitive vs. noncompetitive inhibition"],
    ["07", "Molecular Biology", "DNA replication, transcription, translation antibiotics"],
    ["08", "Urea Cycle", "Nitrogen disposal, OTC deficiency, hyperammonemia"],
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  // Flow diagram
  const steps = ["Glucose", "Pyruvate", "Acetyl-CoA", "TCA Cycle", "ATP (via ETC)"];
  const colors = [ACCENT2, ACCENT2, ACCENT, ACCENT, "5BC0EB"];
  steps.forEach((label, i) => {
    const xPos = 0.5 + i * 1.85;
    s.addShape(pres.shapes.ROUNDED_RECTANGLE, { x: xPos, y: 1.2, w: 1.6, h: 0.7, fill: { color: colors[i] }, line: { color: colors[i] }, rectRadius: 0.08 });
    s.addText(label, { x: xPos, y: 1.2, w: 1.6, h: 0.7, fontSize: 11, bold: true, color: BG_DARK, fontFace: "Calibri", align: "center", valign: "middle" });
    if (i < steps.length - 1) {
      s.addText("►", { x: xPos + 1.62, y: 1.35, w: 0.22, h: 0.4, fontSize: 14, color: WHITE, fontFace: "Calibri", align: "center" });
    }
  });

  // Two columns: catabolism vs anabolism
  card(s, 0.3, 2.2, 4.4, 2.8, "CATABOLISM  (break down → energy)", [
    "Produces ATP, NADH, FADH2",
    "Oxidative reactions (uses NAD+, FAD)",
    "Examples: glycolysis, beta-oxidation, TCA",
    "Convergent – many inputs, few outputs",
    "Dominant in fasting/exercise states",
  ], ACCENT3);

  card(s, 5.3, 2.2, 4.4, 2.8, "ANABOLISM  (build up → complexity)", [
    "Consumes ATP and NADPH",
    "Reductive reactions (uses NADPH)",
    "Examples: fatty acid synthesis, gluconeogenesis",
    "Divergent – few inputs, many outputs",
    "Dominant in fed (insulin-high) state",
  ], ACCENT);
}

// ══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
// SECTION 2 – CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM
// ══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
sectionHeader("02", "Carbohydrate Metabolism", "Glycolysis · PDH · TCA · Gluconeogenesis · Glycogen");

// Slide: Glycolysis
{
  const s = contentSlide("Glycolysis – Key Facts for USMLE", ACCENT2);
  card(s, 0.3, 1.0, 3.0, 3.9, "BASICS", [
    "Location: Cytoplasm",
    "Input: 1 Glucose (6C)",
    "Output: 2 Pyruvate + 2 ATP (net) + 2 NADH",
    "Occurs in ALL cells (incl. RBCs – only source!)",
    "Anaerobic: works without O₂",
  ], ACCENT2);

  card(s, 3.5, 1.0, 3.2, 3.9, "3 IRREVERSIBLE STEPS", [
    "① Hexokinase/Glucokinase → G-6-P",
    "② PFK-1 → F-1,6-BP  ← RATE-LIMITING",
    "③ Pyruvate Kinase → Pyruvate",
    "",
    "PFK-1 Activated by: AMP, F-2,6-BP",
    "PFK-1 Inhibited by: ATP, Citrate",
    "Mnemonic: 'AMP hits the GAS, ATP hits BRAKES'",
  ], ACCENT3);

  card(s, 6.85, 1.0, 2.85, 1.8, "MCQ TRAP ⚠️", [
    "PFK-1 deficiency (Tarui) =",
    "Exercise cramps +",
    "Hemolytic anemia",
  ], ACCENT3);

  card(s, 6.85, 2.95, 2.85, 1.95, "CORI CYCLE", [
    "Lactate (muscle) →",
    "→ Glucose (liver)",
    "Liver 'recycles' lactate",
    "Key in exercise/fasting",
  ], ACCENT);
}

// Slide: PDH Complex
{
  const s = contentSlide("Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex (PDH) – The Bridge", ACCENT);
  s.addText("Pyruvate  →  Acetyl-CoA  (IRREVERSIBLE – you CANNOT make glucose from fat!)", {
    x: 0.3, y: 1.0, w: 9.4, h: 0.5,
    fontSize: 14, bold: true, color: ACCENT2, fontFace: "Calibri", align: "center"
  });

  card(s, 0.3, 1.65, 4.3, 2.4, "5 COFACTORS: 'Tender Loving Care For Nancy'", [
    "T – Thiamine (B1) → TPP",
    "L – Lipoic acid",
    "C – CoA (Pantothenic acid / B5)",
    "F – FAD (Riboflavin / B2)",
    "N – NAD+ (Niacin / B3)",
  ], ACCENT);

  card(s, 4.8, 1.65, 2.3, 2.4, "ACTIVATED BY", [
    "↓ Energy state:",
    "High AMP",
    "High CoA",
    "High NAD+",
    "(Low products)",
  ], ACCENT);

  card(s, 7.3, 1.65, 2.35, 2.4, "INHIBITED BY", [
    "↑ Energy state:",
    "High ATP",
    "High NADH",
    "High Acetyl-CoA",
    "(Product inhibition)",
  ], ACCENT3);

  s.addShape(pres.shapes.ROUNDED_RECTANGLE, { x: 0.3, y: 4.2, w: 9.4, h: 1.15, fill: { color: "1A0A00" }, line: { color: ACCENT3, width: 1.5 }, rectRadius: 0.07 });
  s.addText("⚠️  PDH DEFICIENCY: Lactic acidosis + neurological symptoms (can't make Acetyl-CoA from pyruvate → pyruvate → lactate). Treatment: High-fat/ketogenic diet + Thiamine (B1).", {
    x: 0.5, y: 4.28, w: 9, h: 1.0,
    fontSize: 11, color: ACCENT2, fontFace: "Calibri", bold: false
  });
}

// Slide: TCA Cycle
{
  const s = contentSlide("TCA Cycle – Energy Accounting", ACCENT);

  s.addText("Per Acetyl-CoA turn: 3 NADH + 1 FADH₂ + 1 GTP + 2 CO₂", {
    x: 0.3, y: 1.0, w: 9.4, h: 0.45,
    fontSize: 13, bold: true, color: ACCENT2, fontFace: "Calibri", align: "center"
  });

  card(s, 0.3, 1.6, 4.5, 2.5, "KEY INTERMEDIATES", [
    "Oxaloacetate (OAA) – entry/exit for Acetyl-CoA",
    "Succinyl-CoA – used for HEME synthesis",
    "α-Ketoglutarate – connects to amino acid metabolism",
    "Citrate – exported for fatty acid synthesis",
    "Rate-limiting enzyme: Isocitrate dehydrogenase",
  ], ACCENT);

  card(s, 5.0, 1.6, 4.7, 2.5, "REGULATION", [
    "Inhibited by: ATP, NADH (energy replete)",
    "Activated by: ADP, NAD+ (energy needed)",
    "",
    "Anaplerosis = replenishing TCA intermediates",
    "Pyruvate carboxylase makes OAA (biotin needed)",
    "Muscle uses PC for anaplerosis only (not gluconeogenesis)",
  ], ACCENT2);

  s.addShape(pres.shapes.ROUNDED_RECTANGLE, { x: 0.3, y: 4.25, w: 9.4, h: 1.1, fill: { color: "0D1B2A" }, line: { color: ACCENT3, width: 1.5 }, rectRadius: 0.07 });
  s.addText("⚠️  MCQ TRAP – Alcoholism: High NADH from alcohol dehydrogenase → inhibits TCA cycle, depletes OAA → gluconeogenesis blocked → hypoglycemia + lactic acidosis + fatty liver + ↑ uric acid (gout).", {
    x: 0.5, y: 4.33, w: 9, h: 0.95,
    fontSize: 11, color: ACCENT3, fontFace: "Calibri"
  });
}

// Slide: Gluconeogenesis
{
  const s = contentSlide("Gluconeogenesis – Making Glucose from Scratch", ACCENT2);
  s.addText("Occurs in: LIVER and KIDNEY (fasting/starvation). Uses same enzymes as glycolysis EXCEPT 3 irreversible steps.", {
    x: 0.3, y: 1.0, w: 9.4, h: 0.42,
    fontSize: 11, color: LIGHT_TXT, fontFace: "Calibri", italic: true
  });
  addTable(s,
    ["Glycolysis (blocked)", "Gluconeogenesis bypass", "Cofactor needed"],
    [
      ["Pyruvate Kinase", "Pyruvate Carboxylase → PEPCK", "Biotin + GTP"],
      ["PFK-1", "Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase", "—"],
      ["Hexokinase", "Glucose-6-phosphatase", "— (liver/kidney only!)"],
    ],
    0.3, 1.55, 9.4
  );

  card(s, 0.3, 3.45, 4.5, 1.95, "SUBSTRATES: 'GOAL'", [
    "G – Glycerol (from fat breakdown)",
    "O – Odd-chain fatty acids (propionyl-CoA)",
    "A – Amino acids (glucogenic ones)",
    "L – Lactate (from muscle via Cori cycle)",
  ], ACCENT2);

  card(s, 5.0, 3.45, 4.7, 1.95, "KEY CONCEPT", [
    "Even-chain fatty acids → Acetyl-CoA ONLY",
    "Acetyl-CoA CANNOT make glucose (PDH irreversible)",
    "So: FAT → cannot become GLUCOSE (in mammals)",
    "BUT: Glucose CAN become FAT (Acetyl-CoA → FA)",
  ], ACCENT3);
}

// Slide: Glycogen Storage Diseases
{
  const s = contentSlide("Glycogen Storage Diseases – 'Very Poor Carb Metabolism'", ACCENT3);
  addTable(s,
    ["Mnemonic", "Type", "Deficient Enzyme", "Key Features"],
    [
      ["Very", "I – Von Gierke", "Glucose-6-phosphatase", "Severe hypoglycemia, lactic acidosis, ↑ uric acid, hepatomegaly"],
      ["Poor", "II – Pompe", "Acid maltase (lysosomal)", "Cardiomegaly, hypotonia ('floppy baby'), early death"],
      ["Carb", "III – Cori", "Debranching enzyme", "Mild Von Gierke-like, hepatomegaly"],
      ["Metabolism", "V – McArdle", "Muscle phosphorylase", "Exercise cramps, NO lactate rise after exercise"],
    ],
    0.3, 1.05, 9.4
  );

  s.addShape(pres.shapes.ROUNDED_RECTANGLE, { x: 0.3, y: 4.1, w: 9.4, h: 1.25, fill: { color: "1A0A00" }, line: { color: ACCENT2, width: 1.5 }, rectRadius: 0.07 });
  s.addText([
    { text: "MCQ KEY: ", options: { bold: true, color: ACCENT2, fontSize: 12, fontFace: "Calibri" } },
    { text: "McArdle (Type V) → forearm ischemic exercise test shows NO rise in lactate (muscle can't break down glycogen → no pyruvate → no lactate). Pompe → only glycogen storage disease involving lysosomes.", options: { color: LIGHT_TXT, fontSize: 11, fontFace: "Calibri" } },
  ], { x: 0.5, y: 4.18, w: 9, h: 1.1 });
}

// ══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
// SECTION 3 – AMINO ACIDS
// ══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
sectionHeader("03", "Amino Acids", "Essential · Glucogenic/Ketogenic · Derivatives · Diseases");

// Slide: Essential AAs
{
  const s = contentSlide("Essential Amino Acids & Glucogenic/Ketogenic Classification", ACCENT);
  card(s, 0.3, 1.0, 4.5, 2.2, "ESSENTIAL AAs – 'PVT TIM HaLL'", [
    "P – Phenylalanine",
    "V – Valine",
    "T – Threonine",
    "T – Tryptophan",
    "I – Isoleucine",
    "M – Methionine",
    "H – Histidine",
    "L – Leucine",
    "L – Lysine",
  ], ACCENT);

  card(s, 5.0, 1.0, 4.7, 1.05, "PURELY KETOGENIC (only 2!)", [
    "Leucine & Lysine → 'Lucky Lemons are Keto'",
  ], ACCENT2);

  card(s, 5.0, 2.15, 4.7, 1.05, "BOTH (glucogenic + ketogenic) – 'PITTT'", [
    "Phenylalanine, Isoleucine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Tyrosine",
  ], ACCENT3);

  card(s, 5.0, 3.3, 4.7, 1.1, "ALL OTHERS", [
    "Purely glucogenic → feed into TCA cycle intermediates or pyruvate",
  ], GREY);

  s.addShape(pres.shapes.ROUNDED_RECTANGLE, { x: 0.3, y: 3.35, w: 4.5, h: 2.0, fill: { color: CARD_BG }, line: { color: ACCENT, width: 1 }, rectRadius: 0.07 });
  s.addText("KEY CONCEPT", { x: 0.45, y: 3.43, w: 4.0, h: 0.3, fontSize: 10, bold: true, color: ACCENT, fontFace: "Calibri" });
  s.addText([
    { text: "Glucogenic AAs → can make GLUCOSE\n", options: { breakLine: true } },
    { text: "Ketogenic AAs → can make KETONE BODIES or FA\n", options: { breakLine: true } },
    { text: "Only Leu & Lys are PURELY ketogenic\n", options: { breakLine: true } },
    { text: "(They CANNOT contribute to glucose — classic MCQ!)", options: {} },
  ], { x: 0.45, y: 3.78, w: 4.1, h: 1.5, fontSize: 9.5, color: LIGHT_TXT, fontFace: "Calibri" });
}

// Slide: AA Derivatives
{
  const s = contentSlide("Key Amino Acid Derivatives – Extremely High-Yield!", ACCENT2);
  addTable(s,
    ["Amino Acid", "Product(s)", "Clinical Relevance"],
    [
      ["Tryptophan", "Serotonin, Niacin (B3), Melatonin", "Carcinoid → excess serotonin; pellagra if low tryptophan"],
      ["Phenylalanine", "Tyrosine", "PKU = can't convert Phe → Tyr"],
      ["Tyrosine", "Dopamine, Epi, NE, T3/T4, Melanin", "Albinism = tyrosinase deficiency"],
      ["Histidine", "Histamine", "Allergy, anaphylaxis"],
      ["Glycine", "Heme, Purines, Creatine", "Heme synthesis: Glycine + Succinyl-CoA (ALA synthase, B6)"],
      ["Glutamate", "GABA, Glutathione", "GABA deficiency → seizures"],
      ["Arginine", "Nitric oxide, Urea, Creatine", "Urea cycle; NO vasodilation"],
      ["Methionine", "SAM (universal methyl donor)", "Homocysteine metabolism; B12 + folate needed"],
    ],
    0.3, 1.0, 9.4
  );
}

// Slide: PKU & Homocystinuria
{
  const s = contentSlide("Classic Amino Acid Disorders – PKU & Homocystinuria", ACCENT3);
  card(s, 0.3, 1.0, 4.5, 4.35, "PKU – Phenylketonuria", [
    "Deficient enzyme: Phenylalanine hydroxylase",
    "(or BH4 cofactor deficiency)",
    "",
    "Result: Phe accumulates, Tyr becomes deficient",
    "",
    "Presentation:",
    "• Intellectual disability",
    "• Fair skin and hair (↓ melanin)",
    "• Musty / 'mousy' odor",
    "• Seizures",
    "",
    "Detected by: Newborn screening (Guthrie test)",
    "Treatment: Low-phenylalanine diet",
    "Add tyrosine (now essential!)",
  ], ACCENT3);

  card(s, 5.0, 1.0, 4.7, 4.35, "HOMOCYSTINURIA", [
    "Deficient: Cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) – B6",
    "",
    "High homocysteine accumulates",
    "",
    "Presentation:",
    "• Intellectual disability",
    "• Marfanoid habitus (TALL)",
    "• Lens dislocation DOWNWARD ← key!",
    "  (Marfan = upward; Homocystinuria = downward)",
    "• Premature atherosclerosis, DVT, thrombosis",
    "",
    "B vitamin causes of high homocysteine:",
    "• B12↓ → Hcy↑ + methylmalonic acid↑",
    "• Folate↓ → Hcy↑ + MMA normal",
    "• B6↓ → Hcy↑ (can't make cysteine)",
  ], ACCENT2);
}

// ══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
// SECTION 4 – LIPID METABOLISM
// ══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
sectionHeader("04", "Lipid Metabolism", "FA Synthesis · Beta-Oxidation · Ketone Bodies · Lipoproteins");

{
  const s = contentSlide("Fatty Acid Synthesis vs. Beta-Oxidation", ACCENT);
  addTable(s,
    ["Feature", "FA SYNTHESIS (fed)", "BETA-OXIDATION (fasting)"],
    [
      ["Location", "Cytoplasm", "Mitochondria"],
      ["Key enzyme", "Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase (ACC) – rate-limiting", "Carnitine Acyltransferase I (CAT-I) – rate-limiting"],
      ["Activated by", "Insulin, Citrate", "Low malonyl-CoA, fasting state"],
      ["Inhibited by", "Glucagon, epinephrine, palmitoyl-CoA", "Malonyl-CoA (fed state shuts down oxidation!)"],
      ["Reducing power", "NADPH consumed", "NADH + FADH₂ produced"],
      ["Net direction", "Glucose → Fat", "Fat → Acetyl-CoA → ATP"],
    ],
    0.3, 1.0, 9.4
  );

  s.addShape(pres.shapes.ROUNDED_RECTANGLE, { x: 0.3, y: 4.3, w: 4.5, h: 1.1, fill: { color: "0D1B2A" }, line: { color: ACCENT3, width: 1.5 }, rectRadius: 0.07 });
  s.addText("⚠️  MCAD deficiency: Fasting hypoketotic hypoglycemia in infants. No ketones because can't oxidize medium-chain FAs. Dicarboxylic aciduria in urine.", {
    x: 0.45, y: 4.38, w: 4.15, h: 0.95, fontSize: 10, color: ACCENT3, fontFace: "Calibri"
  });

  s.addShape(pres.shapes.ROUNDED_RECTANGLE, { x: 5.0, y: 4.3, w: 4.7, h: 1.1, fill: { color: "0D1B2A" }, line: { color: ACCENT2, width: 1.5 }, rectRadius: 0.07 });
  s.addText("⚠️  Carnitine deficiency: Can't transport long-chain FAs into mitochondria → muscle weakness, hypoglycemia, fatty liver. Treat with L-carnitine.", {
    x: 5.15, y: 4.38, w: 4.4, h: 0.95, fontSize: 10, color: ACCENT2, fontFace: "Calibri"
  });
}

// Slide: Lipoproteins
{
  const s = contentSlide("Lipoproteins – 'Know Your Apolipoproteins!'", ACCENT2);
  addTable(s,
    ["Lipoprotein", "Made In", "Carries", "Key Apo"],
    [
      ["Chylomicron", "Intestine", "Dietary triglycerides (TGs)", "ApoB-48, ApoC-II, ApoE"],
      ["VLDL", "Liver", "Endogenous TGs", "ApoB-100, ApoC-II, ApoE"],
      ["IDL", "Blood (from VLDL)", "TGs + Cholesterol", "ApoB-100, ApoE"],
      ["LDL", "Blood (from IDL)", "Cholesterol to tissues", "ApoB-100"],
      ["HDL", "Liver + Intestine", "Reverse cholesterol transport", "ApoA-I"],
    ],
    0.3, 1.0, 9.4
  );

  card(s, 0.3, 3.45, 4.5, 2.0, "KEY APOLIPOPROTEINS", [
    "ApoC-II → activates LPL (releases TG)",
    "ApoB-100 → LDL receptor ligand",
    "ApoB-48 → chylomicron ID (intestinal)",
    "ApoE → receptor-mediated remnant uptake",
    "ApoA-I → activates LCAT (cholesterol esterification)",
  ], ACCENT2);

  card(s, 5.0, 3.45, 4.7, 2.0, "FAMILIAL HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA", [
    "Defect: LDL receptor (ApoB-100 ligand)",
    "Result: LDL cannot be taken up → sky-high LDL",
    "Features: Tendon xanthomas, xanthelasma",
    "Premature MI (even in 20s-30s)",
    "Treatment: High-dose statins, PCSK9 inhibitors",
  ], ACCENT3);
}

// Slide: Ketone Bodies
{
  const s = contentSlide("Ketone Bodies – Starvation Fuel", ACCENT);
  card(s, 0.3, 1.0, 4.5, 4.35, "KETONE BODY BASICS", [
    "Made from: Acetyl-CoA (liver only)",
    "",
    "Types:",
    "• Acetoacetate (main ketone body)",
    "• Beta-hydroxybutyrate (most in DKA)",
    "• Acetone (fruity breath – volatile)",
    "",
    "Made in: LIVER",
    "Used in: brain, muscle, heart – NOT liver",
    "(Liver lacks thiophorase/succinyl-CoA transferase)",
    "",
    "Brain uses ketones after ~3 days of starvation",
    "(glucose-sparing for RBCs that need glucose)",
  ], ACCENT);

  card(s, 5.0, 1.0, 4.7, 4.35, "DKA LOGIC (MCQ Favorite)", [
    "No insulin → cells can't take up glucose",
    "→ Glucagon high → lipolysis ↑↑",
    "→ Massive Acetyl-CoA from beta-oxidation",
    "→ TCA overwhelmed",
    "→ Ketone body production ↑↑",
    "→ Metabolic acidosis (↓ HCO₃⁻, ↓ pH)",
    "→ High anion gap",
    "",
    "Lab clues:",
    "• Blood glucose: very high",
    "• Urine: ketones + glucose",
    "• Serum: ↑ beta-hydroxybutyrate",
    "• pH < 7.3, HCO₃⁻ < 15",
    "• Fruity breath (acetone)",
  ], ACCENT3);
}

// ══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
// SECTION 5 – VITAMINS
// ══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
sectionHeader("05", "Vitamins", "B vitamins · Fat-soluble ADEK · Deficiency & Toxicity");

{
  const s = contentSlide("Water-Soluble B Vitamins – Deficiency Diseases", ACCENT);
  addTable(s,
    ["Vitamin", "Coenzyme", "Deficiency", "Classic MCQ Clue"],
    [
      ["B1 – Thiamine", "TPP", "Beriberi / Wernicke-Korsakoff", "Alcoholic + confusion + ataxia + nystagmus"],
      ["B2 – Riboflavin", "FAD, FMN", "Cheilosis, corneal vascularization", "'2 lips + 2 eyes' (angular stomatitis)"],
      ["B3 – Niacin", "NAD+, NADP+", "Pellagra (3Ds: Diarrhea, Dermatitis, Dementia)", "Sun-exposed skin rash + dementia"],
      ["B5 – Pantothenate", "CoA", "Rare – dermatitis, enteritis", "Needed for ALL CoA-requiring reactions"],
      ["B6 – Pyridoxine", "PLP", "Sideroblastic anemia, neuropathy", "INH (TB drug) causes B6 deficiency!"],
      ["B7 – Biotin", "Carboxylation rxns", "Dermatitis, alopecia, neurological", "Raw egg whites → avidin binds biotin"],
      ["B9 – Folate", "THF", "Megaloblastic anemia, neural tube defects", "NO methylmalonic acid rise"],
      ["B12 – Cobalamin", "Methylmalonyl-CoA", "Megaloblastic anemia + subacute combined degeneration", "↑ Methylmalonic acid + ↑ homocysteine"],
    ],
    0.3, 1.0, 9.4
  );
}

{
  const s = contentSlide("B12 vs Folate & Fat-Soluble Vitamins (ADEK)", ACCENT);
  card(s, 0.3, 1.0, 4.5, 2.5, "B12 vs FOLATE – How to Distinguish", [
    "BOTH cause: megaloblastic anemia, hypersegmented neutrophils",
    "",
    "B12 ONLY: neurological symptoms",
    "(posterior column + lateral column demyelination)",
    "↑ Methylmalonic acid",
    "Found only in animal products",
    "",
    "FOLATE ONLY: associated with pregnancy,",
    "MTX toxicity, phenytoin use",
    "Normal methylmalonic acid",
  ], ACCENT);

  addTable(s,
    ["Vitamin", "Function", "Deficiency", "Toxicity"],
    [
      ["A (Retinol)", "Vision, epithelial integrity, immunity", "Night blindness, xerophthalmia", "Teratogenic! Pseudotumor cerebri"],
      ["D (Calcitriol)", "Ca²⁺ + phosphate absorption", "Rickets (kids), Osteomalacia (adults)", "Hypercalcemia, nephrolithiasis"],
      ["E (Tocopherol)", "Antioxidant, protects RBC membranes", "Hemolytic anemia, ataxia", "Potentiates warfarin"],
      ["K", "Clotting factors II, VII, IX, X, Prot C&S", "Bleeding; neonates at risk", "Warfarin antagonism"],
    ],
    5.0, 1.0, 4.7
  );

  s.addShape(pres.shapes.ROUNDED_RECTANGLE, { x: 0.3, y: 3.65, w: 4.5, h: 1.7, fill: { color: "0D1B2A" }, line: { color: ACCENT2, width: 1.5 }, rectRadius: 0.07 });
  s.addText([
    { text: "⚠️  FAT-SOLUBLE vits (ADEK) are stored in fat and liver.\n", options: { bold: true, color: ACCENT2, breakLine: true, fontSize: 11, fontFace: "Calibri" } },
    { text: "Toxicity more likely than water-soluble vitamins.\n", options: { color: LIGHT_TXT, breakLine: true, fontSize: 10, fontFace: "Calibri" } },
    { text: "Vitamin A toxicity: teratogenic in pregnancy (avoid isotretinoin!).\n", options: { color: ACCENT3, breakLine: true, fontSize: 10, fontFace: "Calibri" } },
    { text: "Vitamin K: antagonized by warfarin (blocks gamma-carboxylation).", options: { color: LIGHT_TXT, fontSize: 10, fontFace: "Calibri" } },
  ], { x: 0.45, y: 3.73, w: 4.15, h: 1.55 });
}

// ══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
// SECTION 6 – ENZYME KINETICS
// ══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
sectionHeader("06", "Enzyme Kinetics", "Km · Vmax · Inhibition Types · Lineweaver-Burk");

{
  const s = contentSlide("Enzyme Kinetics – Concepts Only (No Math!)", ACCENT);
  card(s, 0.3, 1.0, 4.5, 2.0, "BASICS", [
    "Km = substrate [S] at half-Vmax",
    "LOW Km = HIGH affinity (enzyme 'likes' substrate)",
    "HIGH Km = LOW affinity",
    "",
    "Vmax = max rate at saturating [S]",
    "Lineweaver-Burk = double reciprocal plot",
  ], ACCENT);

  addTable(s,
    ["Inhibition Type", "Km", "Vmax", "How?"],
    [
      ["Competitive", "↑ Increases", "No change", "Competes at active site; outcompete with ↑ substrate"],
      ["Noncompetitive", "No change", "↓ Decreases", "Binds allosteric site; can't overcome with more substrate"],
      ["Uncompetitive", "↓ Decreases", "↓ Decreases", "Binds only enzyme-substrate complex; both decrease equally"],
    ],
    0.3, 3.1, 9.4
  );

  card(s, 5.0, 1.0, 4.7, 2.0, "MCQ EXAMPLES", [
    "Methotrexate → COMPETITIVE inhibitor of DHFR",
    "→ Give leucovorin (folinic acid) to rescue",
    "",
    "Statins → COMPETITIVE inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase",
    "",
    "Penicillin → IRREVERSIBLE inhibitor of transpeptidase",
    "(covalent bond – cannot overcome with more substrate)",
  ], ACCENT2);
}

// ══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
// SECTION 7 – MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
// ══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
sectionHeader("07", "Molecular Biology", "DNA Replication · Transcription · Translation Antibiotics");

{
  const s = contentSlide("DNA Replication, Transcription & Translation Antibiotics", ACCENT);
  card(s, 0.3, 1.0, 4.5, 2.4, "DNA REPLICATION", [
    "Direction: always 5' → 3'",
    "Leading strand: continuous synthesis",
    "Lagging strand: Okazaki fragments (discontinuous)",
    "DNA Pol III: main replication enzyme (prokaryotes)",
    "DNA Pol I: removes RNA primers (prokaryotes)",
    "DNA Pol α, δ, ε: eukaryotes",
    "Telomerase: extends chromosome ends (uses RNA template)",
  ], ACCENT);

  card(s, 5.0, 1.0, 4.7, 2.4, "TRANSCRIPTION", [
    "RNA Pol II → transcribes mRNA (eukaryotes)",
    "TATA box → eukaryotic promoter element",
    "Pribnow box (−10) → prokaryotic promoter",
    "",
    "⚠️ Alpha-amanitin (Amanita mushroom):",
    "→ Inhibits RNA Pol II → severe liver failure",
    "",
    "Rifampin → inhibits prokaryotic RNA Pol",
    "(TB treatment)",
  ], ACCENT2);

  addTable(s,
    ["Antibiotic", "Target", "Mechanism"],
    [
      ["Aminoglycosides", "30S ribosome", "Misreading of mRNA codon"],
      ["Tetracyclines", "30S ribosome", "Block aminoacyl-tRNA entry"],
      ["Chloramphenicol", "50S ribosome", "Inhibits peptidyltransferase activity"],
      ["Macrolides (erythro)", "50S ribosome", "Block translocation"],
      ["Linezolid", "50S ribosome", "Blocks initiation complex formation"],
    ],
    0.3, 3.55, 9.4
  );

  s.addText("Mnemonic:  30S = 'AT' (Aminoglycosides, Tetracyclines)  |  50S = 'CCML' (Chloramphenicol, Clindamycin, Macrolides, Linezolid)", {
    x: 0.3, y: 5.25, w: 9.4, h: 0.32,
    fontSize: 10, bold: true, color: ACCENT2, fontFace: "Calibri", align: "center"
  });
}

// ══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
// SECTION 8 – UREA CYCLE
// ══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
sectionHeader("08", "Urea Cycle", "Nitrogen disposal · OTC deficiency · Hyperammonemia");

{
  const s = contentSlide("Urea Cycle – Getting Rid of Toxic Ammonia", ACCENT);
  card(s, 0.3, 1.0, 4.5, 4.35, "UREA CYCLE BASICS", [
    "Purpose: Convert NH4+ (ammonia) → urea (excreted)",
    "",
    "Location: Liver",
    "• Starts in mitochondria (carbamoyl phosphate step)",
    "• Finishes in cytoplasm",
    "",
    "Rate-limiting enzyme: CPS-I",
    "(Carbamoyl Phosphate Synthetase I)",
    "• Activated by: N-acetylglutamate (NAG)",
    "• NAG made from: Glutamate + Acetyl-CoA",
    "",
    "Urea cycle amino acids:",
    "Ornithine → Citrulline → Argininosuccinate",
    "→ Arginine → Ornithine + UREA",
  ], ACCENT);

  card(s, 5.0, 1.0, 4.7, 2.3, "OTC DEFICIENCY (Most Common Defect)", [
    "Enzyme: Ornithine transcarbamylase",
    "Inheritance: X-LINKED (most common X-linked metabolic disease)",
    "",
    "Accumulates: Carbamoyl phosphate → orotic acid",
    "→ HIGH orotic acid in urine ← classic finding!",
    "",
    "Triggers: High-protein meal, illness/stress",
    "Presentation: Hyperammonemia, encephalopathy",
  ], ACCENT3);

  card(s, 5.0, 3.45, 4.7, 1.9, "HYPERAMMONEMIA SYMPTOMS", [
    "Confusion, tremor, asterixis",
    "Slurred speech, cerebral edema, coma",
    "Same as hepatic encephalopathy!",
    "",
    "Treatment: Low-protein diet + arginine",
    "+ Sodium benzoate/phenylacetate",
    "(alternative nitrogen excretion routes)",
  ], ACCENT2);
}

// ══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
// SECTION 9 – QUICK MCQ GUIDE
// ══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
sectionHeader("09", "Quick MCQ Guide", "Classic presentations → instant diagnosis");

{
  const s = contentSlide("Classic Scenario → Diagnosis (MCQ Cheat Sheet)", ACCENT2);
  addTable(s,
    ["Clinical Scenario", "Diagnosis / Mechanism"],
    [
      ["Exercise + NO lactate rise on forearm ischemic test", "McArdle disease (muscle phosphorylase defect – Type V glycogenosis)"],
      ["Fasting hypoketotic hypoglycemia in infant", "MCAD deficiency (medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase)"],
      ["Alcoholic + confusion + nystagmus + ataxia", "Wernicke encephalopathy (Thiamine/B1 deficiency)"],
      ["High homocysteine + HIGH methylmalonic acid", "Vitamin B12 deficiency"],
      ["High homocysteine + NORMAL methylmalonic acid", "Folate deficiency"],
      ["Fair infant + musty/mousy odor + intellectual disability", "PKU (phenylalanine hydroxylase deficiency)"],
      ["Cardiomegaly + floppy baby", "Pompe disease (Type II – acid maltase, lysosomal)"],
      ["Severe hypoglycemia + lactic acidosis + ↑ uric acid", "Von Gierke (Type I – glucose-6-phosphatase deficiency)"],
      ["Tall + lens dislocation DOWNWARD + thrombosis", "Homocystinuria (CBS deficiency – B6)"],
      ["Tall + lens dislocation UPWARD + aortic root dilation", "Marfan syndrome (fibrillin-1 defect)"],
      ["Raw egg eater + hair loss + dermatitis", "Biotin (B7) deficiency – avidin binds biotin"],
      ["Child in developing country + night blindness", "Vitamin A deficiency"],
      ["Perifollicular hemorrhage + gum bleeding", "Scurvy (Vitamin C deficiency – collagen cross-linking)"],
    ],
    0.3, 1.0, 9.4
  );
}

// ══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
// SLIDE – PATHWAY CONNECTIONS
// ══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
{
  const s = contentSlide("The Big Picture – How Pathways Connect", ACCENT);

  // Fed state card
  card(s, 0.3, 1.0, 4.5, 2.1, "FED STATE (Insulin HIGH)", [
    "✓ Glycolysis ON",
    "✓ Fatty acid synthesis ON (ACC activated by citrate)",
    "✓ Glycogen synthesis ON",
    "✓ Protein synthesis ON",
    "✗ Gluconeogenesis OFF",
    "✗ Beta-oxidation OFF (malonyl-CoA inhibits CAT-I)",
  ], ACCENT);

  // Fasting state card
  card(s, 5.0, 1.0, 4.7, 2.1, "FASTING STATE (Glucagon HIGH)", [
    "✓ Glycogenolysis ON",
    "✓ Gluconeogenesis ON",
    "✓ Beta-oxidation ON",
    "✓ Ketogenesis ON",
    "✗ Glycogen synthesis OFF",
    "✗ Fatty acid synthesis OFF",
  ], ACCENT2);

  // Alcoholism box
  card(s, 0.3, 3.25, 9.4, 2.1, "⚠️ ALCOHOLISM – Disrupts Everything (High-Yield MCQ Pattern)", [
    "Alcohol → Acetaldehyde → Acetate (both steps use NAD+ → generate NADH)",
    "High NADH/NAD+ ratio → inhibits: gluconeogenesis (pyruvate → OAA blocked), TCA cycle, beta-oxidation",
    "Results: Hypoglycemia (can't make glucose), Lactic acidosis (pyruvate → lactate), Fatty liver (FA synthesis↑, oxidation↓)",
    "High uric acid (gout) – lactate competes with urate for renal excretion",
    "HIGH NADH also: pyruvate → lactate, OAA → malate (depletes TCA), acetyl-CoA → FA (fatty liver)",
  ], ACCENT3);
}

// ══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
// FINAL SLIDE – STUDY TIPS
// ══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
{
  const s = pres.addSlide();
  s.addShape(pres.shapes.RECTANGLE, { x: 0, y: 0, w: 10, h: 5.625, fill: { color: BG_DARK }, line: { color: BG_DARK } });
  s.addShape(pres.shapes.RECTANGLE, { x: 0, y: 0, w: 10, h: 0.12, fill: { color: ACCENT }, line: { color: ACCENT } });
  s.addShape(pres.shapes.RECTANGLE, { x: 0, y: 5.5, w: 10, h: 0.12, fill: { color: ACCENT }, line: { color: ACCENT } });

  s.addText("Top 5 USMLE Biochemistry Study Tips", {
    x: 0.5, y: 0.3, w: 9, h: 0.7,
    fontSize: 22, bold: true, color: WHITE, fontFace: "Calibri", align: "center"
  });

  const tips = [
    ["1", ACCENT,  "Learn the RATE-LIMITING ENZYME of each pathway", "Know what activates it and what inhibits it. Every pathway question tests this."],
    ["2", ACCENT2, "ALWAYS ask: what is blocked?", "Disease questions describe enzyme deficiency. Ask: what accumulates? What is deficient downstream?"],
    ["3", ACCENT3, "Master the fed vs. fasting switch", "Insulin = fed (build). Glucagon = fasting (break down). Every organ obeys this rule."],
    ["4", "5BC0EB", "Connect B vitamins to their cofactor role", "B1→PDH, B3→NAD+, B6→transamination, B12→methylmalonyl-CoA. Know the coenzyme form."],
    ["5", "B39DBC", "Practice MCQs from FA + Kaplan", "Biochem is pattern recognition. The same 20 clinical vignettes appear repeatedly."],
  ];

  tips.forEach(([num, col, heading, body], i) => {
    const yp = 1.1 + i * 0.88;
    s.addShape(pres.shapes.ROUNDED_RECTANGLE, { x: 0.3, y: yp, w: 9.4, h: 0.82, fill: { color: CARD_BG }, line: { color: col, width: 1 }, rectRadius: 0.07 });
    s.addShape(pres.shapes.ROUNDED_RECTANGLE, { x: 0.3, y: yp, w: 0.5, h: 0.82, fill: { color: col }, line: { color: col }, rectRadius: 0.07 });
    s.addText(num, { x: 0.3, y: yp, w: 0.5, h: 0.82, fontSize: 18, bold: true, color: BG_DARK, fontFace: "Calibri", align: "center", valign: "middle" });
    s.addText(heading, { x: 0.9, y: yp + 0.05, w: 8.7, h: 0.3, fontSize: 12, bold: true, color: col, fontFace: "Calibri" });
    s.addText(body, { x: 0.9, y: yp + 0.38, w: 8.7, h: 0.38, fontSize: 10, color: LIGHT_TXT, fontFace: "Calibri" });
  });
}

// ══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
// WRITE FILE
// ══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
pres.writeFile({ fileName: "/home/daytona/workspace/biochem-usmle-ppt/USMLE_Biochemistry_HighYield.pptx" })
  .then(() => console.log("SUCCESS: PPTX written."))
  .catch(e => { console.error("ERROR:", e); process.exit(1); });
Running Command

cd /home/daytona/workspace/biochem-usmle-ppt && node build.js 2>&1

Running Command

ls -lh /home/daytona/workspace/biochem-usmle-ppt/USMLE_Biochemistry_HighYield.pptx

Your presentation is ready! Here's the download link:

USMLE Biochemistry HighYield

Presentation · PPTX


Here's what's inside the deck (819 KB, fully designed):
SlideContent
1Title slide (dark navy + teal theme)
2Table of contents (all 9 sections)
3-4The Big Picture - catabolism vs. anabolism
5-9Carbohydrate Metabolism (Glycolysis, PDH, TCA, Gluconeogenesis, Glycogen storage diseases)
10-12Amino Acids (Essential AAs, derivatives table, PKU & Homocystinuria)
13-15Lipid Metabolism (FA synthesis vs. beta-oxidation, lipoproteins, ketone bodies/DKA)
16-17Vitamins (B vitamins table, B12 vs. Folate, fat-soluble ADEK)
18Enzyme Kinetics (Km/Vmax, inhibition types table)
19Molecular Biology (replication, transcription, antibiotic targets)
20Urea Cycle (OTC deficiency, hyperammonemia)
21MCQ Cheat Sheet (13 classic clinical scenarios → instant diagnosis)
22Pathway Connections (fed vs. fasting state, alcoholism pattern)
23Top 5 USMLE Study Tips
The design uses a dark navy background with teal, amber, and red accents - easy on the eyes for long study sessions. All tables and concept cards are color-coded by category. Good luck on your USMLE!
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Read this

analyse_media
analyse_media
⚠️ Important disclaimer: This is a photograph of an MRI film held against a light box - not a formal radiological read. Reflections, glare, and low resolution significantly limit accuracy. This is a general impression only and cannot replace a formal report by a radiologist using original DICOM files.

Brain MRI - General Impression

Sequences Visible

The film contains multiple rows of axial brain slices, likely including:
  • Rows 1-2: T2-weighted or FLAIR sequences
  • Row 3: FLAIR (Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery) - CSF appears dark, making edema/lesions bright
  • Rows 4-6: Likely T1-weighted, DWI, or gradient echo sequences (heavily obscured by reflections)

Key Finding - Abnormal Signal

There is a notable hyperintense (bright white) area visible in what appears to be the left parieto-temporal region (right side of film in radiological orientation), seen most clearly on the FLAIR/T2 rows.
Characteristics of the lesion:
  • Well-demarcated
  • Involves both cortex and subcortical white matter
  • Somewhat wedge-shaped, suggesting a vascular territory distribution
  • Mild local mass effect with possible sulcal effacement in that region

Differentials to Consider

LikelihoodDiagnosisReasoning
Most likelyIschemic stroke (MCA territory, subacute)Cortical-subcortical wedge pattern, FLAIR hyperintensity
PossibleDemyelinating lesion (MS plaque)If other periventricular lesions present
PossibleLow-grade gliomaIf mass effect more prominent
Less likelyFocal encephalitis/cerebritisWould need clinical correlation

Other Observations

  • No gross midline shift detected
  • Ventricles appear normal in size
  • No obvious large hemorrhage (no dark blooming on susceptibility-weighted views)
  • Posterior fossa and brainstem slices (rows 1-2) appear grossly intact

Patient Header Text

The header text at the top is not legible due to glare and resolution limitations in the photograph.

Bottom line: The most striking finding is a left-sided cortical-subcortical FLAIR hyperintensity in a vascular territory distribution. This pattern is most consistent with a subacute ischemic infarct in the left MCA territory, but this needs formal radiological reporting with the original digital images and full clinical correlation (age, symptoms, onset, vascular risk factors).
Is this a patient you are managing, or is this related to your studies? I can help explain the findings in more depth or connect them to relevant pathophysiology.
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