I am in a similar situation..recently graduated from undergrad without the pre-req's for graduate school admission. It has been difficult for me to decide whether, as you put it, "bite the bullet" and take two years of pre-req's, or set this dream aside. I've just finished the first semester of taking undergraduate pre-requisite courses, and it was admittedly tough - to be back in school with undergrads, and yes, to memorize many things. But I must say, as lonely and frustrating it can get at times (dealing with younger students, and dealing with the fact that I'm still in school while my peers are working or already in graduate school), I think it is worth the extra time and energy you put in. I can't elucidate exactly why, but it is a sentiment I believe to be true.
I simply can't imagine being anything other than a scientist. It sounds like you may have a similar desire. I will just say that if you've identified the sciences as your "passion", as a dream career, then try not to settle for anything less.
