MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

In this episode, Sam Smith covers the intricacies of metabolism, focusing on glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain.  First, the podcast explores the process of glycolysis, breaking down the key enzymes, intermediates, and regulation points. Next is the citric acid cycle, examining its regulation, energy production, and the roles of specific enzymes and intermediates. Lastly, we look at the electron transport chain and discuss how electrons are transferred through the five complexes, creating a proton gradient that drives ATP synthase to produce ATP.  Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (03:15) Ten steps of glycolysis: Intermediate names and enzymes (08:01) Simplified glycolysis process: Breaking down key steps (12:30) Glycolysis regulation: Allosteric regulation of enzymes (21:13) Mnemonics for Krebs cycle intermediates (25:52) Regulation of the Krebs cycle: ATP, calcium, and more (30:26) Electron transport chain: Overview and key steps (34:35) ATP synthase (33:00) Reduction potentials in the electron transport chain (37:31) Synopsis of metabolism (40:34) MCAT Advice of the Day  

Acids and bases are foundational topics in chemistry, crucial for understanding various biological and chemical systems you'll encounter in the MCAT. In this episode, host Sam Smith discusses the selection and use of indicators in titrations to the pH at the equivalence point and the importance of buffers in maintaining physiological pH levels. You'll learn about the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation, the blood buffer system, and how to tackle common problems involving acids and bases. Plus, we'll break down strong and weak acids and the significance of their dissociation constants. This episode also shares tips on calculating pH, using ICE tables for weak acid problems, and converting between pH, pOH, and ion concentrations. Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (02:16) Basic definitions of acids and bases (11:33) Calculating pH (24:55) Titrations (35:26) Buffers (41:16) Blood buffer system (45:25) MCAT advice of the day

A foundational topic for the MCAT is the nervous system, appearing in several exam sections and impacting everything from neurotransmission to brain structure. In this episode, Sam Smith walks us through the nervous system, covering its major components and functions. From the organization of the central and peripheral nervous systems to neurotransmitters and brain structures, Sam provides clear explanations to help you understand key topics like the autonomic nervous system's fight-or-flight response, brain imaging techniques, and more.  Visit medschoolcoach.com for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (01:03) How the central and peripheral nervous systems are organized (02:33) Autonomic and somatic systems (03:22) Sympathetic and parasympathetic branches (04:12) How the brain is structured: forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain (11:44) How brain imaging techniques (CT, MRI, EEG, fMRI, PET) are used (14:06) How neurons are structured and how they transmit signals (16:00) How action potentials work and how ion channels play a role (20:30) How myelin sheaths speed up signals (25:00) How language processing happens in Broca's and Wernicke's areas (28:00) Neurological disorders (43:45) The structures of the limbic system (47:25) The structures of the brain related to addiction    

Amino acids are the building blocks of life and an essential topic for the MCAT. In this episode, host Sam Smith takes us through the key concepts of amino acids, including their structures, naming conventions, and roles in protein formation. We’ll cover the differences between hydrophobic and hydrophilic amino acids, how to memorize single-letter abbreviations, and the importance of charged amino acids in physiological conditions. Additionally, Sam touches on mutations and how they can affect protein folding and enzyme function. Visit medschoolcoach.com for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (01:47) Amino acids naming conventions and abbreviations (04:49) Hydrophobic vs. hydrophilic amino acids (05:39) Charged and uncharged amino acids (10:14) Explanation of mutation notation (11:53) Mutations affecting the substrate pocket of enzymes (13:15) Mutations impacting enzyme functionality (15:58) Role of amino acids in protein tertiary structure (17:15) Salt bridges and protein stability (20:47) Quiz

One of the body's key survival mechanisms is gluconeogenesis, a vital metabolic process, and the body's clever way of making glucose when supplies are low. On this episode of the MCAT Basics podcast, guest host Alex Starks walks through the process of gluconeogenesis. He explains how the body generates glucose when levels drop. Highlighting the liver's role, Alex explains how amino acids, lactate, and glycerol are converted into glucose. The episode also touches on the energy demands of the process and why muscle cells aren't involved in gluconeogenesis.  Visit medschoolcoach.com for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (02:15) Overview of glucose metabolism and glycogen storage (03:37) The liver’s role in maintaining blood glucose levels (05:11) Glucogenic amino acids and their role in glucose production (06:06) Conversion of alanine and glutamine to pyruvate (06:53) Lactate and the Cori cycle (07:34) Glycerol from triglycerides entering gluconeogenesis (08:27) The first bypass reaction: Pyruvate to oxaloacetate (09:55) The role of mitochondria and the malate-aspartate shuttle (11:00) Phosphoenolpyruvate formation and energy requirements (12:16) Steps of gluconeogenesis and ATP consumption (13:38) The second bypass reaction: Fructose 1,6-bisphosphate to fructose 6-phosphate (14:16) The third bypass reaction: Glucose 6-phosphate to glucose (15:31) Gluconeogenesis regulation and the role of glucagon (17:10) Quiz  

The electron transport chain is a fundamental pathway in biochemistry, critical for understanding the energy production that powers cellular function. In this episode, guest host Alex Starks breaks down the intricate process of the electron transport chain (ETC). Building on previous discussions of glucose metabolism, Alex walks through the components that play key roles in the movement of electrons through complexes within the inner mitochondrial membrane. We also cover the functions of coenzyme Q and cytochrome c, as well as oxygen’s critical role in completing the process.  Visit medschoolcoach.com for more help with the MCAT.   Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (02:11) Recap of glycolysis, pyruvate, and the Krebs cycle (03:02) Location of the TCA cycle and ETC in the mitochondria (04:22) Overview of NADH and FADH2 production (05:38) Complex I: NADH dehydrogenase and coenzyme Q (08:00) Complex II: Succinate dehydrogenase and FADH2 (11:15) Complex III: Cytochrome c reductase and the role of proton pumping (14:32) Complex IV: Cytochrome c oxidase and oxygen (18:14) The role of ATP synthase (21:47) Total ATP yield from aerobic respiration (26:00) How the electron chain is disrupted (30:20) Uncouplers and their metabolic effects (35:16) Quiz  

This MCAT Basics episode covers fluid statics (fluids standing still). It begins with different fluid properties, including surface tension, vapor pressure, adsorption and absorption, adhesion and cohesion, and Henry's law. Next, it discusses several important fluid statics concepts: static fluid pressure, Pascal's law, gauge pressure vs absolute pressure, osmotic pressure, and buoyancy.   For information on fluid dynamics (moving fluids), skip to the 43:00 mark in the cardiovascular system + fluids podcast.   Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.   [00:00] Introduction [02:18] Properties of fluids [07:10] Surface Tension [11:54] Difference between adsorption and absorption [14:09] Vapor Pressure [19:07] Henry’s Law [20:35] Static Fluid Pressure [25:10] Pascal’s Law [29:23] The difference between gauge pressure and absolute pressure. [31:24] Osmotic Pressure [44:35] Buoyancy  

This MCAT BAsics episode covers the muscular system. It begins with the differences and similarities between the three types of muscle (smooth, cardiac, and skeletal). Then, the podcast explores the basic structure of a skeletal muscle cell and the various organelles unique to this cell type, including the sarcolemma, sarcoplasm, myofibrils, sarcomeres, and more. Next, it discusses three main differences between Type 1 and Type 2 muscle fibers. Finally, it delves into muscle contraction, starting at the neuromuscular junction and ending with the shortening of sarcomeres, which causes muscle flexion.   Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.   [00:00] Introduction [02:09] Types of muscle - smooth, cardiac, skeletal [04:49] The structure of a muscle cell in skeletal muscle [15:11] The difference between Type 1 and Type 2 muscle fibers [23:08] Understanding how a muscle contracts [27:53] The Cross-Bridge cycle

This MCAT podcast covers social stratification. It begins with a definition and examples of many terms related to social stratification and inequality, including prejudice, discrimination, stereotype, stereotype threat, status (ascribed vs achieved), power (six different types to know), social capital (and other forms of capital), gentrification, and poverty. The discussion then moves on to social class and the social gradient in healthcare.   Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.   [00:00] Introduction [02:24] Terms related to social stratification [03:03] Defining social stratification [03:53] What is prejudice [04:57] Defining stereotype and discrimination [09:29] What is stereotype threat [13:04] Status and the six different types of power [21:50] Social Capital [23:38] Defining gentrification [25:07] Absolute poverty vs. relative poverty [27:59] Social Class [33:53] Social Stratification in Healthcare  

In this episode, we delve into classic psychology experiments –relevant to the Psych/Soc section of the MCAT. We cover a range of significant studies, including Pavlov’s Dog, Harlow’s Monkey Study, Albert’s Bobo Doll Experiment, the Skinner Box Experiment, Asch’s Conformity (Line) Experiment, the Milgram Experiment, Watson’s Little Albert Experiment, Sherif’s Robbers Cave Study, and Seligman’s Learned Helplessness Dog Study. Additionally, we touch on rapid-fire cases like Zimbardo’s Prison Experiment, the Kitty Genovese case, and Phineas Gage’s story.  Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.   [00:00] Introduction [02:37] Pavlov’s Dog Experiment [07:40] Harlow’s Monkey Study [12:05] Albert’s Bobo Doll Experiment [15:41] The Skinner Box Experiment [24:12] Asch Conformity (Line) Experiment [28:16] The Milgram Experiment [36:01] Watson’s Little Albert Experiment [39:10] Sherif’s Robbers Cave Study [43:17] Seligman’s Learned Helplessness Dog Study [46:14]  Zimbardo’s Prison Experiment [48:39]  The Kitty Genovese case [49:47]  Phineas Gage’s story  

In this episode, we explore the different phases of the cell cycle: Interphase (G1, S, G2) and the M phase (mitosis). Next, we discuss the regulation of the cell cycle and the key checkpoints that ensure its proper progression. Finally, we touch on how dysfunction in the cell cycle can lead to diseases, particularly cancer. This material is likely to appear in the Bio/Biochem section of the MCAT.   Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.   [00:00] Introduction [02:06] Overview of the cell cycle [02:38] Two main phases of the cell cycle [04:11] Interphase  [12:43] Mitotic phase [18:20] Regulation of the cell cycle [27:09] Relevant examples of the cell cycle and disease

In this episode, we delve into three common types of isomers that you are likely to encounter on the MCAT: structural isomers, geometric isomers, and stereoisomers.  We start by defining each type of isomer, providing clear and concise explanations to ensure a solid understanding. Next, we present common examples of each isomer type to illustrate their unique characteristics. Finally, we discuss real-world applications and scenarios where these isomers are relevant, particularly in the context of the MCAT. This material will appear in the Physical Chemistry section of the MCAT and may also be found in the Biochemistry section. Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.   Jump Into the Conversation: [00:00] Introduction [02:06] Structural isomers [06:03] Geometric isomers [15:50] Three different kinds of stereoisomers [16:30] Enantiomers [17:44] Diastereomers [18:46] Conformational isomers [22:06] Key terms regarding stereoisomers [26:54] Difference between absolute and relative configurations of stereoisomers [28:22] Interesting example of stereoisomers in different sugars  

In this episode, we cover motivation and emotion–key concepts that will show up in the Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior section of the MCAT. We start with the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. We then go into various theories including evolutionary, arousal, drive-reduction, incentive, three needs theory, Maslow’s hierarchy, and the correlation between harmful behaviors like addiction and motivation.  Lastly we get into emotion, covering its three components, the relationship between emotion and the brain, and an array of theories including evolutionary, James-Lange, Cannon-Bard, Schachter-Singer, Lazarus, and facial feedback theories. Additionally, we discuss the influence of culture on emotion and delves into emotional disorders. Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.   Jump Into the Conversation: [00:00] Introducing MCAT Basics [02:09] Defining Motivation [03:00] The difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation [04:30] Theories of Motivation - Evolutionary, Arousal, Drive-reduction, Incentive, Three Needs and Maslow’s Hierarchy,  [19:30] The correlation between harmful behaviors like addiction and motivation.  [26:07] Defining emotion [27:50] The psychological, cognitive, and behavioral components of emotion [31:11] The theories of emotion -  evolutionary perspective of emotion,  James Lang theory, the Cannon Barr theory, and the Schachter Singer theory. [41:09] The facial feedback theory [46:28] Emotional disorders that you're most likely to see on the MCAT- depressive disorders anxiety based disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, and bipolar disorders.  

In this episode, we focus on the cardiovascular system and its connection to fluid mechanics. Beginning with an exploration of cardiovascular anatomy, the discussion covers various aspects of the heart: its function, contraction mechanism, the diverse cell types found within it, and its essential role in regulating blood pressure.  Finally, in the latter part of the episode, several fluid mechanics topics pertinent to the MCAT and their application to the cardiovascular system are addressed. These include total peripheral resistance, viscosity, the continuity equation, and the Bernoulli equation, offering insights into their relevance in understanding cardiovascular dynamics. Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.   [00:00] Intro [02:32] Circulatory system overview [08:48] Blood's journey from the heart through systematic circulation [11:49] The reason the heart needs one-way valves [15:14] The path of blood flow through the body [16:52] Function of the heart [22:21] QRS complex [24:24] Cells that make up the heart [28:33] Hormonal control of blood pressure and its relationship to the heart [40:39] Application of physics fluids to cardiovascular system [43:31] Peripheral resistance [48:38] Viscosity  [51:54] Continuity equation [55:02] Bernoulli equation

This podcast addresses translational motion. First, vectors are covered. Then, the variables of acceleration, velocity, and position are discussed. Next, the host discusses the relationship between those three variables. Finally, it covers free fall, projectile motion, air resistance, and friction. The example link for this segment is provided here:  Geogebra Example Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.   Jump into the conversation: [00:00] MCAT Tutoring from MedSchoolCoach [00:34] Welcome to MCAT Basics [01:06] Topics covered in this episode [01:57] What is translational motion [04:08] Vectors [14:21] Velocity, acceleration, and position/displacement [20:08] The relationship between acceleration, velocity, and position  [34:53] Free fall and projectile motion [44:40] The four equations to know for projectile motion [47:20] Air resistance and friction  

This podcast explores cell organelles, organized into five categories: organelles found in all cells, eukaryotic cells, plant and bacterial cells, human and bacterial cells, human cells only, and plant cells only. The organelles discussed include ribosomes, vacuoles, cytoskeleton, plasma membrane, peroxisome, proteasome, nucleus, nucleolus, smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosome, cell wall, flagella, mitochondria, melanosome, and chloroplasts. Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.   Jump into the conversation: [00:00] MCAT Tutoring from MedSchoolCoach [00:34] Welcome to MCAT Basics [01:06] Topics covered in this episode [01:59] Definition of “Cell Organelles” [03:59] Organelles found in all cells - ribosomes, vacuoles, cytoskeleton, plasma membrane, peroxisome, proteasome [22:42] Organelles that show up in eukaryotes only - nucleus,  nucleolus, smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosome [40:03] Orgnalles shared by plants and bacteria - cell wall and flagella [46:40] Organelles found in human cells only -  mitochondria, melanosome, and chloroplasts  

This podcast discusses chemical kinetics and solubility. It begins with an exploration of kinetics, including the general concept, collision theory, rate laws, and the Arrhenius equation. Next, it delves into solubility, covering the general concept, solubility product (Ksp), the common ion effect, selective precipitation, and Henry’s law. Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.   Jump into the conversation: [00:00] MCAT Tutoring from MedSchoolCoach [00:34] Welcome to MCAT Basics [01:06] Topics covered in this episode [02:37] What is general kinetics [08:53] Collision Theory [11:08] Rate Laws [21:15] Arrhenius Equation [28:00] What is Solubility [32:08] Solubility Product (Ksp) [43:49] The Common Ion Effect [45:22] Selective precipitation [48:35] Henry’s Law  

This lecture covers basic quantum theory, quantum numbers, hybridization, types of bonds, and nuclear decay.  Please email me if you have any comments or concerns: MCATpodcast@medschoolcoach.com To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at Prospective Doctor. Thanks for listening!  

This podcast is the first in a series of lectures covering genetics. I cover the following topics: brief history of basic genetic principals, evolution, chromosomal theory (including mutations), mitosis and meiosis, and inheritance patterns. Please email me if you have any comments or concerns: MCATpodcast@medschoolcoach.com To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at Prospective Doctor. Thanks for listening!

This MCAT podcast covers the respiratory system. First, I cover the anatomy of the respiratory system. Then, I dive into its main functions: Gas exchange (breathing mechanisms here too) Thermoregulation Particle filtration pH control Lastly I talk about how the respiratory system is controlled. Please email me if you have any comments or concerns: MCATpodcast@medschoolcoach.com To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at Prospective Doctor. Thanks for listening!