MCAT BASICS+

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MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

MedSchoolCoach

Join us as we detail MCAT exam topics. Each podcast covers several MCAT sections with lessons based on review material put out by the AAMC, such as practice tests and question banks. Sam also interviews MCAT tutors and experts who share tips on how premed students can raise their score to get into medical school.

  1. Electron Transport Chain

    1D AGO

    Electron Transport Chain

    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

    37 min
  2. Gluconeogenesis

    3D AGO

    Gluconeogenesis

    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

    22 min

  3. 4D AGO • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    Organic Chemistry 4 - Organic Chemistry Mechanisms

    In this episode of MCAT Basics+, we will be discussing reaction mechanisms, with a specific focus on SN1 and SN2 carbonyl substitution and addition. We will examine the complexities of these mechanisms and their significance in organic chemistry. Additionally, we will cover aldol condensation, Fischer esterification, and saponification, three crucial reactions frequently tested on the MCAT. Grasping the mechanisms behind these reactions is vital for achieving success on the exam. By the conclusion of this episode, you will possess a thorough understanding of these reaction mechanisms and their relevance to organic chemistry. Tune in to gain insights into these concepts and discover how they can assist you in excelling on the MCAT.

    16 min

  4. 4D AGO • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    Organic Chemistry 2 - Functional Groups

    In this episode of MCAT Basics+, we will cover a variety of functional groups commonly found in organic chemistry. We will discuss alcohols, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, ketones and aldehydes, ethers, amines, imines, and enamines. Additionally, we will talk about boiling points, solubility, and reactivity comparisons among these functional groups. We will also mention less common functional groups and their unique properties. By understanding the characteristics of each functional group, you will be better equipped to analyze and predict chemical reactions in organic chemistry. Join us as we simplify the complexities of organic molecules and their functional groups in this informative episode.

    34 min

  5. 4D AGO • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    Organic Chemistry 3 - Isomerization

    In this episode of MCAT Basics+, we will be covering the intriguing topic of isomers. We will focus on the various kinds of isomers present in chemistry, including structural isomers, geometric isomers, and stereoisomers. Our discussion will start with structural isomers, which are molecules that share the same molecular formula but have different structural configurations. This difference in arrangement can lead to distinct physical and chemical properties for each isomer. Following this, we will move on to geometric isomers, a category of stereoisomer that exhibits different spatial orientations due to the presence of double bonds or rings within the molecule. Grasping the concept of geometric isomers is crucial for predicting molecular interactions. We will then proceed to stereoisomers, which maintain identical atom connectivity but vary in their spatial organization. This group includes enantiomers, which are mirror images of each other, and diastereomers, which are non-mirror image stereoisomers. Concluding our discussion, we will address conformational isomers, which are molecules capable of altering their shape through rotation around single bonds. These isomers can adopt different forms and energies, resulting in distinctive properties and behaviors. By the conclusion of this episode, you will gain a comprehensive insight into the various types of isomers and their importance in the realm of chemistry.

    24 min

  6. 4D AGO • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    Organic Chemistry 1 - Analytical Laboratory Techniques

    In this episode of MCAT Basics+, we will cover the principles and applications of Mass Spectroscopy, NMR, UV-Vis Spectroscopy, and IR Spectroscopy. We will begin with Mass Spectroscopy, an analytical technique for determining the molecular weight and structure of compounds. We will discuss the operation of mass spectrometers and their application in fields such as chemistry, biochemistry, and forensics. Following that, we will move on to Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, which is utilized to examine the structure and dynamics of molecules. We will cover the workings of NMR, the various NMR experiments, and its use in identifying the connectivity of atoms within a molecule. Next, we will address UV-Vis Spectroscopy, employed for studying the electronic transitions in molecules. We will talk about the functioning of UV-Vis spectroscopy, the different spectra it produces, and its role in determining the concentration of compounds. Lastly, we will discuss Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy, which is used for analyzing the vibrational modes of molecules. We will go over the fundamentals of IR spectroscopy, the spectrum types it generates, and some essential IR absorptions to recognize for the MCAT. By the conclusion of this episode, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of how Mass Spectroscopy, NMR, UV-Vis Spectroscopy, and IR Spectroscopy are instrumental in the analysis and characterization of compounds.

    30 min
  7. Isomers

    MAY 14

    Isomers

    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

    31 min
  8. The Cell Cycle

    MAY 12

    The Cell Cycle

    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

    33 min
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About

Join us as we detail MCAT exam topics. Each podcast covers several MCAT sections with lessons based on review material put out by the AAMC, such as practice tests and question banks. Sam also interviews MCAT tutors and experts who share tips on how premed students can raise their score to get into medical school.

Information

  • Creator
    MedSchoolCoach
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    149
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © MedSchoolCoach
  • Show Website
    MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
  • Provider
    MEDSCHOOLCOACH LLC

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