MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach‪)‬ MedSchoolCoach

To continue our discussion on the immune system, in this episode, we will cover the second type of immune system – the adaptive immune system. 
 
We start with covering some vocabulary that you’ll need to know to understand the immune system, then we move into the cells that make up the adaptive immune system. Then we break down the two branches of the adaptive immune system -  humoral immunity including the discussion of B cells and cell-mediated immunity highlighting T cells.  
Don’t miss our previous episode on the other type of immune system, the innate immune system. 
 
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
[02:01] Review on the difference between innate vs. adaptive immue system
[02:32] General Vocabulary terms for the adaptive immune system
[07:05] The cells that make up the adaptive immune system
[13:09] The humoral immune system and B cells
[26:07] Cell mediated immunity and T Cells
[34:38] Antigen activation
 

The immune system is split up into two main categories - the adaptive immune system and the innate immune system. 
This episode will cover the intricacies of the innate immune system beginning with an overview of its constituent cells. We will then explore three pivotal elements of the system: anatomical barriers, the general inflammatory response, and the complement system. This will show up in the bio/biochem section of the MCAT.
For additional reading on this topic, you can refer to the NIH’s Innate Immune System paper.
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
[02:09] The goal of the innate immune system
[04:57] The cells that make up the innate immune system
[11:47] Anatomical barriers to the innate immune system
[19:53] General inflammatory response of the innate immune system
[42:49] Complement system
[45:33] MCAT Advice of the day - take as much time as you need to study for the MCAT
 

This episode of MCAT Basics covers several separation and purification techniques you may see on the MCAT. We’ll cover these techniques in three distinct categories: small molecules, proteins, and cells. 
Within the small molecule category, we’ll discuss extraction, crystallization and recrystallization, and chromatography (TLC and HPLC).
For proteins, we cover SDS-page, precipitation, soelectric focusing, and chromatography variations. Lastly, we’ll explain, within the world of cells, centrifugation, flow cytometry, and microfluidics. 
 
Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT. 
 
Jump into the conversation:
[00:00] MCAT Tutorig from MedSchoolCoach
[00:34] Welcome to MCAT Basics
[01:07] Topics covered in this episode
[02:24] Techniques for small molecules - extraction, crystallization and recrystallization, and chromatography (TLC and HPLC)
[28:24] Techniques for proteins - SDS-page, precipitation, isoelectric focusing, and chromatography variations
[54:47] Techniques for cells - centrifugation, flow cytometry, and microfluidics. 
 

This episode of MCAT Basics covers the world of circuits. We will explore electrical circuits and their fundamental principles.
We’ll start with dissecting the essential parameters that form the backbone of circuits: voltage, current, resistance, and power. These are the building blocks upon which all circuit dynamics are based.
Next, we'll explore a variety of circuit elements, from resistors to batteries, capacitors, and switches. Each of these components plays a vital role in shaping the behavior of circuits and understanding their functionality.
Finally, we'll delve into Ohm’s Law and Kirchhoff’s Law, two fundamental principles that govern circuit behavior. By grasping these laws, you'll gain essential insights into how circuits operate and how to analyze their dynamics effectively.
Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.
 
Jump into the conversation:
[00:00] MCAT Tutorig from MedSchoolCoach
[00:34] Welcome to MCAT Basics
[01:07] Topics covered in this episode
[02:14] Circuit Variables - voltage, current resistance, power
[22:59] Circuit Elements - resistors, sources of voltage, capacitors, and switches
[44:28] Ohm's Law
[45:24] Kirchhoff's Law
 

DNA replication and the central dogma are fundamental concepts in molecular biology, and breaking down the different replication methods and the processes of transcription and translation is crucial for understanding how genetic information is expressed and passed on in cells.
In the first part of our episode, we'll break down DNA replication, exploring the concepts of conservative, semi-conservative, and dispersive replication, unraveling the mechanisms that drive this fundamental process.
Later, we'll focus on transcription and translation, delving into the nuances between prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. We'll uncover the mechanisms by which genetic information is transcribed from DNA to RNA and then translated into proteins, all while considering the diverse cellular locations where these processes take place.
Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.
 
Jump into the conversation:
[01:07] Episode Overview
[01:54] DNA replication explanation
[05:53] Three phases of replication - initiation, elongation, and termination
[25:12] Central Dogma description
[25:50] Transcription Process
[36:31] The differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic transcription
[37:58] Translation Process

This podcast covers thermodynamics. First, I discuss the four laws of thermodynamics, as well as their application on the MCAT. Then, I break down enthalpy, Gibbs free energy, and entropy (briefly). Lastly, I cover the three types of heat transfer: conduction, convection, and radiation.
CORRECTION:
First Law of Thermodynamics is U =Q - W, I said 'U = Q + W'. For U = Q - W, W (work) is defined as work done BY the system on its surroundings. 
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Thanks for listening!