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. Amino Acids

    1d ago

    Amino Acids

    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

    22 min
  2. The Muscular System

    6d ago

    The Muscular System

    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

    35 min
  3. Fluid Statics

    May 26

    Fluid Statics

    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

    51 min
  4. Electron Transport Chain

    May 21

    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
  5. Gluconeogenesis

    May 19

    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

  6. May 18 • 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

  7. May 18 • 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

  8. May 18 • 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
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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
    148
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © MedSchoolCoach
  • Show Website
    MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
  • Provider
    MEDSCHOOLCOACH LLC

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