MCAT Basics

In this episode, we're covering the anatomy and physiology of key organs such as the kidneys, liver, skin, lungs, and large intestine, and discuss the crucial role they play in eliminating waste products from our bodies.
From the structure of the hepatic lobules in the liver to the sweat glands in our skin and the alveoli in our lungs, we'll cover how each component functions to maintain homeostasis. We'll also delve into the metabolic breakdown processes and the excretion of waste molecules such as urea, electrolytes, and gases like carbon dioxide. 
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Jump into the conversation:
[00:00] Introduction to the MCAT Basics Podcast with host, Sam Smith
[04:50] Kidney, adrenal glands, nephrons filter blood. Bladder stores waste connected to kidneys.
[09:57] Liver has lobes and functional hepatic lobules. Skin excretes through sweating.
[12:20] Lung anatomy: trachea, bronchi, alveoli, gas exchange.
[16:54] Urea cycle energy requirement, deamination of amino acids.
[20:35] Urea density calculates volume of small ice cube.
[24:15] Carbon dioxide is a metabolic byproduct.
[27:46] Liver metabolizes drugs into water-soluble compounds.

In this episode, we'll explore three crucial hormone axes: the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAAS) system. We'll decode the complex interplays among the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and various peripheral organs, focusing on how these hormone systems regulate everything from stress responses and reproductive functions to blood pressure and fluid balance.
We'll break down the HPA axis and its pivotal role in stress response, featuring hormones like corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and cortisol. Next, we’ll navigate through the HPG axis to understand the hormonal orchestration behind testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone production. Lastly, we’ll zero in on the RAAS system, demystifying its essential function in blood pressure regulation and electrolyte balance.
Visit www.HealthAdmissionsIQ.com for more help with the MCAT.
 Jump into the conversation:
[00:00] Introduction to the MCAT Basics Podcast with host, Sam Smith
[03:11] Hypothalamus: brain section, regulates hormones, monkey bread.
[08:57] Hypothalamus releases hormones to stimulate pituitary gland.
[12:12] Cortisol is a crucial stress response hormone.
[13:12] Steroid hormones need carrier proteins for transport.
[17:05] Hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis involves important structures.
[21:01] Hypothalamus releases gonadotropin hormone for sex development.
[27:14] Sex hormones regulate important body functions through feedback.
[28:31] Juxtaglomerial cells respond to changes in blood pressure.
[33:20] Angiotensin III and IV stimulate aldosterone release.
[35:36] Renin angiotensin system increases sodium, blood pressure.

In this episode, we’ll talk about  ATP or adenosine triphosphate. We will begin with a detailed examination of ATP's structure and composition as a nucleotide, followed by an explanation of the metabolic pathways involved in its production—both aerobic and anaerobic. We will also cover the pivotal process of ATP hydrolysis, emphasizing its energy release and crucial role in various cellular processes, including the sodium-potassium pump and protein phosphorylation.
Additionally, we will address the limitations of ATP supplementation and the broader implications of ATP in biological transport and biosynthesis processes. This episode promises to provide a clear and thorough understanding of ATP's essential functions, ensuring you are well-prepared for your MCAT studies.
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Jump Into the Conversation:
[00:00] Intro into Adenosine Triphosphate, otherwise known as ATP
[2:09] The structure of ATP 
[06:48] Where and how ATP is produced
[24:04] Thermodynamics of ATP
[35:16] The functions of ATP
[35:31] Sodium-potassium pump or the sodium-potassium ATPase
[39:45] Protein kinases and protein phosphorylation
[42:48] ATP binding cassette transporter protein or ABC transporter proteins

This MCAT Basics podcast covers biological membranes. First, the podcast introduces a few topics regarding membranes: what they are, how they are formed, their presence in the cell, and cell-to-cell junctions. Second, it addresses transport through the membrane, including simple diffusion, active vs. passive transport, and transport membrane proteins. Next, the discussion moves to membrane proteins, including receptors, transporters, and the differences between integral, peripheral, and lipid-anchored proteins. Finally, the podcast covers membrane dynamics, such as endocytosis and the transmembrane system, and discusses membrane potential.
 
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Jump into the Conversation:
[00:00] Intro into MCAT Basics
[01:08] Introducing Biological Membranes
[01:53] What is a membrane and what is its structure
[15:33] Cell to cell junctions and the involvement of plasma membranes
[17:16] Transport through a membrane
[26:49] Membrane proteins
[31:05] Membrane dynamics and potential

In this episode of MCAT Basics, we’ll cover Electrochemistry. We start with the role of salt bridges in electrochemical cells and cover the intricacies of cell notation. We’ll also discuss how ions maintain charge balance, the importance of reduction and oxidation potentials, and how these elements come together in galvanic and electrolytic cells. We’ll also take a closer look at concentration cells and the critical Nernst equation, which helps us understand cell potentials under non-standard conditions.
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Jump into the Conversation:
[00:00] Introduction to MCAT Basics
[01:09} Introduction to Electrochemistry
[03:20] Concentration cell: same metal, different ion concentrations
[13:05] Visualizing galvanic cells using royal analogy
[22:19] Reduction potential, oxidation potential, cell potential explained
[30:47] Electrochemical cells, Gibbs free energy, and Nernst equation
[41:16] Electroplating and electric current to coat metals
[45:40] Electrochemistry in Nanobiology: measuring oxidation of molecules