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. 
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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

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