MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

Mastering the concept of sociological groups can unlock a deeper understanding of how we interact and influence each other. On top of that, social interactions and group dynamics form the backbone of the Psych/Soc section of the MCAT, so mastering this topic is key to a good score. 

In this episode, host Sam Smith breaks down the essential topic of sociological groups. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the different types of groups, the dynamics within organizations, bureaucracy, and social networks, and key concepts like groupthink, group polarization, and social loafing. We also explore how these concepts apply to real-world examples, from business partnerships to historical events like the Salem witch trials. 

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00:00 Intro

02:09 Types of social groups and social networks

08:06 Organizations and bureaucracy

10:17 Normative organizations

16:16 Group interactions and dynamics

20:08 Difference between group think and group polarization

27:57 Deindividuation, aka the ‘mob mentality’

31:57 Cultural groups and assimilation

34:22 MCAT Advice of the Day

In this episode, we explore key topics in genetics, including how sex-linked and autosomal traits are inherited. We'll break down inheritance patterns using real-world examples, like X-linked recessive diseases, and walk through Punnett square problems to show how these traits are passed down.

We also cover the regulation of gene expression, focusing on epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation and how genetic imprinting impacts which genes are expressed. You'll gain insight into transcriptional and post-transcriptional control mechanisms in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, along with the processes of DNA repair that maintain genetic stability.

Finally, we discuss important genetic lab techniques, such as PCR, blotting methods, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and how they are used in gene analysis and diagnostics.

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(00:00) Intro

(01:49)  Inheritance patterns

(04:47) Solving X-linked inheritance problems using color blindness

(06:37) Overview of autosomal dominant and recessive traits

(08:08) Monohybrid and dihybrid crosses

(10:40) How epigenetic changes affect gene expression

(18:46) Transcriptional and translational control in prokaryotic operons

(23:03) Enhancers, silencers, and chromatin remodeling

(27:23) Post-transcriptional modifications

(31:52) DNA repair mechanisms

(40:14) Polymerase Chain Reaction

(44:06) What different blotting techniques are used for

(49:28) The FISH technique

(52:01) MCAT Advice of the Day

In this episode, we cover the foundational concepts of genetics, focusing on chromosomes, mitosis, meiosis, and inheritance patterns—important topics for the MCAT Bio/Biochem section. We’ll discuss how Gregor Mendel’s laws of segregation, independent assortment, and dominance influence inheritance and how Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection relates to modern genetics.

The episode includes an overview of chromosome structure, the differences between X and Y chromosomes, and the effects of chromosomal mutations like deletions, duplications, and translocations. Mitosis and meiosis are also explained, with an emphasis on their roles in cell division and genetic diversity. Additionally, we explore genetic concepts such as codominance, incomplete dominance, genetic leakage, and how factors like penetrance and expressivity influence gene expression.

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(00:00) Introduction to Genetics and Chromosomes

(01:41) Background on genetics: Key figures and their contributions (Mendel, Darwin)

(03:37) Mendel’s Laws: Segregation, independent assortment, and dominance

(05:50) Charles Darwin: Evolution and natural selection in genetics

(09:43) Chromosomes and DNA: Discovery and role in inheritance

(11:29) Chromosome Numbers and Structure: Ploidy, chromatids, and human chromosomes

(14:06) X and Y Chromosomes: Sex determination and sex-linked traits

(18:34) Chromosomal Mutations: Duplication, deletion, inversion, translocation

(22:00) Mitosis: Stages and the production of identical daughter cells

(28:16) Meiosis: Gamete formation and genetic diversity

(32:40) Centrosome, Centromere, and Centriole: Roles in cell division

(33:50) Genes and Phenotypes: Alleles, genotypes, and their effect on traits

(38:28) Dominant and Recessive Alleles: How traits are determined

(40:37) Genetic Leakage, Penetrance, and Expressivity: Gene flow, expression likelihood, and variability

(42:47) MCAT Advice of the Day

In this episode, we explore enzyme kinetics and inhibition, key concepts for the MCAT Bio/Biochem section. We’ll cover how enzymes accelerate biological reactions by lowering activation energy and introduce two models for enzyme-substrate interaction: the lock-and-key model and the induced fit model.

You'll learn how to apply the Michaelis-Menten equation, focusing on factors like Km and Vmax to understand enzyme efficiency and substrate binding. We’ll also break down the different types of enzyme inhibition—competitive, non-competitive, and uncompetitive—and their effects on enzyme activity. Finally, we discuss the six major types of enzymes and their roles in biological processes, with examples like ligases, isomerases, and hydrolases.

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(00:00) Introduction to enzyme kinetics and inhibition

(01:58) Definition of enzymes and their role

(03:50) Enzyme models: lock and key vs. induced fit

(06:28) Michaelis-Menten Equation

(10:53) Association and dissociation constants

(12:34) Kcat and catalytic efficiency

(14:43) Assumptions of Michaelis-Menten

(18:23) Lineweaver-Burk Plot: linearized Michaelis-Menten Equation

(21:09) Enzyme inhibition: reversible vs. irreversible

(22:14) Competitive inhibition: Km and Vmax

(24:46) Non-competitive inhibition: Effects on Km and Vmax

(27:20) Irreversible inhibition

(29:13) Allosteric inhibition

(31:26) Homotropic and feedback inhibition

(37:40) Common biological enzymes: dehydrogenase, synthetase, and kinase

(43:44) MCAT Advice of the Day

In this episode, we’ll learn the intricate world of biomolecule structure, naming, and function. We'll explore the structural nuances between glucose and fructose and unravel the complexities of glycosidic linkages in sucrose. We'll also examine the vital roles of fatty acids, the composition of triglycerides and phospholipids, and their impact on cell membrane architecture and fluidity. Plus, we discuss cholesterol's bidirectional regulation of membrane stability and the contrasting roles of LDL and HDL in cardiovascular health.

We’ll dive into the essential structures and functions of steroids and nucleotides, as well as the fundamentals of DNA and RNA structure and the importance of ATP. We'll also look at the unique properties of sphingolipids, glycerophospholipids, and signaling molecules like eicosanoids.

So, tune in as we break down these critical biomolecules that form the foundation of life and are essential knowledge for the MCAT exam.

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(00:00) Intro

(01:03) Overview of Biomolecule Structure and Importance

(02:37) Steroid Structure and Function

(06:36) Nucleotide Structure and Function

(12:02) DNA Structure and Bonding

(16:30) Carbohydrate Structure

(19:53) Disaccharides and Polysaccharides

(24:47) Fatty Acids and Phospholipids

(28:57) Cholesterol and Its Role in Membrane Fluidity

(31:27) Sphingolipids and Their Functions

(33:02) Eicosanoids: Signaling Molecules

(38:12) Heme Groups and Their Functions

(41:12) Molecule Entry into Cells

(44:12) MCAT Advice of the Day

In this episode, we're diving deep into the nuanced aspects of metabolism that are essential yet less prominently featured on the MCAT. We'll cover gluconeogenesis, the pentose phosphate pathway, and ketone body generation—topics that, while subtle, play a crucial role in your comprehensive understanding of biochemistry. 

We'll explore how your body manages glucose levels, the functions of NADPH, how glycogen is synthesized and broken down, and the metabolic adaptations during periods of low glucose. 

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Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (01:54) Pentose phosphate pathway overview (02:42) Functions of NADPH in the body (03:35) Difference between NADPH and NADH (04:34) Key points to know about the pentose phosphate pathway (07:01) Insulin and glucagon: hormonal regulation of blood glucose (09:00) Effects of insulin & glucagon on the body (10:48) Glycogen synthesis & breakdown (15:51) Glycogen debranching enzyme and breakdown of branched chains (18:49) Bypassing irreversible steps in glycolysis during gluconeogenesis (21:19) Regulation of gluconeogenesis (22:25) Ketogenic amino acids and their role in ketone body formation (24:04) MCAT advice of the day: reading journal articles

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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(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.

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(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. 

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(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.

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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