In this episode, we discuss population genetics and see how genetically related individuals share the same alleles, delving into the mechanisms of gene flow and genetic drift. We'll also unravel the complexities of hybrid vigor, reproductive isolation, and natural selection, and how these processes shape the genetic landscape of populations. 

We'll also touch on the fascinating dynamics of X-linked and mitochondrial inheritance, and the role of genomic imprinting in disease risk. Ever wondered how the Hardy-Weinberg equation helps us understand genetic equilibrium in populations? We've got that covered too, breaking down the assumptions and applications of this essential model. Plus, we'll delve into how allele frequencies can shift due to factors like mutations and population bottlenecks.

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[00:00] Introduction to the MCAT Basics

[01:06] Overview of Population Genetics

[01:55] Definition of Population Genetics

[03:01] Genotype vs. Phenotype

[03:38] Example of BRCA1 Gene

[07:33] Autosomal Dominant and Recessive Inheritance Patterns

[08:40] X-Linked Inheritance Patterns

[09:38] Mitochondrial Inheritance

[10:46] Genomic Imprinting

[12:46] Complex and Multifactorial Inheritance

[13:52] Introduction to Hardy Weinberg Equation

[14:33] Assumptions of Hardy Weinberg Equation

[15:16] Historical Context of Hardy Weinberg Equation

[17:02] Calculation of Allele Frequencies

[19:18] Example Problem Using Hardy Weinberg Equation

[23:17] Limitations of Hardy Weinberg Equation

[24:07] Ways Populations Change Over Time

[24:58] Natural Selection

[27:10] Fecundity and Fertility in Natural Selection

[28:07] Types of Natural Selection

[30:00] Mutation

[32:17] Example of Mutation in HIV Research

[34:29] Genetic Drift

[38:11] Gene Flow and Gene Leakage

[40:12] Hybrid Vigor and Reproductive Isolation

[42:16]  Prepare for MCAT success with MedSchoolCoach.

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.

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 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'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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[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.

This episode is packed with essential high-yield information for your MCAT prep, covering the biological, physiological, and psychological aspects of sleep. We’ll explore various sleep theories, like the Memory Consolidation and Brain Plasicticity Theories, and even discuss the controversial “Sleeping When You Die” theory. We’ll also delve into dream theories, including Freud’s interpretations and the Activation Synthesys Hypothesis. Plus, we’ll address common sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and narcolepsy, alongside the effects of different drugs on your sleep patterns. 

We’ll cover critical brain structures involved in sleep, such as the hypothalamus and the suprachiasmatic nucleus, and break down the stages of sleep measured through EEG, EMG, and EOG. 

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[00:00] Introduction to the MCAT Basics podcast with host, Sam Smith

[04:05] Pineal gland, amygdala, basal forebrain in sleep.

[07:40] Measuring postsynaptic potential, not action potentials. EEG waves distinguish sleep stages. EMG records muscle electrical activity.

[10:46] Alpha waves awake, theta waves asleep. Hallucinations in stage N1 sleep.

[15:01] Unconfirmed sleepwalking. Stages of sleep explained.

[18:18] Sleep cycles lengthen REM stage, diagrams illustrate.

[19:50] We don't remember all our dreams.

[23:55] Shifting circadian rhythms due to changes in light.

[29:10] Blind people's melatonin release entrained with light.

[29:41] Cortisol secretion cycle follows a circadian rhythm.

[35:09] Freud: Dreams represent unconscious desires; manifest vs latent.

[38:53] Divorce dreams related to spouse thinking time. Broad sleep disorder categories: insomnia, breathing, hypersomnolence.

[41:18] Hypersomnia, narcolepsy, drugs' impact on sleep.

[44:14 Brief primer on drug effects on sleep.

In this episode, we’ll cover crucial aspects such as hormones, their origins and mechanisms of action, and the various structures within the endocrine system. We'll also decode complex cell-to-cell communication and distinguish between different hormone types—peptide, protein, steroid, and lipid-derived.

Furthermore, we'll explore key endocrine disorders like diabetes and hyper- and hypogonadism, discussing their causes, symptoms, and relevance to the MCAT. In addition, we'll touch upon the functions and hormones of several glands, including the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal glands, and pancreas.

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00:00 Introduction to the MCAT Basics Podcast with host, Sam Smith

03:34 Exosomes act as information carriers for cells.

09:00 Large, charged substances dissolve in blood easily.

10:30 Protein kinase A activates multiple molecules quickly.

15:57 Podcast discusses prostaglandin, thromboxins, leukotrienes and glands.

18:22 Hormones explained: flat peg and pineal gland.

23:15 Endocrine diseases: hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, hyperinhypogonadism, diabetes.

26:33 Autoimmune disorder characterized by overactive thyroid production.

29:28 Hypothalamus role in hormone production and disorders.

34:01 Type 1 diabetes: Genetic and environmental factors.

35:47 Diagnosis and causes of type two diabetes.

39:18 Med School Coach elevates your application level.

In this episode, we'll break down the intricate processes of nutrient digestion and absorption, from the mechanical and chemical digestion in the stomach to the vital role of the small and large intestines. We'll also discuss the regulatory mechanisms involving hormones and nervous innervation and the essential structures like the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. And don't forget, this episode is packed with tips on everything you need to know about this high-yield topic for the MCAT.

So grab your notes, get comfortable, and let's embark on this fascinating journey through the digestive system. Stay tuned for a deep dive into how our bodies turn food into the vital nutrients we need to thrive.

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[00:00] Introduction to the MCAT Basics

[05:11] Digestive system involves mechanical and chemical processes.

[06:55] Food travels through digestive system over time.

[10:48] Small intestines: duodenum, jejunum, ileum, enterocytes crucial.

[14:38] Sphincters in digestive system control food movement.

[16:26] Podcast discusses physiology of digestive system structures.

[20:57] Salivary enzyme breaks down starch into glucose.

[23:46] Muscle contractions propel food through digestive system.

[27:40] Lipase enzyme breaks down fats in stomach.

[29:11] Stomach doesn't absorb nutrients, protects itself.

[32:55] Enzymes linked to cells for carbohydrate breakdown.

[38:05] Bile emulsifies fat, chylomicrons enter lymphatic system.

[41:35] Gut bacteria metabolize cellulose, form fatty acids.

[45:02] Living without large intestine; regulation of digestion.

[46:50] CCK stimulates pancreatic juice release, important digestion.

[49:57] Prepare for MCAT and excel with us!

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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[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

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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[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, 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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[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

In this episode, we explore the topic of intelligence, which is primarily featured in the psychology and sociology section of the MCAT.

We cover several key theories, including entity vs. incremental theory, general intelligence theory, two-factor theory, multiple intelligences theory, Triarchic theory, CHC theory, and biological theories. Additionally, we examine the nature vs. nurture debate on hereditary intelligence factors and discuss how intelligence is measured.

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[00:00] Intro to Intelligence

[02:47] Entity vs. Incremental Theory

[06:36] G Factor Theory

[10:26] Multiple Intelligences Theory

[12:18] Triarchic Theory

[14:39] CHC Theory

[18:58] Theories of Intelligence

[21:01] Hereditary factors of intelligence 

[28:33] How intelligence is measured

[32:06] Why intelligence tests can be problematic