DNA replication and the central dogma are fundamental concepts in molecular biology, and breaking down the different replication methods and the processes of transcription and translation is crucial for understanding how genetic information is expressed and passed on in cells.

In the first part of our episode, we'll break down DNA replication, exploring the concepts of conservative, semi-conservative, and dispersive replication, unraveling the mechanisms that drive this fundamental process.

Later, we'll focus on transcription and translation, delving into the nuances between prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. We'll uncover the mechanisms by which genetic information is transcribed from DNA to RNA and then translated into proteins, all while considering the diverse cellular locations where these processes take place.

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[01:07] Episode Overview

[01:54] DNA replication explanation

[05:53] Three phases of replication - initiation, elongation, and termination

[25:12] Central Dogma description

[25:50] Transcription Process

[36:31] The differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic transcription

[37:58] Translation Process

Electromagnetism is a critical component of physics, playing a pivotal role in everything from circuits to medical imaging technologies like MRIs. It is also a crucial topic for the MCAT, appearing frequently in the physics and chemistry sections.

In this episode, Sam Smith breaks down the fundamental concepts of electricity and magnetism. Sam walks through the basics of static electricity, charge conservation, and Coulomb’s Law and explains how moving charges create currents and the forces exerted by electric and magnetic fields.

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(00:00) Intro
(01:44) How charge is defined: positive and negative
(03:31) History of charge and the amber effect
(05:02) Static electricity and the conservation of charge
(07:26) Conductors vs. insulators
(09:22) How electrostatic force is governed by Coulomb’s Law
(10:52) Understanding electric fields
(16:27) The relationship between electric field strength and distance
(18:17) How moving charges create a current and electric potential
(22:23) Different types of magnetic materials and their behavior
(25:45) How magnetic fields are visualized and understood through field lines
(28:32) The right-hand rule explained
(33:22) How magnetic forces act on moving charges and currents
(40:01) The application of electromagnetism in MRIs
(44:55) MCAT Advice of the Day

A deep understanding of functional groups is crucial for excelling in the MCAT, as they play a key role in the reactivity, physical properties, and biological functions of molecules.

In this episode, Sam Smith breaks down the essential functional groups, covering their physical and chemical properties, biological relevance, and common reaction mechanisms. From alcohols and carbonyl-containing groups like aldehydes and ketones, to nitrogen-containing amines and amides, Sam explains how these groups are presented in exam questions and their impact on biological systems. 

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Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:54) How the MCAT asks questions about functional groups

(02:01) Physical vs. chemical properties

(04:09) Alcohols: Structure and classification

(06:13) MCAT questions related to the physical properties of alcohols

(10:03) MCAT question examples related to boiling points

(11:54) Biological reactions involving alcohols

(34:23) Reactivity of carbonyl-containing functional groups

The essentials of identity theories and psychosocial development reveal the foundational elements of human behavior and self-perception.

In this episode, Sam Smith discusses the core theories around identity, from Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development and Freud’s psychosexual stages to Piaget’s cognitive framework and Kohlberg’s stages of moral growth. Sam talks about how each theory is represented in MCAT questions, explaining key differences and how they impact our understanding of self-concept, self-esteem, and social roles. Whether it's Cooley’s looking-glass self or Vygotsky’s zone of proximal development, this episode helps make sense of the MCAT’s approach to personality and identity development.

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Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:04) Psychosocial development and identity

(01:42) The different theories of identity formation

(01:57) Basic ideas regarding identity and self-concept

(08:29) Erikson's psychosocial development theory

(16:47) Testing strategies and MCAT questions

(17:57) Freud's psychosexual development theory

(24:01) Piaget's stages of cognitive development

(28:15) Kohlberg's theory of moral development

(32:42) Cooley's looking-glass self

(33:21) George Herbert Mead's the I and the Me

(34:34) Vygotsky's social development theory

Learning and memory are foundational concepts that play a critical role in acing the MCAT, especially in the Psych/Soc section.

In this episode, host Sam Smith discusses the key concepts of learning and memory, covering the brain structures involved in memory formation, like the hippocampus and amygdala, as well as the different types of memory—explicit, implicit, and working memory. Sam also explores types of learning, including latent learning, observational learning, and the essential principles of classical and operant conditioning, and more.

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Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:03) How brain structures support learning and memory

(02:39) The role of memory in learning processes

(03:20) How the information processing model explains memory

(16:28) Types of learning: latent, observational, and conditioning

(17:48) How observational learning works in social contexts

(18:23) Overview of classical and operant conditioning

(34:44) MCAT Advice of the Day

A foundational part of the MCAT, light and optics bridge the gap between physics and biology, making them vital for your exam preparation.

In this episode, Sam Smith breaks down the fundamentals of light, covering both its wave and particle properties. From the energy of photons and the photoelectric effect, to wave behavior and the principles of refraction and reflection, Sam simplifies complex concepts to help you grasp key equations and principles. You'll also learn about lenses, ray tracing, and the real-life applications of polarization.

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Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:03) Introduction to light and optics

(03:10) How photons carry energy

(05:34) The photoelectric effect and its significance

(17:47) Introduction to waves and simple harmonic motion

(18:46) Longitudinal vs. transverse waves explained

(21:47) Constructive and destructive interference in wave behavior

(23:40) Polarization, reflection, and refraction in light

(36:40) How lenses and ray tracing work

(44:59) MCAT Advice of the Day

Atomic chemistry is a core component of the MCAT, essential for understanding molecular behavior and periodic trends. 

In this episode, host Sam Smith explores key concepts in atomic chemistry, including the intricacies of quantum theory, hybridization, and molecular geometry. You'll gain insights into electron configuration, periodic trends, and the role of quantum numbers in describing electrons. Sam also discusses the significance of nuclear decay, from alpha to beta and gamma decay, and how it impacts atomic structure.

Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:48) Understanding atomic orbitals and the planetary model

(04:54) Quantum theory and the wave-particle duality of electrons

(06:52) Types of atomic orbitals

(08:29) Electron configuration and its real-world applications

(12:24) Hund’s Rule and the Pauli Exclusion Principle

(17:45) The four quantum numbers

(22:10) Hybridization and bond formation

(26:14) Molecular geometry and its relevance

(29:44) Ionic vs. covalent bonds and electronegativity

(34:48) Periodic table trends: Atomic radius, electronegativity, and ionization energy

(37:49) Nuclear decay: Half-life and types of decay (alpha, beta, gamma)

(44:46) MCAT advice of the day

In this episode of MCAT Basics, Sam Smith discusses the reproductive system and development, breaking down essential topics for the bio and biochem section of the MCAT. Sam walks through the key reproductive organs, the processes of spermatogenesis and oogenesis, and the pathway sperm and eggs take in human reproduction.

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Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:30) Reproductive organs: Overview of male and female reproductive anatomy

(03:16)  Spermatogenesis: The process of sperm cell development

(04:55) Meiosis in spermatogenesis: From diploid to haploid cells

(07:02) Spermatogenesis recap: The pathway from spermatagonia to spermatozoa

(09:45) The menstrual cycle: Overview of the four phases

(11:15) Ovulation: Triggered by luteinizing hormone surge

(11:55) The luteal phase: Role of the corpus luteum in progesterone production

(12:56) Menstruation: Progesterone drop and the sloughing of the uterine lining

(14:16) Oogenesis: The process of egg cell development

(18:17) Differences between spermatogenesis and oogenesis

(19:18) Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome) and its relation to maternal age

(21:08) Fertilization: The process of sperm fusing with the egg

(28:51) Gastrulation and the formation of germ layers

(30:24) Germ layers: Mesoderm, ectoderm, and endoderm

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.

Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.

Jump into the conversation:

(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

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. 

Visit medschoolcoach.com for more help with the MCAT.

Jump into the conversation:

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