MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

By: MedSchoolCoach
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  • Summary

  • Join us as we detail MCAT exam topics. Each podcast covers several MCAT sections with lessons based on review material put out by the AAMC, such as practice tests and question banks. Sam also interviews MCAT tutors and experts who share tips on how premed students can raise their score to get into medical school.
    Copyright 2023. All rights reserved.
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Episodes
  • Biomolecule Structure, Naming, And Function

    Biomolecule Structure, Naming, And Function
    Nov 7 2024

    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.

    Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.

    Jump into the conversation:

    (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
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    46 mins
  • Metabolism: Gluconeogenesis, Pentose Phosphate Pathway, and More

    Metabolism: Gluconeogenesis, Pentose Phosphate Pathway, and More
    Nov 5 2024

    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.

    Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.

    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
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    26 mins
  • Metabolism: Glycolysis, Krebs Cycle, Electron Transport Chain

    Metabolism: Glycolysis, Krebs Cycle, Electron Transport Chain
    Oct 31 2024

    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.

    Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.

    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
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    43 mins

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Miss having Sam Smith as the Host!!

I have been listening to the podcast for nearly a year now and I’ve loved it! Sam Smith was a great host with lots of energy and his episodes were scripted to include all the details that felt important plus some interesting asides that helped make the topics memorable.

I know Alex Stark is just starting out and he does seem very knowledgeable but so far he’s chosen topics that don’t lend itself well to being explained over a podcast. The latest topics really require diagrams and detailed images for students to really grasp the concepts and I would ask that he be more strategic about that. I understand they aim to get out the high yield topics but with a podcast I think they should be more mindful to first do the ones that can be more easily explained without visuals. The latest episodes do also seem a bit less organized as Alex sometimes goes back to something that was already discussed because he left out an important detail. Also as a side note, the audio has an echo-ey quality in the latest episodes that I’m wondering if they can fix.

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