MCAT Metabolism Part 2 : Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex & the TCA Cycle

Ready to move beyond glycolysis? In Episode 26 of the Jack Westin MCAT Podcast, Mike and Molly guide you through the Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex (PDC) and the Citric Acid (TCA) Cycle—two of the highest‑yield pathways the MCAT loves to test.

What we cover

- Where it all happens – cytoplasm vs. mitochondrial matrix

- PDC outputs & regulation – 2 Acetyl‑CoA, 2 NADH, 2 CO₂ and the key activators/inhibitors that flip the complex on or off

- Real‑world connections – how arsenic poisoning and Wernicke‑Korsakoff syndrome derail PDC function

- TCA Cycle essentials – step‑by‑step walk‑through, enzyme mnemonics (“Can I Keep Selling Shells…”) and the must‑know Big 3 regulators

- High‑yield nuggets – why Succinate Dehydrogenase pulls double duty as ETC Complex II, Ca²⁺ activation during muscle contraction, plus glucogenic vs. ketogenic amino acid entry points

By the end, you’ll know the exact products (NADH, FADH₂, GTP, CO₂), how to spot test‑maker tricks, and which regulatory enzymes to memorize for test day.

👉 Next up: Electron Transport Chain & Oxidative Phosphorylation—subscribe so you don’t miss Part 3 of our Metabolism series!

Want to learn more? Shoot us a text at 415-855-4435 or email us at podcast@jackwestin.com! 📱

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