MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

Dive into the fascinating world of enzymes and their critical role in biological reactions. Explore how enzymes work as catalysts by lowering activation energy and learn about the lock-and-key and induced fit models. Master the Michaelis-Menten equation, which reveals insights on enzyme efficiency and substrate binding. Delve into different types of enzyme inhibition, such as competitive and non-competitive, and understand their effects on activity. Finally, uncover the six major types of enzymes and their biological functions with real-world examples.

Dive into the essentials of genetics with a journey through chromosomes, mitosis, and meiosis. Discover Mendel's groundbreaking laws of inheritance and how Darwin's natural selection shapes modern genetics. Explore the structure of X and Y chromosomes, learn about chromosomal mutations, and uncover the significance of alleles in determining phenotypes. Gain insights into genetic diversity through meiosis, as well as concepts like codominance and incomplete dominance. Perfect for MCAT prep, this discussion covers foundational topics with clarity and depth!

Dive into the fascinating world of metabolism with a detailed exploration of glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain. Unravel the key enzymes and regulation points in glycolysis. Discover how the citric acid cycle drives energy production and the roles of pivotal intermediates. Gain insights into the electron transport chain's function and the creation of ATP through proton gradients. Mnemonics and practical tips for mastering these concepts make it a must-listen for anyone prepping for the MCAT.

Dive into the fascinating world of acids and bases, where foundational chemistry meets biology. Discover the role of indicators in titrations and the critical nature of buffers in keeping our body's pH in check. Learn how to calculate pH, differentiate between strong and weak acids, and utilize ICE tables for problem-solving. The podcast also explores the blood buffer system's function in homeostasis and offers essential strategies for mastering these concepts for the MCAT.

Dive into the fascinating world of the nervous system! Explore the organization of central and peripheral divisions and their critical functions. Uncover the roles of the brain's forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain, and learn about cutting-edge brain imaging techniques. Delve into how neurons transmit signals and discover the intricacies of neurotransmitters and their impact on conditions like schizophrenia and depression. Plus, insights into the brain's role in addiction and the effects of various drug classes make for an enlightening listen!

Dive into the fascinating world of amino acids! Explore their structures, naming tricks, and the critical role they play in protein formation. Learn the differences between hydrophobic and hydrophilic types, and how to memorize their abbreviations easily. Discover the impact of mutations on enzyme function and stability, including real examples to illustrate these concepts. Plus, get essential tips to ace the MCAT with confidence and clarity around these vital building blocks of life.

Joining as a guest host, Alex Starks, a physician, delves into the fascinating world of gluconeogenesis. He breaks down how the body ingeniously produces glucose from precursors like amino acids, lactate, and glycerol when supplies run low. Alex highlights the liver's crucial role and explains why muscle cells aren't involved in this process. He also touches on the energy demands and hormonal regulation by glucagon, making complex metabolic pathways understandable for MCAT prep.

Guest host Alex Starks, a guide for MCAT preparation, unpacks the electron transport chain's complexities. He explains how NADH and FADH2 contribute to energy production and the critical roles of coenzyme Q and cytochrome c. Alex discusses the intricacies of mitochondrial compartments and how oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor. He also highlights the devastating effects of inhibitors like cyanide and the role of uncouplers in metabolism, making complex biochemistry accessible and engaging for listeners.

Dive into the fascinating world of fluid statics, where you'll explore intriguing properties like surface tension and the differences between adsorption and absorption. Discover how Pascal's Law governs pressure in fluids and learn the nuances of gauge versus absolute pressure. Gain insight into osmotic pressure and its effects on cells, along with Archimedes' principle that explains buoyancy. Each topic is unpacked with clarity, making complex concepts accessible and relevant for aspiring medical students.

Explore the fascinating world of the muscular system! Discover the unique features of smooth, cardiac, and skeletal muscles, and learn about the intricate structure of skeletal muscle cells. Dive into the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 muscle fibers, exploring their metabolic pathways and fatigue rates. Understand how muscle contraction works, from the neuromuscular junction to the shortening of sarcomeres. Plus, uncover the amazing details of the Cross-Bridge cycle in muscle mechanics!