One of the body's key survival mechanisms is gluconeogenesis, a vital metabolic process, and the body's clever way of making glucose when supplies are low. On this episode of the MCAT Basics podcast, guest host Alex Starks walks through the process of gluconeogenesis. He explains how the body generates glucose when levels drop. Highlighting the liver's role, Alex explains how amino acids, lactate, and glycerol are converted into glucose. The episode also touches on the energy demands of the proc...
Oct 17, 2024•22 min
The electron transport chain is a fundamental pathway in biochemistry, critical for understanding the energy production that powers cellular function. In this episode, guest host Alex Starks breaks down the intricate process of the electron transport chain (ETC). Building on previous discussions of glucose metabolism, Alex walks through the components that play key roles in the movement of electrons through complexes within the inner mitochondrial membrane. We also cover the functions of coenzym...
Oct 15, 2024•37 min
This MCAT Basics episode covers fluid statics (fluids standing still). It begins with different fluid properties, including surface tension, vapor pressure, adsorption and absorption, adhesion and cohesion, and Henry's law. Next, it discusses several important fluid statics concepts: static fluid pressure, Pascal's law, gauge pressure vs absolute pressure, osmotic pressure, and buoyancy. For information on fluid dynamics (moving fluids), skip to the 43:00 mark in the cardiovascular system + flui...
Jun 27, 2024•51 min
This MCAT BAsics episode covers the muscular system. It begins with the differences and similarities between the three types of muscle (smooth, cardiac, and skeletal). Then, the podcast explores the basic structure of a skeletal muscle cell and the various organelles unique to this cell type, including the sarcolemma, sarcoplasm, myofibrils, sarcomeres, and more. Next, it discusses three main differences between Type 1 and Type 2 muscle fibers. Finally, it delves into muscle contraction, startin...
Jun 25, 2024•35 min
This MCAT podcast covers social stratification. It begins with a definition and examples of many terms related to social stratification and inequality, including prejudice, discrimination, stereotype, stereotype threat, status (ascribed vs achieved), power (six different types to know), social capital (and other forms of capital), gentrification, and poverty. The discussion then moves on to social class and the social gradient in healthcare. Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT. ...
Jun 20, 2024•41 min
In this episode, we delve into classic psychology experiments –relevant to the Psych/Soc section of the MCAT. We cover a range of significant studies, including Pavlov’s Dog, Harlow’s Monkey Study, Albert’s Bobo Doll Experiment, the Skinner Box Experiment, Asch’s Conformity (Line) Experiment, the Milgram Experiment, Watson’s Little Albert Experiment, Sherif’s Robbers Cave Study, and Seligman’s Learned Helplessness Dog Study. Additionally, we touch on rapid-fire cases like Zimbardo’s Prison Exper...
Jun 18, 2024•51 min
In this episode, we explore the different phases of the cell cycle: Interphase (G1, S, G2) and the M phase (mitosis). Next, we discuss the regulation of the cell cycle and the key checkpoints that ensure its proper progression. Finally, we touch on how dysfunction in the cell cycle can lead to diseases, particularly cancer. This material is likely to appear in the Bio/Biochem section of the MCAT. Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT. [00:00] Introduction [02:06] Overview of the c...
Jun 13, 2024•33 min
In this episode, we delve into three common types of isomers that you are likely to encounter on the MCAT: structural isomers, geometric isomers, and stereoisomers. We start by defining each type of isomer, providing clear and concise explanations to ensure a solid understanding. Next, we present common examples of each isomer type to illustrate their unique characteristics. Finally, we discuss real-world applications and scenarios where these isomers are relevant, particularly in the context of...
Jun 11, 2024•31 min
In this episode, we cover motivation and emotion–key concepts that will show up in the Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior section of the MCAT. We start with the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. We then go into various theories including evolutionary, arousal, drive-reduction, incentive, three needs theory, Maslow’s hierarchy, and the correlation between harmful behaviors like addiction and motivation. Lastly we get into emotion, covering its three...
Jun 06, 2024•57 min
In this episode, we focus on the cardiovascular system and its connection to fluid mechanics. Beginning with an exploration of cardiovascular anatomy, the discussion covers various aspects of the heart: its function, contraction mechanism, the diverse cell types found within it, and its essential role in regulating blood pressure. Finally, in the latter part of the episode, several fluid mechanics topics pertinent to the MCAT and their application to the cardiovascular system are addressed. Thes...
Jun 04, 2024•58 min
This podcast addresses translational motion. First, vectors are covered. Then, the variables of acceleration, velocity, and position are discussed. Next, the host discusses the relationship between those three variables. Finally, it covers free fall, projectile motion, air resistance, and friction. The example link for this segment is provided here: Geogebra Example Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the conversation: [00:00] MCAT Tutoring from MedSchoolCoach [00:34]...
May 30, 2024•51 min
This podcast explores cell organelles, organized into five categories: organelles found in all cells, eukaryotic cells, plant and bacterial cells, human and bacterial cells, human cells only, and plant cells only. The organelles discussed include ribosomes, vacuoles, cytoskeleton, plasma membrane, peroxisome, proteasome, nucleus, nucleolus, smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosome, cell wall, flagella, mitochondria, melanosome, and chloroplasts. Visit MedSchoolCoach.com ...
May 28, 2024•55 min
This podcast discusses chemical kinetics and solubility. It begins with an exploration of kinetics, including the general concept, collision theory, rate laws, and the Arrhenius equation. Next, it delves into solubility, covering the general concept, solubility product (Ksp), the common ion effect, selective precipitation, and Henry’s law. Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the conversation: [00:00] MCAT Tutoring from MedSchoolCoach [00:34] Welcome to MCAT Basics [01...
May 23, 2024•50 min
This lecture covers basic quantum theory, quantum numbers, hybridization, types of bonds, and nuclear decay. Please email me if you have any comments or concerns: MCATpodcast@medschoolcoach.com To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at Prospective Doctor . Thanks for listening!
Apr 02, 2024•50 min
This podcast is the first in a series of lectures covering genetics. I cover the following topics: brief history of basic genetic principals, evolution, chromosomal theory (including mutations), mitosis and meiosis, and inheritance patterns. Please email me if you have any comments or concerns: MCATpodcast@medschoolcoach.com To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at Prospective Doctor . Thanks for listening!...
Feb 29, 2024•50 min
This MCAT podcast covers the respiratory system. First, I cover the anatomy of the respiratory system. Then, I dive into its main functions: Gas exchange (breathing mechanisms here too) Thermoregulation Particle filtration pH control Lastly I talk about how the respiratory system is controlled. Please email me if you have any comments or concerns: MCATpodcast@medschoolcoach.com To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at Prospective Doctor ....
Nov 14, 2023•48 min
