MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

Available Episodes

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Enzyme Kinetics, Inhibition, and Categorization
In this episode, we explore enzyme kinetics and inhibition, key concepts for the MCAT Bio/Biochem section. We’ll cover how enzymes accelerate biological reactions by lowering activation energy and introduce two models for enzyme-substrate interaction: the lock-and-key model and the induced fit model. You'll learn how to apply the Michaelis-Menten equation, focusing on factors like Km and Vmax to understand enzyme efficiency and substrate binding. We’ll also break down the different types of enzyme inhibition—competitive, non-competitive, and uncompetitive—and their effects on enzyme activity. Finally, we discuss the six major types of enzymes and their roles in biological processes, with examples like ligases, isomerases, and hydrolases. Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Introduction to enzyme kinetics and inhibition (01:58) Definition of enzymes and their role (03:50) Enzyme models: lock and key vs. induced fit (06:28) Michaelis-Menten Equation (10:53) Association and dissociation constants (12:34) Kcat and catalytic efficiency (14:43) Assumptions of Michaelis-Menten (18:23) Lineweaver-Burk Plot: linearized Michaelis-Menten Equation (21:09) Enzyme inhibition: reversible vs. irreversible (22:14) Competitive inhibition: Km and Vmax (24:46) Non-competitive inhibition: Effects on Km and Vmax (27:20) Irreversible inhibition (29:13) Allosteric inhibition (31:26) Homotropic and feedback inhibition (37:40) Common biological enzymes: dehydrogenase, synthetase, and kinase (43:44) MCAT Advice of the Day
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Genetics: Chromosomes, Meiosis and Mitosis, and Inheritance Patterns
In this episode, we cover the foundational concepts of genetics, focusing on chromosomes, mitosis, meiosis, and inheritance patterns—important topics for the MCAT Bio/Biochem section. We’ll discuss how Gregor Mendel’s laws of segregation, independent assortment, and dominance influence inheritance and how Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection relates to modern genetics. The episode includes an overview of chromosome structure, the differences between X and Y chromosomes, and the effects of chromosomal mutations like deletions, duplications, and translocations. Mitosis and meiosis are also explained, with an emphasis on their roles in cell division and genetic diversity. Additionally, we explore genetic concepts such as codominance, incomplete dominance, genetic leakage, and how factors like penetrance and expressivity influence gene expression. Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Introduction to Genetics and Chromosomes (01:41) Background on genetics: Key figures and their contributions (Mendel, Darwin) (03:37) Mendel’s Laws: Segregation, independent assortment, and dominance (05:50) Charles Darwin: Evolution and natural selection in genetics (09:43) Chromosomes and DNA: Discovery and role in inheritance (11:29) Chromosome Numbers and Structure: Ploidy, chromatids, and human chromosomes (14:06) X and Y Chromosomes: Sex determination and sex-linked traits (18:34) Chromosomal Mutations: Duplication, deletion, inversion, translocation (22:00) Mitosis: Stages and the production of identical daughter cells (28:16) Meiosis: Gamete formation and genetic diversity (32:40) Centrosome, Centromere, and Centriole: Roles in cell division (33:50) Genes and Phenotypes: Alleles, genotypes, and their effect on traits (38:28) Dominant and Recessive Alleles: How traits are determined (40:37) Genetic Leakage, Penetrance, and Expressivity: Gene flow, expression likelihood, and variability (42:47) MCAT Advice of the Day
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43:57
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43:57
Metabolism: Glycolysis, Krebs Cycle, Electron Transport Chain
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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Acids and Bases
Acids and bases are foundational topics in chemistry, crucial for understanding various biological and chemical systems you'll encounter in the MCAT. In this episode, host Sam Smith discusses the selection and use of indicators in titrations to the pH at the equivalence point and the importance of buffers in maintaining physiological pH levels. You'll learn about the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation, the blood buffer system, and how to tackle common problems involving acids and bases. Plus, we'll break down strong and weak acids and the significance of their dissociation constants. This episode also shares tips on calculating pH, using ICE tables for weak acid problems, and converting between pH, pOH, and ion concentrations. Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (02:16) Basic definitions of acids and bases (11:33) Calculating pH (24:55) Titrations (35:26) Buffers (41:16) Blood buffer system (45:25) MCAT advice of the day
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46:26
The Nervous System
A foundational topic for the MCAT is the nervous system, appearing in several exam sections and impacting everything from neurotransmission to brain structure. In this episode, Sam Smith walks us through the nervous system, covering its major components and functions. From the organization of the central and peripheral nervous systems to neurotransmitters and brain structures, Sam provides clear explanations to help you understand key topics like the autonomic nervous system's fight-or-flight response, brain imaging techniques, and more. Visit medschoolcoach.com for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (01:03) How the central and peripheral nervous systems are organized (02:33) Autonomic and somatic systems (03:22) Sympathetic and parasympathetic branches (04:12) How the brain is structured: forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain (11:44) How brain imaging techniques (CT, MRI, EEG, fMRI, PET) are used (14:06) How neurons are structured and how they transmit signals (16:00) How action potentials work and how ion channels play a role (20:30) How myelin sheaths speed up signals (25:00) How language processing happens in Broca's and Wernicke's areas (28:00) Neurological disorders (43:45) The structures of the limbic system (47:25) The structures of the brain related to addiction
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About MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

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.

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