MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

In this episode, we’ll talk about  ATP or adenosine triphosphate. We will begin with a detailed examination of ATP's structure and composition as a nucleotide, followed by an explanation of the metabolic pathways involved in its production—both aerobic and anaerobic. We will also cover the pivotal process of ATP hydrolysis, emphasizing its energy release and crucial role in various cellular processes, including the sodium-potassium pump and protein phosphorylation. Additionally, we will address the limitations of ATP supplementation and the broader implications of ATP in biological transport and biosynthesis processes. This episode promises to provide a clear and thorough understanding of ATP's essential functions, ensuring you are well-prepared for your MCAT studies. Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.   Jump Into the Conversation: [00:00] Intro into Adenosine Triphosphate, otherwise known as ATP [2:09] The structure of ATP  [06:48] Where and how ATP is produced [24:04] Thermodynamics of ATP [35:16] The functions of ATP [35:31] Sodium-potassium pump or the sodium-potassium ATPase [39:45] Protein kinases and protein phosphorylation [42:48] ATP binding cassette transporter protein or ABC transporter proteins  

This MCAT Basics podcast covers biological membranes. First, the podcast introduces a few topics regarding membranes: what they are, how they are formed, their presence in the cell, and cell-to-cell junctions. Second, it addresses transport through the membrane, including simple diffusion, active vs. passive transport, and transport membrane proteins. Next, the discussion moves to membrane proteins, including receptors, transporters, and the differences between integral, peripheral, and lipid-anchored proteins. Finally, the podcast covers membrane dynamics, such as endocytosis and the transmembrane system, and discusses membrane potential.   Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.   Jump into the Conversation: [00:00] Intro into MCAT Basics [01:08] Introducing Biological Membranes [01:53] What is a membrane and what is its structure [15:33] Cell to cell junctions and the involvement of plasma membranes [17:16] Transport through a membrane [26:49] Membrane proteins [31:05] Membrane dynamics and potential  

In this episode of MCAT Basics, we’ll cover Electrochemistry. We start with the role of salt bridges in electrochemical cells and cover the intricacies of cell notation. We’ll also discuss how ions maintain charge balance, the importance of reduction and oxidation potentials, and how these elements come together in galvanic and electrolytic cells. We’ll also take a closer look at concentration cells and the critical Nernst equation, which helps us understand cell potentials under non-standard conditions. Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the Conversation: [00:00] Introduction to MCAT Basics [01:09} Introduction to Electrochemistry [03:20] Concentration cell: same metal, different ion concentrations [13:05] Visualizing galvanic cells using royal analogy [22:19] Reduction potential, oxidation potential, cell potential explained [30:47] Electrochemical cells, Gibbs free energy, and Nernst equation [41:16] Electroplating and electric current to coat metals [45:40] Electrochemistry in Nanobiology: measuring oxidation of molecules  

This podcast focuses on the eye. It begins with a brief overview of the eye's anatomy and physiology. The discussion then shifts to rods, cones, and the phototransduction pathway. The final section addresses perception. Key topics include visual field processing, differences between binocular and monocular cues, and feature detection (covering both Magno and Parvo pathways).  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 [01:06] Topics covered in this episode [02:10] Anatomy & physiology of the eye [16:02] Phototransduction pathway [26:59] Perception  [28:13] Visual field processing [31:34] Binocular versus monocular queues [35:02] Visual feature detection - Gestalt principles [38:18] Parallel Processing [39:12] Parvo versus Magno pathways  

In this episode, we focus on the physiology of sound and hearing. We begin by exploring sound-related concepts, including sound waves, pitch, ultrasound, and the decibel system. Next, we delve into the anatomy and physiology of the ear, providing a clear understanding of how we perceive sound. This material will appear in two of the four MCAT sections: the Bio/Biochem and Physics/Chemistry sections. Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.   [00:00] Introduction [01:50] Physics of sound waves [06:07] Wavelength and frequency equation [08:08] Equation for the speed of sound [11:01] Overall takeaway for the MCAT [11:15] Ultrasound imaging [14:23] The decibel system [18:05] Anatomy and physiology of the ear