MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

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: [email protected]
To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at Prospective Doctor.
Thanks for listening!

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: [email protected]
To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at Prospective Doctor.
Thanks for listening!

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: [email protected]
To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at Prospective Doctor.
Thanks for listening!

In this episode, we focus on biosignaling and cover how cells communicate through systems like voltage-gated and ligand-gated ion channels, using real-world examples such as neuronal signaling and muscle contraction.
We also break down the role of enzyme-linked receptors, specifically receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), and explore how these pathways are involved in cell growth and cancer. Additionally, we take a detailed look at G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and their role in activating secondary messenger systems like cyclic AMP (cAMP).
Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(00:32) Overview of Biosignaling
(01:05) Introduction to Biosignaling and its Importance
(01:49) Stimulus-Response Concept: Fight or flight, glucose homeostasis, transcription regulation
(02:34) Voltage-Gated Ion Channels: Activated by changes in membrane potential
(03:29) Action Potential: Sodium channels and signal propagation
(05:01) Ligand-Gated Ion Channels: Role in neuron-to-neuron signaling
(06:01) Muscle Contraction: Acetylcholine's role in skeletal muscle contraction
(07:29) Misconception on Calcium: Sodium initiates muscle cell depolarization, not calcium
(08:33) Enzyme-Linked Receptors: Focus on receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs)
(09:39) RTKs and Cancer: How RTK signaling pathways are linked to cancer
(12:00) G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCR): Structure and function of GPCRs
(14:43) Adenylate Cyclase and cAMP: Role of GTP in activating adenylate cyclase and producing cAMP
(18:10) Quiz Question 1: Ion specificity in potassium channels
(22:54) Quiz Question 2: Hypertension treatment and G-protein pathways
(25:00) Biosignaling as the foundation for cellular responses

In this episode, guest host Alex Starks introduces the Metabolism series by examining glycolysis, a fundamental biochemical pathway for energy production. The discussion covers glucose digestion, the role of insulin and glucose transporters, and the step-by-step breakdown of glucose within cells. Alex also offers a detailed explanation of how glucose is processed to generate energy and outlines the key reactions involved. This episode provides a thorough overview of glycolysis offers valuable study strategies for mastering this topic on the MCAT.
Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(01:08) Overview of metabolism and starting the series
(02:41) Digestion and absorption of glucose into the bloodstream
(04:10) The liver’s role in glucose transport and GLUT2
(05:05) The role of insulin in glucose uptake by muscles and fat cells
(07:48) Trapping glucose in the cell with glucose phosphorylation
(09:32) Glycolysis Step-by-step breakdown of glycolysis
(17:41) NADH and ATP production during glycolysis
(22:30) Pyruvate and NADH fates in anaerobic and aerobic respiration
(25:12) Quiz: Metabolism quiz and study tips for the MCAT