MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

One of the most fundamental biochemical processes is the Krebs cycle. This metabolic pathway plays a critical role in both the Chem Phys and Bio/Biochem sections of the MCAT, so understanding it is key.
In this episode, our guest host, Alex Starks, walks us through the transformation of pyruvate into acetyl CoA via the Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex (PDC). We’ll explore how thioester bonds help transfer energy within the cycle, how acetyl CoA combines with oxaloacetate to form citrate, the difference between enzymes like synthetases and synthases, and how GTP is produced. We’ll also make connections to the electron transport chain and discuss how the TCA cycle influences blood pH through CO2 production.
Visit medschoolcoach.com for more help with the MCAT.
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(01:05) Recap of glycolysis and pyruvate
(02:45) Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC)
(03:40) Role of acetyl CoA in the Krebs cycle
(05:37) How citrate is formed 
(07:17) How isocitrate is formed
(10:00) How alpha-ketoglutarate is formed
(13:42) How  succinate and GTP are formed
(16:28) How succinate, fumarate and oxaloacetate are formed
(18:23) Fumarate converted to malate
(21:53) Recap of the Krebs cycle and ATP yield
(25:00) Regulation of the Krebs cycle
(26:16) Quiz

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In this episode, we cover the respiratory system, an important topic for the MCAT Bio/Biochem section. We'll go over the anatomy of the respiratory system, highlighting key structures such as the lungs, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli, and explain how they contribute to respiratory functions.
You'll also learn about the main roles of the respiratory system, including gas exchange, thermoregulation, particle filtration, and maintaining blood pH. We’ll break down the mechanics of breathing, including the role of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, and how pressure changes drive air into and out of the lungs. We also cover the importance of pulmonary surfactant in preventing alveolar collapse and how partial pressures influence gas movement.
Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(01:02) Overview: Functions of the respiratory system
(01:28) Main Functions: Gas exchange, thermal regulation, particle filtration, pH control
(02:20) Upper Respiratory Tract: Nose, nasal cavity, sinuses, larynx, trachea
(05:00) Lower Respiratory Tract: Lungs, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli
(09:28) Airflow Pathway: How air travels through the respiratory system
(10:23) Gas Exchange: Oxygenation and CO2 removal
(11:27) Breathing Mechanics: Diaphragm and intercostal muscles
(13:04) Pressure Differentials: How pressure changes drive airflow
(15:01) Surface Tension in Alveoli: Importance of pulmonary surfactant
(18:17) Lung Compliance and Elasticity: How lung tissue stretches and returns to shape
(21:48) Gas Exchange Process: Partial pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide
(24:59) Partial Pressure Explained: Role in moving gases during respiration
(30:31) Thermoregulation: Maintaining body temperature through respiration
(35:59) Particle Filtration: Nasal hairs and mucous cilia system
(39:44) pH Regulation: How breathing controls blood pH
(41:18) Respiratory Control: Involuntary and voluntary mechanisms, brainstem functions

In this episode, we dive into psychological disorders, a crucial topic for the Psych/Soc section of the MCAT. We’ll start by defining what a psychological disorder is, highlighting key concepts like significant stress and deviant behavior, and discussing how they’re classified using the DSM-5.
You'll learn about various categories of disorders, including anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, trauma and stressor-related disorders, and more. We’ll explore the biopsychosocial and biomedical approaches to understanding these conditions, providing insight into the biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to mental health issues.
By the end of this episode, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of the different types of psychological disorders and how they are categorized and treated, helping you tackle related questions on the MCAT.
Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.

Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro: Med School Coach promotion and podcast introduction
(01:03) Overview of Psychological Disorders: Episode topics and structure
(02:13) Defining Psychological Disorders: Significant stress and deviant behavior
(05:29) Biopsychosocial vs. Biomedical Approaches: Holistic vs. traditional perspectives
(09:18) DSM-5 Classification of Psychological Disorders: Overview of main categories
(10:37) Anxiety Disorders: Fear and anxiety beyond normal levels
(16:43) Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Obsessions and compulsions explained
(18:20) Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders: PTSD and related disorders
(19:19) Somatic Symptom Disorders: Physical symptoms causing mental distress
(22:01) Bipolar and Related Disorders: Mood swings and differentiating Bipolar I and II

In this episode, we focus on the lymphatic system, a crucial topic for the Bio/Biochem section of the MCAT. We'll cover the structure of the lymphatic system, including lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, and major organs such as the bone marrow and thymus. You'll also learn about the system’s primary functions: returning fluid to the blood, supporting the immune system, and absorbing fats and fat-soluble nutrients.
Hosts Sam Smith and Alex Starks break down how the lymphatic system plays a vital role in immunity, nutrient absorption, and fluid balance. By the end of this episode, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the lymphatic system's anatomy and physiology, helping you prepare for MCAT-related questions.

Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.


Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro: Med School Coach MCAT Tutoring Promotion
(01:01) Episode Introduction: Lymphatic System Overview
(01:07) Co-Host Introduction: Sam Smith and Alex Starks
(01:19) Episode Outline: Structure and Functions of the Lymphatic System
(02:39) Structure of the Lymphatic System: Vessels, Nodes, and Organs
(04:06) Lymph: Composition and Role in the Body
(04:44) Lymphatic Vessels and Their Role in Transport
(06:50) Primary and Secondary Lymphoid Organs: Bone Marrow, Thymus, and Lymph Nodes
(09:10) Bone Marrow and B-Cell Maturation
(09:45) Thymus and T-Cell Maturation