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Glycolysis
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
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Biosignaling
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
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25:54
Gas Phase
In this episode, guest host Alex Starks dives into Gas-Phase Concepts for the MCAT. He breaks down the physical properties of gases, explores the ideal gas law, and unpacks the ABCD laws of gases. Alex also covers key conditions that influence molecular collisions in gases and highlights the most important takeaways to help you excel in this section of the exam. Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro: Med School Coach promotion and podcast introduction (02:01) Physical properties of gases (06:03) The ideal gas laws (09:40) Conditions that promote molecular collisions in gases (10:34) The ABCD gas law (13:02) The Van der Waals equation (14:33) Gas laws quiz (16:29) Key takeaways
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The Lymphatic System
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
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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