Adaptive Immune System
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
To continue our discussion on the immune system, in this episode, we will cover the second type of immune system – the adaptive immune system. We start with covering some vocabulary that you’ll need to know to understand the immune system, then we move into the cells that make up the adaptive immune system. Then we break down the two branches of the adaptive immune system - humoral immunity including the discussion of B cells and cell-mediated immunity highlighting T cells. Don’t miss our previous episode on the other type of immune system, the innate...
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Innate Immune System
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
The immune system is split up into two main categories - the adaptive immune system and the innate immune system. This episode will cover the intricacies of the innate immune system beginning with an overview of its constituent cells. We will then explore three pivotal elements of the system: anatomical barriers, the general inflammatory response, and the complement system. This will show up in the bio/biochem section of the MCAT. For additional reading on this topic, you can refer to the . Visit for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the conversation: [00:00] MCAT Tutoring from...
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Separation and Purification Techniques
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
This episode of MCAT Basics covers several separation and purification techniques you may see on the MCAT. We’ll cover these techniques in three distinct categories: small molecules, proteins, and cells. Within the small molecule category, we’ll discuss extraction, crystallization and recrystallization, and chromatography (TLC and HPLC). For proteins, we cover SDS-page, precipitation, soelectric focusing, and chromatography variations. Lastly, we’ll explain, within the world of cells, centrifugation, flow cytometry, and microfluidics. Visit for more help with the...
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Circuit Variables & Elements
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
This episode of MCAT Basics covers the world of circuits. We will explore electrical circuits and their fundamental principles. We’ll start with dissecting the essential parameters that form the backbone of circuits: voltage, current, resistance, and power. These are the building blocks upon which all circuit dynamics are based. Next, we'll explore a variety of circuit elements, from resistors to batteries, capacitors, and switches. Each of these components plays a vital role in shaping the behavior of circuits and understanding their functionality. Finally, we'll delve into Ohm’s Law and...
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DNA Replication and Central Dogma
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
DNA replication and the central dogma are fundamental concepts in molecular biology, and breaking down the different replication methods and the processes of transcription and translation is crucial for understanding how genetic information is expressed and passed on in cells. In the first part of our episode, we'll break down DNA replication, exploring the concepts of conservative, semi-conservative, and dispersive replication, unraveling the mechanisms that drive this fundamental process. Later, we'll focus on transcription and translation, delving into the nuances between prokaryotic and...
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Thermodynamics
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
This podcast covers thermodynamics. First, I discuss the four laws of thermodynamics, as well as their application on the MCAT. Then, I break down enthalpy, Gibbs free energy, and entropy (briefly). Lastly, I cover the three types of heat transfer: conduction, convection, and radiation. CORRECTION: First Law of Thermodynamics is U =Q - W, I said 'U = Q + W'. For U = Q - W, W (work) is defined as work done BY the system on its surroundings. Please email me if you have any comments or concerns: To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us...
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Cell and Tissue Types
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
This podcast covers cell and tissue types. First, I discuss the difference between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. I further break down these categories and talk about the differences between animal, plant, fungi, protozoa, archaea, and bacterial cells. Next, I talk about each of the four main tissue types: epithelial, muscle, connective, and nervous. The bulk of this section covers epithelial tissue. Please email me if you have any comments or concerns: To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at . Thanks for listening!
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Renal Physiology
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
This podcast covers renal physiology. I start with a brief introduction to renal anatomy, then discuss in detail renal physiology. Next, I introduce three hormones (ADH, aldosterone, and ANP) that effect the kidneys and discuss their effects on the nephron. Lastly, I talk about measurements of renal function. Please email me if you have any comments or concerns: To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at . Thanks for listening!
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Psychosocial Development and Identity
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
This podcast covers identity and psychosocial development. First, I will define a few terms you may see on the MCAT regarding identity. Next, I will breakdown the following theories of identity development: Erickson’s psychosocial development theory, Freud’s theory of psychosexual development, Paiget’s development theory, Kohlberg’s moral development theory, George Herbert Mead’s the I and the me, Cooley’s looking glass self, and Vygotsky’s social development theory. Please email me if you have any comments or concerns: To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along...
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Functional Groups: Physical and Chemical Properties
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
This podcast covers the main functional groups you will see on the MCAT. First, I will cover different physical properties (boiling point and solubility) of compounds containing the 8 most common functional groups: alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, and amides. I then mention the difference in reactivities of different carboxylic acid derivatives. Last, I’ll introduce a few less common functional groups that you may see on the MCAT. Please email me if you have any comments or concerns: To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school...
info_outlineDNA replication and the central dogma are fundamental concepts in molecular biology, and breaking down the different replication methods and the processes of transcription and translation is crucial for understanding how genetic information is expressed and passed on in cells.
In the first part of our episode, we'll break down DNA replication, exploring the concepts of conservative, semi-conservative, and dispersive replication, unraveling the mechanisms that drive this fundamental process.
Later, we'll focus on transcription and translation, delving into the nuances between prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. We'll uncover the mechanisms by which genetic information is transcribed from DNA to RNA and then translated into proteins, all while considering the diverse cellular locations where these processes take place.
Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.
Jump into the conversation:
[01:07] Episode Overview
[01:54] DNA replication explanation
[05:53] Three phases of replication - initiation, elongation, and termination
[25:12] Central Dogma description
[25:50] Transcription Process
[36:31] The differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic transcription
[37:58] Translation Process