Metabolism: Glycolysis, Krebs Cycle, Electron Transport Chain
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
In this episode, Sam Smith covers the intricacies of metabolism, focusing on glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain. First, the podcast explores the process of glycolysis, breaking down the key enzymes, intermediates, and regulation points. Next is the citric acid cycle, examining its regulation, energy production, and the roles of specific enzymes and intermediates. Lastly, we look at the electron transport chain and discuss how electrons are transferred through the five complexes, creating a proton gradient that drives ATP synthase to produce ATP. Visit ...
info_outline
Acids and Bases
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
Acids and bases are foundational topics in chemistry, crucial for understanding various biological and chemical systems you'll encounter in the MCAT. In this episode, host Sam Smith discusses the selection and use of indicators in titrations to the pH at the equivalence point and the importance of buffers in maintaining physiological pH levels. You'll learn about the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation, the blood buffer system, and how to tackle common problems involving acids and bases. Plus, we'll break down strong and weak acids and the significance of their dissociation constants. This episode...
info_outline
The Nervous System
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
A foundational topic for the MCAT is the nervous system, appearing in several exam sections and impacting everything from neurotransmission to brain structure. In this episode, Sam Smith walks us through the nervous system, covering its major components and functions. From the organization of the central and peripheral nervous systems to neurotransmitters and brain structures, Sam provides clear explanations to help you understand key topics like the autonomic nervous system's fight-or-flight response, brain imaging techniques, and more. Visit for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the...
info_outline
Amino Acids
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
Amino acids are the building blocks of life and an essential topic for the MCAT. In this episode, host Sam Smith takes us through the key concepts of amino acids, including their structures, naming conventions, and roles in protein formation. We’ll cover the differences between hydrophobic and hydrophilic amino acids, how to memorize single-letter abbreviations, and the importance of charged amino acids in physiological conditions. Additionally, Sam touches on mutations and how they can affect protein folding and enzyme function. Visit for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the...
info_outline
Gluconeogenesis
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
One of the body's key survival mechanisms is gluconeogenesis, a vital metabolic process, and the body's clever way of making glucose when supplies are low. On this episode of the MCAT Basics podcast, guest host Alex Starks walks through the process of gluconeogenesis. He explains how the body generates glucose when levels drop. Highlighting the liver's role, Alex explains how amino acids, lactate, and glycerol are converted into glucose. The episode also touches on the energy demands of the process and why muscle cells aren't involved in gluconeogenesis. Visit for more help with the...
info_outline
Electron Transport Chain
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
The electron transport chain is a fundamental pathway in biochemistry, critical for understanding the energy production that powers cellular function. In this episode, guest host Alex Starks breaks down the intricate process of the electron transport chain (ETC). Building on previous discussions of glucose metabolism, Alex walks through the components that play key roles in the movement of electrons through complexes within the inner mitochondrial membrane. We also cover the functions of coenzyme Q and cytochrome c, as well as oxygen’s critical role in completing the process. Visit ...
info_outline
The Krebs Cycle
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...
info_outline
Glycolysis
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
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 for more help with the MCAT. Jump into...
info_outline
Biosignaling
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
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 for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the...
info_outline
Gas Phase
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
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 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...
info_outlineAging is an essential topic for the MCAT, and in this episode, we’ll explore it from multiple angles. We start with the biological aspects of aging, including key processes like telomere shortening, cell senescence, and mitochondrial dysfunction—each providing insight into how and why cells age. From there, we dive into how aging impacts the brain, including the types of memory and cognitive functions that either decline or improve with age. Lastly, we’ll cover the sociology of aging, focusing on the life course theory, the social significance of aging, and demographic changes.
Expect a comprehensive breakdown of these concepts, with real-world applications and examples to reinforce your understanding.
Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.
Jump Into the Conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(02:30) Cellular markers of aging: Protein aggregation and telomere shortening
(04:55) Exploring cell senescence and autophagy dysregulation
(07:20) Mitochondrial dysfunction and its role in cellular aging
(09:10) Deep dive into telomeres and the Hayflick Limit
(12:30) Introduction to aging in the brain
(13:45) Memory and cognitive functions that remain stable with age
(15:30) Brain functions that improve as we age: Crystallized intelligence and emotional intelligence
(17:00) Brain functions that decline with age: Episodic memory and processing speed
(19:30) Causes of changes in brain function: Brain size, vasculature, and neurotransmitter levels
(22:15) Introduction to the life course theory and its relation to aging
(24:45) The social significance of aging in different cultures
(26:00) The aging population and its impact on healthcare