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Aging

MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

Release Date: 09/05/2024

Thermodynamics show art Thermodynamics

MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

Thermodynamics is fundamental to mastering chemistry concepts and understanding the energy dynamics within biological systems crucial for the MCAT. In this episode, host Sam Smith dives into the laws of thermodynamics, covering everything from the zeroth law to the third. You'll explore key concepts like enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs Free Energy and learn how they apply to reaction spontaneity and equilibrium. Sam also gives practical examples, including how the equilibrium constant and reaction quotient (Q vs. K) affect reactions, and covers types of heat transfer—conduction, convection, and...

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Cell and Tissue Types show art Cell and Tissue Types

MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

Cells and tissues form the building blocks of life, which are crucial for mastering key concepts in the MCAT’s biology and biochemistry sections. In this episode, host Sam Smith breaks down the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, exploring animal, plant, and bacterial cell structures alongside unique cell types like erythrocytes. You’ll gain insights into the various tissue types—epithelial, muscle, connective, and nervous—along with their roles in the body. Plus, Sam highlights essential details on ribosome size, cell reproduction methods, and structural elements...

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Renal Physiology show art Renal Physiology

MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

Understanding the kidneys' role in the body’s balance is essential for the MCAT and beyond. In this episode, host Sam Smith discusses renal physiology, covering everything from kidney anatomy to the nephron’s critical functions in filtration, reabsorption, secretion, and excretion. You’ll explore the roles of the renal cortex and medulla, learn about the loop of Henle, and uncover the importance of ions, plasma volume, and pH regulation in kidney function. Plus, we’ll examine hormones like ADH and aldosterone and their impact on fluid balance, as well as essential measurements like...

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Psychosocial Development and Identity show art Psychosocial Development and Identity

MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

The essentials of identity theories and psychosocial development reveal the foundational elements of human behavior and self-perception. In this episode, Sam Smith discusses the core theories around identity, from Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development and Freud’s psychosexual stages to Piaget’s cognitive framework and Kohlberg’s stages of moral growth. Sam talks about how each theory is represented in MCAT questions, explaining key differences and how they impact our understanding of self-concept, self-esteem, and social roles. Whether it's Cooley’s looking-glass self or...

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Functional Groups: Physical and Chemical Properties show art Functional Groups: Physical and Chemical Properties

MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

A deep understanding of functional groups is crucial for excelling in the MCAT, as they play a key role in the reactivity, physical properties, and biological functions of molecules. In this episode, Sam Smith breaks down the essential functional groups, covering their physical and chemical properties, biological relevance, and common reaction mechanisms. From alcohols and carbonyl-containing groups like aldehydes and ketones, to nitrogen-containing amines and amides, Sam explains how these groups are presented in exam questions and their impact on biological systems.  Visit for more...

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Electromagnetism show art Electromagnetism

MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

Electromagnetism is a critical component of physics, playing a pivotal role in everything from circuits to medical imaging technologies like MRIs. It is also a crucial topic for the MCAT, appearing frequently in the physics and chemistry sections. In this episode, Sam Smith breaks down the fundamental concepts of electricity and magnetism. Sam walks through the basics of static electricity, charge conservation, and Coulomb’s Law and explains how moving charges create currents and the forces exerted by electric and magnetic fields. Visit for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the...

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Psychology and Sociology Theories show art Psychology and Sociology Theories

MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

Understanding social and psychological theories is crucial for success on the MCAT, as these concepts shape everything from human behavior to societal structures. In this episode, Sam Smith breaks down the essential sociological and psychological theories you need to master, ranging from functionalism and conflict theory to the theories of emotion. Sam explains how these theories apply to real-world scenarios, including their relevance in medicine, healthcare disparities, and patient interactions.  Visit for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (01:58)...

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The Reproductive System show art The Reproductive System

MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

In this episode of MCAT Basics, Sam Smith discusses the reproductive system and development, breaking down essential topics for the bio and biochem section of the MCAT. Sam walks through the key reproductive organs, the processes of spermatogenesis and oogenesis, and the pathway sperm and eggs take in human reproduction. Visit for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (01:30) Reproductive organs: Overview of male and female reproductive anatomy (03:16)  Spermatogenesis: The process of sperm cell development (04:55) Meiosis in spermatogenesis: From diploid to...

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Atomic Chemistry show art Atomic Chemistry

MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

Atomic chemistry is a core component of the MCAT, essential for understanding molecular behavior and periodic trends.  In this episode, host Sam Smith explores key concepts in atomic chemistry, including the intricacies of quantum theory, hybridization, and molecular geometry. You'll gain insights into electron configuration, periodic trends, and the role of quantum numbers in describing electrons. Sam also discusses the significance of nuclear decay, from alpha to beta and gamma decay, and how it impacts atomic structure. Visit for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the conversation:...

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Light and Optics show art Light and Optics

MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

A foundational part of the MCAT, light and optics bridge the gap between physics and biology, making them vital for your exam preparation. In this episode, Sam Smith breaks down the fundamentals of light, covering both its wave and particle properties. From the energy of photons and the photoelectric effect, to wave behavior and the principles of refraction and reflection, Sam simplifies complex concepts to help you grasp key equations and principles. You'll also learn about lenses, ray tracing, and the real-life applications of polarization. Visit for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the...

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More Episodes

Aging 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