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Social Institutions

MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

Release Date: 09/12/2024

Enzyme Kinetics, Inhibition, and Categorization show art Enzyme Kinetics, Inhibition, and Categorization

MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

In this episode, we explore enzyme kinetics and inhibition, key concepts for the MCAT Bio/Biochem section. We’ll cover how enzymes accelerate biological reactions by lowering activation energy and introduce two models for enzyme-substrate interaction: the lock-and-key model and the induced fit model. You'll learn how to apply the Michaelis-Menten equation, focusing on factors like Km and Vmax to understand enzyme efficiency and substrate binding. We’ll also break down the different types of enzyme inhibition—competitive, non-competitive, and uncompetitive—and their effects on enzyme...

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Biomolecule Structure, Naming, And Function show art Biomolecule Structure, Naming, And Function

MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

In this episode, we’ll learn the intricate world of biomolecule structure, naming, and function. We'll explore the structural nuances between glucose and fructose and unravel the complexities of glycosidic linkages in sucrose. We'll also examine the vital roles of fatty acids, the composition of triglycerides and phospholipids, and their impact on cell membrane architecture and fluidity. Plus, we discuss cholesterol's bidirectional regulation of membrane stability and the contrasting roles of LDL and HDL in cardiovascular health. We’ll dive into the essential structures and functions of...

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Metabolism: Gluconeogenesis, Pentose Phosphate Pathway, and More show art Metabolism: Gluconeogenesis, Pentose Phosphate Pathway, and More

MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

In this episode, we're diving deep into the nuanced aspects of metabolism that are essential yet less prominently featured on the MCAT. We'll cover gluconeogenesis, the pentose phosphate pathway, and ketone body generation—topics that, while subtle, play a crucial role in your comprehensive understanding of biochemistry.  We'll explore how your body manages glucose levels, the functions of NADPH, how glycogen is synthesized and broken down, and the metabolic adaptations during periods of low glucose.  Visit for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro...

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Metabolism: Glycolysis, Krebs Cycle, Electron Transport Chain show art 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 ...

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Acids and Bases show art 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...

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The Nervous System show art 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...

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Amino Acids show art 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...

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Gluconeogenesis show art 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...

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Electron Transport Chain show art 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 ...

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The Krebs Cycle show art 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...

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More Episodes

In this episode, we focus on the structure and role of key social institutions for the MCAT Psych/Soc section. We'll break down the five major institutions—health and medicine, education, family, religion, and government—and explain how each shapes societal norms and individual behavior.

You’ll learn about concepts like medicalization, the sick role, and how healthcare is delivered, as well as the hidden curriculum and educational segregation. We’ll also cover family structures, kinship types, and how religion influences social change. Lastly, we’ll touch on political systems and the difference between power and authority, all of which are important for the MCAT.

By the end, you’ll be equipped to understand how these institutions impact society and approach related MCAT questions with confidence.

Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.

 

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:03) Introduction to Social Institutions

(01:54) Definition of Social Institutions

(04:24) Formal vs. Informal Institutions

(05:03) Health and Medicine: Structure and Function

(07:49) Medicalization and the Sick Role

(09:56) Delivery of Healthcare

(12:18) Illness Experience

(13:59) Social Epidemiology

(17:05) Education: Structure and Function

(19:37) Educational Segregation and Stratification

(24:03) Teacher Expectancy

(25:06) Family: Structure and Function

(28:46) Violence in the Family

(29:26) Religion: Structure and Function

(32:25) Religion and Social Change

(35:43) Government and Economy: Structure and Function

(37:11) Power vs. Authority

(38:23) Types of Political Systems

(41:06) Division of Labor