Social Groups
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
Mastering the concept of sociological groups can unlock a deeper understanding of how we interact and influence each other. On top of that, social interactions and group dynamics form the backbone of the Psych/Soc section of the MCAT, so mastering this topic is key to a good score. In this episode, host Sam Smith breaks down the essential topic of sociological groups. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the different types of groups, the dynamics within organizations, bureaucracy, and social networks, and key concepts like groupthink, group polarization, and social loafing. We...
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Genetics: Gene Expression
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
In this episode, we explore key topics in genetics, including how sex-linked and autosomal traits are inherited. We'll break down inheritance patterns using real-world examples, like X-linked recessive diseases, and walk through Punnett square problems to show how these traits are passed down. We also cover the regulation of gene expression, focusing on epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation and how genetic imprinting impacts which genes are expressed. You'll gain insight into transcriptional and post-transcriptional control mechanisms in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, along with the...
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Genetics: Chromosomes, Meiosis and Mitosis, and Inheritance Patterns
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
In this episode, we cover the foundational concepts of genetics, focusing on chromosomes, mitosis, meiosis, and inheritance patterns—important topics for the MCAT Bio/Biochem section. We’ll discuss how Gregor Mendel’s laws of segregation, independent assortment, and dominance influence inheritance and how Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection relates to modern genetics. The episode includes an overview of chromosome structure, the differences between X and Y chromosomes, and the effects of chromosomal mutations like deletions, duplications, and translocations. Mitosis and...
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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_outlineIn this episode, we focus on DNA mutations and repair, a key topic for the Bio/Biochem section of the MCAT. We'll cover the different types of mutations, including point mutations, insertions, and deletions, and explain how they occur due to replication errors or environmental factors like UV radiation.
You'll also learn about the repair mechanisms that fix these genetic changes, such as direct reversal, mismatch repair, and base excision repair. We’ll also discuss how double-strand breaks are addressed through homologous recombination and non-homologous end joining.
By the end of this episode, you'll gain a thorough understanding of how mutations happen and the processes the body uses to repair them, helping you prepare for related MCAT questions.
Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(01:07) Overview of DNA Mutations and Repair
(01:45) What is a Mutation?
(02:30) Mutations During DNA Replication
(03:29) DNA Polymerase Slippage: Causes duplication of repeated sequences in DNA
(06:15) Mutations Before or After Replication: Caused by mutagens like radiation or chemicals
(07:19) Mutagens vs. Carcinogens: Differences between agents that cause mutations and those that cause cancer
(09:56) Types of Mutations: Overview of point mutations, insertions, and deletions
(12:00) Frameshift Mutations: How insertions or deletions shift the reading frame
(29:50) Chromosomal Mutations: Inversions and translocations
(35:35) DNA Repair Mechanisms: Introduction to replication repair, mutation repair, and break repair
(36:51) Proofreading by DNA Polymerase: Repairing replication errors
(39:20) Direct Reversal DNA Repair: Enzymes directly fix damaged DNA
(40:41) Mismatch Repair: Fixing base mismatches and insertion-deletion loops
(43:25) Base Excision Repair: Correcting single-base mutations
(46:03) Nucleotide Excision Repair: Fixing bulky DNA damage like pyrimidine dimers
(47:56) Interstrand Cross-Link Repair: Repairing DNA strands covalently cross-linked together
(50:27) Single-Strand Break Repair: Ligating broken DNA strands back together
(51:16) Double-Strand Break Repair: Homologous recombination and non-homologous end joining
(54:13) Summary of DNA repair mechanisms