The Respiratory System
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
In this episode, we cover the respiratory system, an important topic for the MCAT Bio/Biochem section. We'll go over the anatomy of the respiratory system, highlighting key structures such as the lungs, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli, and explain how they contribute to respiratory functions. You'll also learn about the main roles of the respiratory system, including gas exchange, thermoregulation, particle filtration, and maintaining blood pH. We’ll break down the mechanics of breathing, including the role of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, and how pressure changes drive air into...
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DNA Mutations and Repair
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
In 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...
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Social Institutions
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
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...
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Aromatic Compounds
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
In this episode, we break down aromatic compounds, a crucial topic for the Biochem and Chem/Phys sections of the MCAT. You’ll learn what makes a compound aromatic, how to identify them using Huckel’s Rule, and the difference between aromatic, antiaromatic, and nonaromatic compounds. Sam Smith covers key examples like benzene, toluene, and phenol, and explains their role in biological systems like DNA and the electron transport chain. With practical tips and MCAT-focused insights, you'll be ready to tackle questions on aromatic compounds with confidence. Visit for more help with the MCAT....
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Aging
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
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...
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Personality
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
In this episode, we focus on personality and the theories relevant for the MCAT. We’ll cover key perspectives, such as psychoanalytic theory, humanistic theory, and trait theory, along with the influence of social cognitive and biological factors on personality development. You’ll get an overview of the different personality disorders, categorized into clusters like odd or eccentric behavior, dramatic or erratic behavior, and anxious or fearful behavior. You’ll also gain an understanding of specific disorders, including narcissistic personality disorder, antisocial personality...
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Molecular Structure and Absorption Spectra
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
In this episode, we cover molecular structure and the key spectroscopy techniques you need to know for the MCAT. We'll explore the intricacies of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy, breaking down the chemical shifts and spin-splitting essentials for understanding hydrogen and carbon bonds in various compounds. You'll learn how to identify functional groups using Infrared (IR) spectroscopy and how mass spectrometry can help determine molecular weights and identify unknown compounds. We'll also touch on UV-Vis spectroscopy and its role in quantifying compounds based on absorption spectra....
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The Doppler Effect
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
The Doppler Effect is a crucial concept for the MCAT, particularly in the Chemistry & Physics section. We'll explore how the Doppler effect occurs when a wave source moves relative to an observer, affecting the observed frequency and wavelength. Using practical examples like an ambulance speeding towards you, we'll bring these concepts to life. We'll also break down the Doppler effect equation, examining what it reveals—and what it doesn’t—about wave behavior. By the end of this episode, you'll have a solid understanding of The Doppler effect and will be ready to tackle any related...
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Viruses
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
In this episode, we cover the topic of viruses. We explore a comprehensive range of subtopics including the definition and structure of viruses, their life cycles, and the differences between transduction and transfection. We also discuss virus classification, viral mutations, and subviral particles. This material will primarily appear in the Bio/Biochem section of the MCAT. Visit for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the conversation: [00:00] Introduction [01:57] Definition of a virus [02:55] Virus structure [10:41] The viral life cycle [17:34] The bacteriophage life cycle...
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Work and Energy
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
In this episode, we cover the topic of work and energy. We’ll start off by talking about work, which includes the mathematical and conceptual definitions and the sign convention of work. We’ll also talk a little bit about mechanical advantage and also path dependency. Moving on to energy, we’ll talk about the general definition of energy, we’ll compare and contrast energy in work and the different types of energy that includes kinetic energy, potential energy, thermal energy, and total mechanical energy. Lastly, we’ll talk about energy transfer, specifically heat transfer, and 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