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Metabolism: Glycolysis, Krebs Cycle, Electron Transport Chain

Release Date: 10/31/2024

MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

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MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

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Genetics: Chromosomes, Meiosis and Mitosis, and Inheritance Patterns

MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

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Enzyme Kinetics, Inhibition, and Categorization

MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

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MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

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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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

More Episodes

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 MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(03:15) Ten steps of glycolysis: Intermediate names and enzymes

(08:01) Simplified glycolysis process: Breaking down key steps

(12:30) Glycolysis regulation: Allosteric regulation of enzymes

(21:13) Mnemonics for Krebs cycle intermediates

(25:52) Regulation of the Krebs cycle: ATP, calcium, and more

(30:26) Electron transport chain: Overview and key steps

(34:35) ATP synthase

(33:00) Reduction potentials in the electron transport chain

(37:31) Synopsis of metabolism

(40:34) MCAT Advice of the Day

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