Libsyn Directory

Biomolecule Structure, Naming, And Function

Release Date: 11/07/2024

MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

This podcast discusses chemical kinetics and solubility. It begins with an exploration of kinetics, including the general concept, collision theory, rate laws, and the Arrhenius equation. Next, it delves into solubility, covering the general concept, solubility product (Ksp), the common ion effect, selective precipitation, and Henry’s law. Visit for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the conversation: [00:00] MCAT Tutoring from MedSchoolCoach [00:34] Welcome to MCAT Basics [01:06] Topics covered in this episode [02:37] What is general kinetics [08:53] Collision Theory [11:08] Rate...

Physiology and Perception of the Eye

MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

This podcast focuses on the eye. It begins with a brief overview of the eye's anatomy and physiology. The discussion then shifts to rods, cones, and the phototransduction pathway. The final section addresses perception. Key topics include visual field processing, differences between binocular and monocular cues, and feature detection (covering both Magno and Parvo pathways). Visit for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the conversation: [00:00] MCAT Tutoring from MedSchoolCoach [00:34] Welcome to MCAT Basics [01:06] Topics covered in this episode [02:10] Anatomy & physiology...

Adaptive Immune System

MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

To continue our discussion on the immune system, in this episode, we will cover the second type of immune system – the adaptive immune system. We start with covering some vocabulary that you’ll need to know to understand the immune system, then we move into the cells that make up the adaptive immune system. Then we break down the two branches of the adaptive immune system - humoral immunity including the discussion of B cells and cell-mediated immunity highlighting T cells. Don’t miss our previous episode on the other type of immune system, the innate...

Innate Immune System

MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

The immune system is split up into two main categories - the adaptive immune system and the innate immune system. This episode will cover the intricacies of the innate immune system beginning with an overview of its constituent cells. We will then explore three pivotal elements of the system: anatomical barriers, the general inflammatory response, and the complement system. This will show up in the bio/biochem section of the MCAT. For additional reading on this topic, you can refer to the . Visit for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the conversation: [00:00] MCAT Tutoring from...

Separation and Purification Techniques

MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

This episode of MCAT Basics covers several separation and purification techniques you may see on the MCAT. We’ll cover these techniques in three distinct categories: small molecules, proteins, and cells. Within the small molecule category, we’ll discuss extraction, crystallization and recrystallization, and chromatography (TLC and HPLC). For proteins, we cover SDS-page, precipitation, soelectric focusing, and chromatography variations. Lastly, we’ll explain, within the world of cells, centrifugation, flow cytometry, and microfluidics. Visit for more help with the...

Circuit Variables & Elements

MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

This episode of MCAT Basics covers the world of circuits. We will explore electrical circuits and their fundamental principles. We’ll start with dissecting the essential parameters that form the backbone of circuits: voltage, current, resistance, and power. These are the building blocks upon which all circuit dynamics are based. Next, we'll explore a variety of circuit elements, from resistors to batteries, capacitors, and switches. Each of these components plays a vital role in shaping the behavior of circuits and understanding their functionality. Finally, we'll delve into Ohm’s Law and...

DNA Replication and Central Dogma

MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

DNA replication and the central dogma are fundamental concepts in molecular biology, and breaking down the different replication methods and the processes of transcription and translation is crucial for understanding how genetic information is expressed and passed on in cells. In the first part of our episode, we'll break down DNA replication, exploring the concepts of conservative, semi-conservative, and dispersive replication, unraveling the mechanisms that drive this fundamental process. Later, we'll focus on transcription and translation, delving into the nuances between prokaryotic and...

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...

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...

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...

More Episodes

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 steroids and nucleotides, as well as the fundamentals of DNA and RNA structure and the importance of ATP. We'll also look at the unique properties of sphingolipids, glycerophospholipids, and signaling molecules like eicosanoids.

So, tune in as we break down these critical biomolecules that form the foundation of life and are essential knowledge for the MCAT exam.

Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:03) Overview of Biomolecule Structure and Importance

(02:37) Steroid Structure and Function

(06:36) Nucleotide Structure and Function

(12:02) DNA Structure and Bonding

(16:30) Carbohydrate Structure

(19:53) Disaccharides and Polysaccharides

(24:47) Fatty Acids and Phospholipids

(28:57) Cholesterol and Its Role in Membrane Fluidity

(31:27) Sphingolipids and Their Functions

(33:02) Eicosanoids: Signaling Molecules

(38:12) Heme Groups and Their Functions

(41:12) Molecule Entry into Cells

(44:12) MCAT Advice of the Day

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