Biomolecule Structure, Naming, And Function

MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

MedSchoolCoach

Science

4.6 • 612 Ratings

🗓️ 7 November 2024

⏱️ 44 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

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

Transcript

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0:00.0	Welcome to MCAT basics, your ultimate guide to the essential topics you need to master for the MCAT,
0:06.2	brought to you by the physicians at med school coach. Every week, Sam Smith breaks down high-yield
0:11.4	MCAT topics, ensuring you're primed for success on test day. Join Sam as we explore the most
0:17.1	crucial subjects outlined by the AAMC, pulled from official practice materials and third-party resources.
0:22.6	Get ready to elevate your MCAT game with topics tailored to maximize your score potential.
0:27.6	Hello, I'm Sam Smith.
0:30.6	This podcast covers biomolecule structure.
0:33.6	I'm going to go over molecules like steroids, nucleotides, sugars, fatty acids,
0:41.9	and I'm going to talk about their structure and I'm going to talk about their function. And I'm
0:46.7	going to get into quite a bit of detail. Things like naming the different phosphate groups on
0:52.0	ATP, for example, are talking about fatty acids that act
0:55.7	as signaling molecules. So there's some good stuff in here. And this topic will show up on
1:01.9	two out of the four sections of the MCAT, show up in the chemical and physical foundations of
1:07.4	biological systems, and the biological and biochemical foundations of living systems.
1:14.4	In my experience, you will see multiple questions on both of these sections on the MCAT.
1:19.2	So it's a very important topic, and I hope this podcast helps.
1:36.5	All right, so I want to start by first saying this podcast is about the structure of different molecules. So I'm going to try to describe the structure to you, but at some point you will have to
1:42.9	look up the structure,
1:45.8	make sure you know what it looks like.
1:49.5	And I think it will definitely help if you look up some of these structures before during this podcast and kind of make sure you know what they look like.
1:52.2	That way you can make associations in your head.
1:55.3	I mean, it's just going to help you memorize different topics
	...

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