Separation and Purification Techniques

01/23/25 • 63 min

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 MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.

Jump into the conversation:

[00:00] MCAT Tutorig from MedSchoolCoach

[00:34] Welcome to MCAT Basics

[01:07] Topics covered in this episode

[02:24] Techniques for small molecules - extraction, crystallization and recrystallization, and chromatography (TLC and HPLC)

[28:24] Techniques for proteins - SDS-page, precipitation, isoelectric focusing, and chromatography variations

[54:47] Techniques for cells - centrifugation, flow cytometry, and microfluidics.

Within the small molecule category, we’ll discuss extraction, crystallization and recrystallization, and chromatography (TLC and HPLC).

Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.

Jump into the conversation:

[00:00] MCAT Tutorig from MedSchoolCoach

[00:34] Welcome to MCAT Basics

[01:07] Topics covered in this episode

[02:24] Techniques for small molecules - extraction, crystallization and recrystallization, and chromatography (TLC and HPLC)

[28:24] Techniques for proteins - SDS-page, precipitation, isoelectric focusing, and chromatography variations

[54:47] Techniques for cells - centrifugation, flow cytometry, and microfluidics.

Previous Episode

Circuit Variables & Elements

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 Kirchhoff’s Law, two fundamental principles that govern circuit behavior. By grasping these laws, you'll gain essential insights into how circuits operate and how to analyze their dynamics effectively.

Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT and use promo code PODCAST to receive a five percent discount on your first session.

Jump into the conversation:

[00:00] MCAT Tutorig from MedSchoolCoach

[00:34] Welcome to MCAT Basics

[01:07] Topics covered in this episode

[02:14] Circuit Variables - voltage, current resistance, power

[22:59] Circuit Elements - resistors, sources of voltage, capacitors, and switches

[44:28] Ohm's Law

[45:24] Kirchhoff's Law

Next Episode

Innate Immune System

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 NIH’s Innate Immune System paper.

Visit MedSchoolCoach.com 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

[02:09] The goal of the innate immune system

[04:57] The cells that make up the innate immune system

[11:47] Anatomical barriers to the innate immune system

[19:53] General inflammatory response of the innate immune system

[42:49] Complement system

[45:33] MCAT Advice of the day - take as much time as you need to study for the MCAT