What topics are on the MCAT? Bio 2

Welcome, future doctors! In this video, we're tackling a massive and high-yield portion of the MCAT curriculum:
Foundational Concept 2 from the AAMC outline for the Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems.

We'll explore how highly organized assemblies of molecules, cells, and organs interact to carry out the functions of living organisms. Get your notebooks ready! 🔬

This deep dive is essential for mastering cell biology, microbiology, and developmental biology for test day. We will break down everything you need to know from Content Categories 2A, 2B, and 2C.

Key Topics Covered In This Video:

Content Category 2A: Assemblies of Molecules & Cells

The Plasma Membrane: We go beyond the basics, detailing the fluid mosaic model and the function of its components.
Lipids: Phospholipids, steroids, and waxes.
Transport: A full review of passive transport, osmosis, and active transport, including the crucial sodium/potassium pump.
Cell Dynamics: Understanding endocytosis and exocytosis, membrane potential, and intercellular junctions like gap junctions and tight junctions.
Eukaryotic Organelles: A tour of the cell's machinery.
Nucleus: Genetic information storage and the function of the nucleolus.
Mitochondria: The powerhouse of the cell, its inner and outer membrane structure, and its role in ATP production.
Endomembrane System: The roles of the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) and Golgi apparatus in protein synthesis and secretion.
Other Organelles: Lysosomes and peroxisomes.

The Cytoskeleton & Tissues: We cover the elements of cell support and movement—microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments—plus basic tissue types like epithelial and connective tissue.

Content Category 2B: Prokaryotes & Viruses

Prokaryotic Life: Distinguishing prokaryotes from eukaryotes.
Structure & Classification: Bacteria vs. Archaea, and shapes like cocci, bacilli, and spirilli.

Growth & Genetics: Reproduction by binary fission, exponential growth, and genetic recombination via transformation, conjugation, and transduction.
Viruses: The ultimate cellular hijackers.
Structure: We explain the components of a virus, including the protein coat, nucleic acid (DNA or RNA), and the bacteriophage structure.
Viral Life Cycles: A detailed look at the general viral life cycle, the retrovirus life cycle (including reverse transcriptase as seen in HIV), and the transfer of genetic material via transduction.

Subviral Particles: A quick look at prions and viroids.
Content Category 2C: Cell Division & Development
The Cell Cycle & Mitosis: Mastering the stages of life.
Mitosis: A step-by-step review of Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase.

The Cell Cycle: Understanding the checkpoints and phases (G0, G1, S, G2, M).
Cancer Biology: How the loss of cell cycle control, issues with oncogenes, and failures of apoptosis can lead to cancer.

Embryogenesis & Development: From a single cell to a complex organism.
Early Stages: Fertilization, cleavage, blastula formation, and gastrulation.
Primary Germ Layers: Learn what develops from the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm.

Mechanisms of Development: Key concepts like cell differentiation, cell specialization, pluripotency, and stem cells.

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