Índice

The aim of the book is to provide a clear and straightforward account of the biochemistry that is necessary to understand the physiological functions of tissues or organs that are essential to the life of human beings. This lays the basis for discussion of the contribution that it makes to good health and, when it is disturbed, to disease. It attempts, therefore, to bridge the gap between biochemistry and medical practice. Structural biochemistry and molecular biology are kept to a minimum, which leaves space in the book and time for the reader to focus on the dynamic aspects of biochemistry and its application to the basic functions of the body. Each biochemical, physiological or medical subject that is covered in the book is presented in one complete chapter. Consequently, each subject can be read and studied in isolation. Despite this, cross-sectional links between the subjects are not ignored: indeed they are explained and emphasized, wherever possible. Such links will help the student to appreciate the common basis underlying much of the material and the concepts in biochemistry that are relevant to health and disease. Background material, both biochemical and medical, that is necessary for an understanding of the subject, is included at the start of each chapter. Students who are currently entering courses in the biomedical sciences, including medicine, from colleges and from academic disciplines that provide little or no basic biochemistry, physiology or pathology will find these introductions of considerable value. The book is divided into five sections; Introduction, Essential Topics that are Common to Biochemistry, Physiology & Pathology, Essential Metabolism, Essential Processes of Life, Clinical Problems and Serious Diseases. The sections and the chapters in each section are organized in such a way that when the material in one chapter is understood that in other chapters should be more readily appreciated and more readily understood.

Índice: Preface. INTRODUCTION. 1. A biochemical hierarchy: from the cell to its Human. ESSENTIAL TOPICS IN BIOCHEMISTRY, PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOLOGY. 2. Energy: in the body, tissues and biochemical processes. 3. Enzymes: their properties, regulation and physiology. 4. Transport into the body: the gastrointestinal tract, digestion and absorption. 5. Transport: into the cell. ESSENTIAL METABOLISM. 6. Carbohydrate metabolism. 7. Fat metabolism. 8. Amino acid and protein metabolism. 9. Oxidation of fuels and ATP generation. 10. Metabolism of Ammonia: degradation of nucleotides; the ornithine cycle. 11. Synthesis of fats, f... Etc.