Functional Biochemistry in Health and Disease (Hardcover)

Description

This text provides a clear and straightforward account of the biochemistry that is necessary to understand the physiological functions of tissues or organs essential to the life of human beings. Focusing on the dynamic aspects of biochemistry and its application to the basic functions of the body, the book bridges the gap between biochemistry and medical practice.
Carefully structured within five sections, 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 although cross-sectional links between the subjects are included where necessary. Background material, both biochemical and medical, that is necessary for an understanding of the subject, is included at the start of each chapter and clear, simple but relevant diagrams enhance students’ understanding.

• Focuses on medically relevant aspects of biochemistry written from a physiological rather than a molecular perspective
• Clear presentation that minimises the use of jargon
• Each chapter contains boxes on related topics, relevant diagrams and a brief glossary
• Coverage includes athletic performance, cell growth and the immune system
• Key historical developments are included to show how modern biochemistry has evolved

By linking biochemistry, medical education and clinical practice this book proves invaluable to students in medical and health sciences, biomedical science and human biology. In addition it is of interest to biochemistry and biology students interested in clinical applications of biochemistry.

Table of Contents

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, fatty messengers and cholesterol.
• 12. Hormones: chemical communication.

ESSENTIAL PROCESSES OF LIFE.

• 13. Physical activity: in non-athletes, athletes and patients.
• 14. Acid/Base balance in normal and pathological states.
• 15. Mental activity and mental illness.
• 16. Nutrition.
• 17. Starvation.
• 18. Mechanisms of defence: barriers, enzymes and the immune system.
• 19. Trauma.
• 20. Sexual reproduction.

COMMON CLINICAL PROBLEMS AND DISEASES.

• 21. Growth of cells and the skeleton.
• 22. Atherosclerosis, hypertension and myocardial infarction.
• 23. Cancer.
• 24. Eating disorders: anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.
• 25. Obesity and adipose tissue.
• 26. Lipoprotein metabolism and dyslipoproteinaemias.