Lipolysis and Beta Oxidation

During long periods of starvation, after the liver and muscle glycogen stores have been depleted, the body must rely on lipolysis, the breakdown of triglycerides stored in adipose tissue, for energy production. Triglycerides are composed of a 3 carbon glycerol backbone with 3 chains of fatty acids attached, one to each carbon.  During lipolysis, hormone …

Oxidative Phosphorylation

The oxidative phosphorylation cycle is the process by which cells within the human body produce adenosine triphosphate, ATP, via the electron transport chain, an aerobic energy system that follows the Krebs cycle in the body's never-ending production of energy. Oxidative phosphorylation takes place within the matrix and inter-membrane space of the mitochondria within each cell. …

Metabolic and Respiratory Acidosis and Alkalosis

There are two main types of pH imbalances in the body: acidosis and alkalosis.  An increase in H+ ion levels in the blood causes pH levels to fall resulting in acidosis.  A decrease in H+ levels causes pH levels to rise, making the blood more basic, or alkaline.  These conditions can be caused by two …

The Central Dogma of Biochemistry

The Central Dogma of Biochemistry describes the flow of generic material through the processes of replication, transcription, and translation (Evolution News, 2011).  DNA is stored and processed within the nucleus of almost every cell in the human body.  When cells divide to create two duplicate "daughter" cells, the DNA must first be replicated and transcribed …

Under Pressure

Blood pressure is the force of the blood through the vessels of the circulatory system.  Blood pressure maintains circulatory homeostasis by pumping the blood from the left ventricle of the heart through the aortic semilunar valve into the aorta to the arteries, which propel the blood away from the heart and to the organs and …