Transamination is a biochemical process that occurs in living organisms, particularly in cells and tissues. It is a vital part of amino acid metabolism, where an amino group (-NH2) is transferred from one amino acid to a ketoacid, resulting in the formation of a new amino acid and a different ketoacid. The enzyme responsible…
Carbohydrate metabolism refers to the biochemical processes that involve the breakdown, synthesis, and interconversion of carbohydrates (sugars and their derivatives) within living organisms. Carbohydrates serve as a vital source of energy and play essential roles in various biological processes. Let’s explore the key aspects of carbohydrate metabolism: Carbohydrate metabolism is tightly regulated by hormonal…
Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that plays a critical role in transporting oxygen from the lungs to various tissues and organs throughout the body. It is responsible for the red color of blood and is essential for the delivery of oxygen to support cellular respiration. The structure of hemoglobin is…
Diabetes mellitus, commonly referred to as diabetes, is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) resulting from defects in insulin production, insulin action, or both. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar (glucose) levels. There are several types of diabetes,…
Inborn errors of metabolism, also known as inherited metabolic disorders, are a group of genetic disorders that affect the body’s ability to process and convert specific substances within cells. These disorders are typically caused by defects in enzymes or transport proteins involved in various metabolic pathways. Metabolism refers to the chemical processes that occur…
The electron transport chain (ETC) is a series of protein complexes and electron carriers located in the inner mitochondrial membrane in eukaryotic cells or the plasma membrane in prokaryotic cells. It plays a crucial role in cellular respiration, specifically in the process of oxidative phosphorylation. During oxidative phosphorylation, which is the final stage of…
More than 80 to 90% of the dietary lipids are triacylglycerols besides a small amount of phospholipids, cholesterol esters, free cholesterol, and free fatty acids. The main site of digestion and absorption of lipids is in the small intestinal lumen. Digestion of lipids in the mouth Although there is a small amount of lipase…