BIOCHEMISTRY AND NUTRITION
The
sciences of biochemistry, nutrition and biophysics in relation to
lipids have assumed great importance in recent years.
It has become evident that complex inter-related metabolic pathways are involved in the biosynthesis and degradation of lipids
in the cells of all living things from primitive organisms to higher mammals.
In humans, especially, knowledge of of how these processes are regulated is important in understanding many disease states.
In relation to plants, information on plant lipid metabolism may be the key
to producing new and improved crops for food and industrial purposes.
We also need to know how the physical properties of lipids impinge on their biochemistry.
Last but not least the nutritional properties of fatty acids and lipids are of critical importance
for the health and well-being all consumers.
These web pages cover these vital topics.
Animal Lipid Biochemistry
Lipids have innumerable functions in tissues of humans and other animal, for example as a source of energy, as membrane components and as signalling molecules. Lipid metabolism is central to health. The articles in this section summarize current knowledge and developments in this field.-
Plant Lipid Biochemistry
There is increasing interest in plant biochemistry to obtain better yields of healthier lipids in food crops and of specific lipids for industrial use. Basic knowledge of plant biochemistry is required to achieve these goals, and the articles in this section summarize current knowledge.
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Lipids in Nutrition
This section is in the planning stage, but we intend to present a series of articles dealing with the key aspects of human nutrition in relation to fatty acids and other lipids.
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Biophysics of Lipids
This subject is in the early stages of planning, and we are looking for an established scientist to develop it. We hope to present articles dealing with the physical properties of lipids and how they affect membrane structure and enzyme function.
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Updated: June 10th, 2011 |
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