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PDF Human Biochemistry 1St Edition Gerald Litwack Ebook Full Chapter
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Human Biochemistry
Human Biochemistry
For my family, especially for the younger ones: Kate, Geoff, Suzie and Deb.
Preface
This book is designed for senior undergraduates, graduate students, and, especially, medical students. It should also be
useful for teachers, researchers, and clinicians for designing lectures and as a desk reference. Although the book has
considerable depth, the instructor can make use of various illustrations in the book to present a course at the level he/
she wishes. The more extensive information can be gained by the interested student and the list of references following
each chapter will be useful for further individual research.
Many medical students question the reason that they have to study biochemistry when their focus is thought to be
exclusively on medicine. They often ask: “Why do I have to learn biochemistry?” In this volume, each chapter opens
with a disease or clinical condition that is presented in clinical terms and subsequently dissected to the molecular bio-
chemical level, demonstrating the principles of the chapter. This approach explains the basis of the disease and fre-
quently discusses diagnosis and treatment, cementing the relationship of biochemistry to medicine and disease. Thus
the question of relevance is answered.
Undergraduate and graduate students often have little exposure to medicine and disease. Human Biochemistry should
serve to introduce these students to clinical examples in molecular terms that will broaden their education.
A clinically related example at the beginning of each chapter was first employed in Human Biochemistry & Disease
by myself, published in 2008. Human Biochemistry presents many modifications. In particular, the only three-
dimensional X-ray structures of molecules used here are those conveying some property or activity that is obvious to
the reader. The figures used here all have been redrawn with a consistent font and white or very light backgrounds.
Most figures are in color. As further teaching aids, many figures are converted to slides and other teaching aids by
Academic Press/Elsevier, available to the instructor. Multiple-choice questions at the end of each chapter emphasize the
principles of the chapter and prepare the student for future examinations.
The first three chapters are introductory. The first review chapter deals with the gross anatomy of the major organs
in the human body, less important for the medical student if he/she is taking a class in gross anatomy concurrently with
a course in biochemistry. However, this review may well be useful for nonmedical students. The first two chapters end
with a summary, suggested reading list involving journal papers and books, and multiple-choice review questions. The
third chapter and all the subsequent chapters close with a summary, suggested reading list, multiple-choice review ques-
tions, and a case-based problem. The case-based problem is most effectively used in small group teaching where a clini-
cian and scientist lead the discussion. The objective of the case-based problem is to, step-by-step, reach a diagnosis and
treatment.
Early on, Janice Audet of Elsevier, now at Harvard University Press, aided my work. Subsequently, Fenton
Coulthurst of Elsevier, Oxford, United Kingdom, was instrumental in the progress and publication of the book.
xiii
Introduction
Enough is known at present about the biochemistry of disease to securely link this science to medicine. Biochemistry
and physiology are foundations of medicine. Pharmacology, the practice of which generates medicines, can be defined
as the biochemistry of drug action. As most medical students, who encounter biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biol-
ogy, and genetics in the first year of medical school, thirst for training and experience in medicine, it behooves instruc-
tors of biochemistry in this setting to establish firmly the interconnection between biochemistry and disease. Otherwise,
students tend to separate this science from medicine and often wonder why they are taking a course that would seem
remote from medicine and disease. This book, which introduces the basics of biochemistry, emphasizes the connection
between biochemistry and disease so that the student is aware of the basic information supporting our current knowl-
edge. Accordingly, relevant diseases are introduced in each chapter that relate to the principles explored in the chapter
and extend the understanding of the disease often to the level of molecules.
The biochemical information is up to date. At the end of each chapter, a summary appears. In addition, each chapter
has supporting online materials, including a set of review questions in the form of USLME (United States Medical
Licensing Examination) examinations serving to familiarize the student with this type of testing. These questions cover
the major points of the chapter and emphasize the central principles. Furthermore, the online support supplements each
chapter with a case presentation that would incorporate the principles of the chapter in a clinical context. This is becom-
ing a favored mechanism for the deductive diagnosis of a set of symptoms by a small group under the direction of a
mentor. The experiential nature of this exercise serves to incorporate basic information into the thinking of the student
so that he/she may retain useful information for a long period compared to rote memorization, recapitulation during
testing and forgetting the information after the test is over. This technique facilitates the capability of a student to solve
problems and introduces the technology for gathering relevant information, a prescription for the lifelong learner.
In all, this book contains 19 chapters that cover the essential information in a basic course in medical biochemistry.
Importantly, the stress is on the integration of biochemistry, disease and medicine. The chapters are ordered so that a
discussion of proteins and enzymes comes first. In my view, all succeeding information depends upon knowledge of
enzymes that allow chemical reactions to occur under bodily conditions. I realize that all instructors may not agree with
this order and might prefer to introduce the subject of nucleic acids at the outset. In that case, one can begin with
Chapter 8, Glycolysis and Gluconeogenesis, leaving Chapters 4 and 5 for later introduction.
There are many figures in this book. They are used to provide pathways and overall views of mechanisms of action.
There are some figures showing three-dimensional structures. These are used only when they shed light upon a mecha-
nism or interaction of a macromolecule with a ligand, to show protein protein interactions or to graphically demon-
strate an enzymatic action. The use of such figures is limited to increasing the understanding of a particular mechanism.
Clinical case-based exercises are developed by individuals familiar with this technique. Likewise, the USMLE type
questions are developed by separate experts. General references are included for further reading at the end of each
chapter.
The first three chapters are introductory. In Chapter 1, Organ Systems and Tissues are discussed the organ systems
and tissues, including aspects of tissue development. Chapter 2, The Cell focuses down to the cell and its composition
with particular reference to organelles and subcellular particles. In Chapter 3, Water, pH, Buffers and Introduction to
the General Features of Receptors, Channels, and Pumps, there is a discussion of water, pH, buffer systems, and general
features of receptors and channels. These are basic concepts that a student should learn at the outset. The chapters intro-
duce physiology and cell biology as larger contexts of biochemistry which focuses on molecules but has become misci-
ble with cell—and molecular—biology.
xv
xvi Introduction
At the end of the book is a Glossary, explaining specific names and abbreviations, an in depth index and
Appendices giving the names of amino acids, their abbreviations, and some characteristics, the genetic code, and
weights and measures.
Studying the basic information in this book should provide a format for lectures, if they are used, and as well a
source of information for small group study and reference during the exercise of case- or problem-based learning.
Gerald Litwack
Chapter 1
DEVELOPMENT OF ORGANS
Development begins with fertilization of the ovum by a sperm. The early embryo undergoes a cell division generating
the two-cell stage, each daughter cell containing the genome of both parents. The division is of a cleavage type (without
cell growth) indicating that the size of the cells becomes progressively smaller with each division. Within 5 days cell
division continues through the four-cell stage, the eight-cell stage and the sixteen-cell stage, the morula (by Day 3) and
forming the blastocyst which contains an outer and inner cell mass. At the 16-cell stage, there are eight large cells out-
side and eight smaller cells inside the structure. By the 5th day the trophoblast is distinguishable with a large blasto-
cyst cavity (the blastocoel) and a distinct inner and outer cell mass. By Day 7 the blastocyst becomes enlarged. This
progression is depicted in Fig. 1.6.
STEM CELLS
Cells of the blastocyst can form all the tissues of all the organs in the body. The only cells that are totipotent (can
develop into every cell type in the body including placental cells) are the embryonic (stem) cells existing after the first
and second cell divisions following fertilization. Similar in potency are pluripotent stem cells (embryonic stem cells
capable of generating all cell types in the body) derived from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst. These cells, in the
Human Biochemistry. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-383864-3.00001-6
© 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 1
2 Human Biochemistry
FIGURE 1.1 Macroscopic signs of osteoarthritis knee hyaline cartilage. (A) Healthy cartilage. (B) Osteoarthritis cartilage. Reproduced from: http://
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4017310/figure/F1/.
FIGURE 1.2 Microscopic signs: (A) microscopic signs of healthy knee hyaline cartilage. The histological (HE, hemotoxylin-eosin staining) analysis
of cartilage form normal donor showed a preserved morphological structure with no sign of cartilage degradation. Moreover, the surface of healthy
hyaline cartilage appears white, shiny, elastic, and firm. Magnification 203 ; scale bars: 100 µm. (B) Microscopic signs of osteoarthritis (OA) knee
hyaline cartilage. The histological staining (HE staining) analysis of cartilage from OA donor. The donor demonstrated joint swelling and edema, hori-
zontal cleavage tears or flaps, the surface became dull and irregular and had minimal healing capacity. Magnification 203 ; scale bars: 100 µm.
Moderate OA cartilage (black arrow); the structural alterations included a reduction of cartilage thickness of the superficial and middle zones. The
structure of the collagen network is damaged, which leads to reduced thickness of the cartilage. The chondrocytes are unable to maintain their repair
activity with subsequent loss of the cartilage tissue. Severe OA cartilage (blue arrow), demonstrated deep surface clefts, disappearance of cells from
the tangential zone, cloning, and a lack of cells in the intermediate and radial zone, which are not arranged in columns. The tidemark is no longer
intact and the subchondrial bone shows fibrillation. Reproduced from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4017310/figure/F2/.
Organ Systems and Tissues Chapter | 1 3
Transitional zone
Deep zone
Tidemark
Subchondral bone
Cancellous bone
FIGURE 1.3 The articular (hyaline) cartilage. The articular cartilage is one of five forms of cartilage: the hyaline or articular cartilage, the fibroblas-
tic cartilage comprising the meniscus, the fibrocartilage located at the tendon and the ligament insertion into bone, the elastic cartilage of the trachea
and the physeal cartilage of the growth plate (physeal, area of bone separating metaphysis and epiphysis where cartilage grows). Reproduced from:
http://www.orthobullets.com/basic-science/9017/articular-cartilage.
FIGURE 1.4 Development of mesenchymal stem cells. (A) First day of culture; (B) 3rd day of culture; (C) 1 week of culture. Magnification 40 3 ;
scale bars: 50 µm. Reproduced from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4017310/figure/F4/.
appropriate environment, can differentiate into every cell type present in the organism. What is more, this differentia-
tion can take place either in vivo or in vitro. Stem cells also can be obtained from adults (generally multipotent stem
cells that can develop into more than one cell type) as most tissues in the body have stores of stem cells (caches) that
are used to replace the cells in the tissue that have died. Some caches are more plentiful than others and a great deal of
research has centered on the stem cells in caches stored in joints (mesenchymal stem cells), for example. Adult stem
cells, in addition to embryonic stem cells, can be transformed into many types of tissue cells under the appropriate envi-
ronmental conditions. The various stem cells and tissue progenitor cells have different properties reflected in differences
in their metabolism as listed in Table 1.1.
Mesenchymal stem cells have been proliferated in vitro and subsequently used to regenerate cartilage in knee joints
that have suffered degeneration, for example. Many such clinical interventions, however, may not be permanent and the
process has to be repeated after a time. There is some concern that stem cells injected into patients could generate into
cancer cells although the evidence that this is an inherent danger in using them for clinical treatments, so far, has not
borne out. Since each tissue in the body may have a cache of stem cells, the aging process could be the result of insuffi-
cient stem cells to replace tissue cells that become damaged and die out. Consequently the generation of such stem cells
in vitro constitutes the practice and hope for further clinical treatments to replace tissue cells and organs. Stem cells
generated in vitro must be safe from any contaminating substances or organisms and all are generated under good
manufacturing practices (GMP) promulgated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). A newer development under
4 Human Biochemistry
Tissue engineering
Cell digestion
y tes
oc
dr
h on C
Growth C MS
or
factors Mechanical
stimulus
y
as
ion op
Cell isolation
t
nta Bi
pla V X
Im
Tissue development
Cell cultivation
n
Scaffold materials with cells ratio
ife
Centrifugation rol
ll p
Ce
FIGURE 1.5 Graphic representation of cartilage tissue engineering. Staring with “X” in upper center, chondrocytes, or mesenchymal stem cells are
removed from healthy cartilage; the mesenchymal stem cells are isolated and cultured in tissue culture media for about 7 days under strict conditions
so that no impurities can contaminate the culture. The cells are concentrated by centrifugation, combined with a matrix substance and various growth
factors and injected back into the damaged knee (“V”). The damaged knee, by itself, cannot produce enough stem cells to repair the damage.
Reproduced from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4017310/figure/F3/.
the heading of “therapeutic cloning” involves the use of pluripotent stem cells (without destruction of a human embryo)
that are genetically identical to the donor to produce pluripotent stem cells that can be used to treat disease. In this
case, adult skin cells from a donor can be used to extract his/her DNA and this DNA can be fused electrically with
donated adult human eggs whose DNA has been removed. The resulting embryo at the level of the blastocyst is the
source of pluripotent stem cells. The resulting pluripotent cells should be useful in treating many human diseases,
including Parkinson’s disease, type 1 diabetes, heart disease, and others.
The next stage from the blastula is the gastrula developed by the invasion (invagination) of the bottom layer of
cells of the blastula up into the blastocoel forming two layers with a pore (blastopore) on the bottom where the inva-
sion began as shown in Fig. 1.7. Now, two germ layers are determined, the outer layer of ectoderm and the inner layer
of endoderm.
Further development reveals the internal mesoderm as shown in Fig. 1.8.
These three layers of cells: the ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm lead to the development of specific tissues and
organs. From the endoderm is derived the primitive gut that, in turn, generates the lungs, liver, pancreas, and digestive
tubes. The ectoderm leads to the development of the epidermis, the forerunner of the skin, hair, and mammary glands.
It also leads to the epidermal placodes and then to the lens of the eye and the inner ear. Placodes are thickenings of the
ectoderm. Apparently, there are a number of different groups of placodes but they all have a similar developmental his-
tory and they lead to different aspects of the nervous system. Importantly, the ectoderm is the precursor of the neural
tubes and neural tissue leading to the development of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system, CNS) and the
peripheral nervous system (PNS). The mesoderm gives rise to the axial skeleton (bones of the head and trunk), skeletal
muscle as well as the connective tissue of the skin. It also gives rise to other organs: the oviducts and uterus, kidney,
FIGURE 1.6 The stages of early
Maternal (A) Zona human development. Reproduced
pronucleus pellucida from: http://openlearn.open.ac.uk/file.
php/1638/formats/print.htm.
(L) (B)
Hatched enlarged
blastocyst
Blastocyst Unfertilized
Sperm
cavity egg
Fertilization
(J) (D)
Fluid-filled (H)
cavity Fertilized egg
(I) (E)
(G) (F)
Day 3 Day 1
Day 2
OxPhos, oxidative phosphorylation; PPP, pentose phosphate pathway; ROS, reactive oxygen species.
Source: Reproduced from: Shyh-Chang, N., Daley, G.Q., Cantley, L.C., 2013. Stem cell metabolism in tissue development and aging. Development, 140,
2535 2547.
6 Human Biochemistry
FIGURE 1.7 Formation of the gastrula from the blastula. Reproduced from: http://chsweb.lr.k12.nj.us/mstanley/outlines/animals/antax/image51.gif.
ovary, and testes, the connective tissue of the body wall and limbs, the mesenteries, heart, and blood vessels. The endo-
derm is the precursor for the remaining bodily systems. The summary of the further development of these three embry-
onic layers of cells is shown in Fig. 1.9.
SKIN
The skin is the largest organ in the body. It is shown in cross-section in Fig. 1.10.
Organ Systems and Tissues Chapter | 1 7
Blastocyst
Zygote
Skin
hair
Epidermis
Yolk sac Mammary
glands
Lung
Epidermal Lens
placodes inner ear
Ectoderm
Primitive gut Endoderm
Neural tubes Brain
spinal cord
Mesoderm
Notochord
Sclerotome Myotome Dermatome Mullerian Mesonephros Somatic Visceral
ducts mesoder
Epidermis
Dermis
Hypodermis
From the outside extending internally, the skin consists of epidermis, dermis and a subcutaneous layer or hypodermis
(Fig. 1.10). The three layers are derived from ectoderm. The skin functions in various ways providing insulation, regulation
of temperature, and sensation. It is the site of the synthesis of vitamin D (cholecalciferol) from 7-dehydrocholesterol. 7-
Dehydrocholesterol must be activated in cells of the skin by the UV radiation in sunlight in order for it to proceed to form
8 Human Biochemistry
the active form of vitamin D in the body via liver and kidney enzymes. Theoretically, exposure to sunlight for 10 min each
day would satisfy the requirement for vitamin D. Vitamin D is considered as a vitamin because the content in the body is
inadequate and it must be made available through the effect of sunlight and vitamin D in foods. The activated form of vita-
min D in the body acts like a steroid hormone. Cholecalciferol must undergo further hydroxylations in the body to be gen-
erated as the active hormonal form, as will be discussed in the chapter on steroid hormones, because the active form of
vitamin D is a ligand for the vitamin D receptor, a member of the steroid nuclear gene family.
Pigmentation of the skin is due to melanin and the extent of pigmentation varies among populations. Skin color is
controlled by genes and by the environment. In hotter environments the body hair is decreased along with an increase
in sweat glands to cool the body through evaporation of perspiration. Strong sunlight can cause skin damage and
destroy folic acid and also can lead to basal cell carcinoma and sometimes to melanoma. Humans living in these envir-
onments have increased melanin that protects against damaging radiation from sunlight. On the other hand, humans liv-
ing in colder and darker climates have lighter skin to optimize the penetration of UV sunlight for the production of
vitamin D. Children who are raised in a dark environment with a small number of sunny days can develop colon cancer
in adulthood, owing to a deficiency in this vitamin. Vitamin D is known for its beneficial effects on the immune surveil-
lance system. However, in certain regions, such as Alaska, the natives have dark skin in the face of a cold and dark
environment. In this case the diet of these natives is very rich in vitamin D and the skin pigmentation protects them
against the strong radiation reflected from surrounding ice and snow. Skin pigmentation is under genetic control and
Human skeleton
Skull
Maxilla
Mandible
Vertebrae
Clavicle
Scapula
Ribs
Humerus
Vertebrae
Elbow
Radius
Pelvis
Sacrum Ulna
Carpal Wrist
Femur
Phalanges
Patella
Knee
Tibia
Fibula
Tarsals
Metatarsals
Phalanges
FIGURE 1.11 Gross structure of the human skeleton. Reproduced from: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/anatomy/skeleton/Skelprintout.
shtml.
Organ Systems and Tissues Chapter | 1 9
involves the regulation of genes involved in the synthesis of melanin and other factors. For example, stress can affect
skin color because products of the activated gene for proopiomelanocortin include ACTH and melanocyte stimulating
hormone that stimulate the formation and release of cortisol and the formation of melanin. Also, the skin is the site of
as many as one thousand species of bacteria. Many of the mechanisms involved are discussed in later chapters.
THE SKELETON
The skeletal system is shown in Fig. 1.11. The major bones are labeled in the figure and there are 206 bones in the
mature human skeleton. There are many more separate bones in early development but there are fusions in the growing
child. The thigh bone (femur) is the longest bone in the body and the smallest bone resides in the inner ear (stirrup).
Males have longer legs and arms than females and females have a wider pelvis. Importantly, bones are the sites of man-
ufacture of blood cells and the storage sites for minerals. Calcium is a major component of the bone structure.
Associated organs are tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.
The muscle system is shown in Fig. 1.12. The more than six hundred skeletal muscles (striated muscle) attach to
bones and connect to joints. Muscles can work in pairs for motion and also control the movement of substances through
some organs (circulation, heart, stomach, and intestines). There are also smooth muscles that are involuntary and are
responsible for the contraction of hollow organs, such as the gastrointestinal tract, blood vessels, airways, bladder, and
uterus. The other muscle type is the striated muscle, a voluntary muscle that is connected to bone at one or both ends.
It has dark and light bands with repeating sarcomeres (the basic mechanical unit of muscle consisting of thin filaments
each of which contains two strands of actin, a single strand of a regulatory protein and two thick filaments of myosin).
The circulatory system transports oxygen and CO2, nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body.
It involves the heart, blood vessels, and blood. A diagram of the circulatory system is shown in Fig. 1.13.
The nervous system is made up of the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
The function of the nervous system is to send electrical signals throughout the body that direct movement and behavior.
Frontalis
Trapezius
Deltoid
Pectoralis
major
Triceps
brachii
Biceps
brachii
Latissimus dorsi
Abdominal
muscles
Gluteus maximus
Sartorius
Biceps femoris
Rectus femoris
Gastrocnemius
Achilles tendon
FIGURE 1.12 The human body muscle diagram. Reproduced from: http://www.human-body-facts.com/human-body-muscle-diagram.html.
10 Human Biochemistry
Jugular vein
(also subclavian Head and arms Carotid artery
vein from arms) O2 (also subclavian
CO2
artery to arms)
Renal vein
o2
co2
FIGURE 1.13 Diagram of the circulatory system. Reproduced from: http://image.tutorvista.com/content/circulation-animals/human-blood-circula-
tory-system.jpeg.
It is a major part of the control of physiological processes including the circulation and digestion. The central nervous
system consists of the brain and spinal column; the rest are peripheral nerves. A diagram of the nervous system is
shown in Fig. 1.14.
The respiratory system consists of the nose, trachea, and lungs as shown in Fig. 1.15. Oxygen is taken in from the
outside atmosphere and CO2 is expelled. This system exchanges oxygen and CO2 between the blood and the organs.
The digestive system consists of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. The liver pro-
duces detergents and the pancreas produces digestive enzymes and both are transported to the intestine for digestion.
The overall functions are to take in nutrients, break them down in the intestinal tract and absorb the products into the
bodily circulation. The transport mechanisms for moving the products of food digestion into the bloodstream and the
tissues are presented in later chapters. A diagram of the digestive system is shown in Fig. 1.16.
There are many glands in the body that secrete hormones. The hypothalamus, pituitary (anterior, posterior, and cells
of the intermediate pituitary), thyroid, pancreas, and adrenals are some of the major glands in the endocrine system.
Hormones are chemical messages acting on organs distant from the secreting gland that control many functions at the
cellular level. Hormones activate their signals through specific receptors. Fig. 1.17 shows glands that constitute the
endocrine system.
In a stress situation, for example, many endocrine glands come into play. A stress event in the outside (the body)
environment is filtered through a mechanism in the brain and the appropriate cells in the hypothalamus are signaled to
secrete the corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH). This hormone is secreted into a closed portal system connecting the
hypothalamus to the pituitary. CRH binds to membrane receptors on one cell type in the anterior pituitary, the
Organ Systems and Tissues Chapter | 1 11
Brain
Cerebellum
Spinal cord
Brachial plexus
Musculocutaneous
nerve
Intercostal
Radial nerve nerves
Subcostal nerve
Median nerve
lliohypogastric Lumbar
nerve plexus
Sacral
Genitofemoral plexus
nerve
Obturator Femoral nerve
nerve Pudendal nerve
Ulnar nerve Sciatic nerve
Muscular branches
of femoral nerve
Saphenous nerve
Tibial nerve
Common peroneal nerve
FIGURE 1.14 The human nervous system. The PNS is in blue and the CNS is in red. Reproduced from: http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/
Peripheral-nervous-system.
corticotrope. This receptor activates a biochemical cascade of signals that result in the secretion of adrenocorticotrophic
hormone (ACTH; corticotropin) that enters the general circulation through thin membranes (fenestrations). ACTH cir-
culates in the blood until it reaches its cognate receptor on the membranes of the middle layer of cells in the adrenal
cortex. The signaling from the activated ACTH receptor results in the hydrolysis of cholesteryl esters, stored in lipid
droplets, to liberate free cholesterol that, with the aid of a specific carrier, enters the mitochondria for the production of
corticosteroids (cortisol and some aldosterone) that cross the cell membrane into the general circulation. Cortisol is car-
ried in the circulation by specific proteins but about 10% of the circulating cortisol in is the free form. Unbound cortisol
enters virtually every cell in the body and is retained by cells that have the glucocorticoid receptor to which it binds
(virtually all cells of the body, except the cells in the space between the posterior pituitary and the anterior pituitary and
the hepatobiliary cells, contain some glucocorticoid receptors). If there is more cortisol than there is receptor molecules
Pharynx
Larynx
Nasal cavity Trachea
Left bronchus
Right bronchus
Left lung
Right lung
Superior lobe
Superior
lobe Cardiac notch
Horizontal Oblique
fissure fissure
Oblique
fissure
Inferior Middle
Diaphragm
lobe lobe Inferior
lobe
FIGURE 1.15 Organs of the respiratory system. Reproduced from: http://www.byronsmith.ca/everest2000/gfx/ehb_respiratorysystem.gif.
Parotid gland
Sublingual
gland
Submandibular
gland
Esophagus
Liver
Gallbladder Stomach
Spleen
Duodenum
Splenic flexura of
Pancreas transverse colon
Hepatic Transverse
flexure colon
Ascending Jejunum
colon Decending
colon
Ileum
Sigmoid
Cecum colon
Appendix
Pineal
gland
Pituitary
gland
Parathyroid
glands
Thyroid
gland
Pancreas
Adrenal
glands
Ovaries
Testes
FIGURE 1.17 Diagram showing major glands that constitute the endocrine system. Reproduced from: http://cwx.prenhall.com/bookbind/pubbooks/
morris5/medialib/images/F02_17.jpg.
(A) (B)
Artery Vein
Kidney
Kidney
Cortex
Ureter
Renal artery Calyces
Renal pelvis
Renal vein
Medulla
Ureter
Urinary
bladder
Urethra
FIGURE 1.18 The components of the excretory system. (A) A transverse section of the kidney is shown; (B) the components of the system are
shown. Reproduced from: http://sinquefield.com/id6.html.
14 Human Biochemistry
to bind it, the residual cortisol passes back out of the cell by free diffusion into the bloodstream. In certain tissues, such
as the liver and kidney, there are large amounts of the receptor (as many as 50,000 receptor molecules in the liver cell).
Not all of these activated receptor molecules are required to generate a transcriptional response. The activated receptors
are then carried through the nuclear pore into the cell nucleus (as homodimers) where they interact with many genes
that display a specific glucocorticoid responsive element (GRE) resulting in many genes that are transcribed into spe-
cific messenger RNAs (or, in some cases, suppressed) and subsequently translated in the cell cytoplasm into specific
proteins used metabolically to adapt to stress. Thus after a stress event, virtually every cell type in the body is affected
by cortisol (excepting the two cell types mentioned) so that most tissues are changed in their protein populations and
the changes in the tissues summate into the bodily adaptation to the stress event. An individual cannot survive without
(A)
Ureter
(from kidney)
Pubic bone
Rectum
Urethra
An accessory
Glans gland
penis
(B)
Uterus
Fornix
Bladder
Cervix
Pubic bone
Rectum
g-spot
Clitoris
Anus
Urethra
Vagina
FIGURE 1.19 (A) The reproductive system of the human male. (B) The reproductive system of the human female. The g spot has not been proven
to be a distinct organ and there is controversial discussion concerning its existence. (A) Reproduced from: http://www.cartage.org.1b/en/themes/
Sciences/LifeScience/GeneralBiology/Physiology/ReproductiveSystem/HumanReproduction/malerepro_2.gif. (B) Reproduced from: http://upload.wiki-
media.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7a/Female_reproductive_system_lateral.png
Organ Systems and Tissues Chapter | 1 15
Cervical
nodes
Lymph Thymus
vessels
Axillary
Lymph
nodes
vessels
Diaphragm Spleen
Inguinal
nodes
Lymph
vessels
FIGURE 1.20 A diagram of the lymphatic system showing the major vessels, nodes, and organs (thymus, spleen, and diaphragm). Reproduced from:
http://www.cancervic.org.au/images/CISS/cancer-types/lymphatic.gif.
cortisol and its receptor and when this system is somehow damaged (e.g., by trauma to the head, causing a break in the
transport system between the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary) replacement cortisol can be given orally but it is
problematic that the patient can predict a major stress event requiring increased doses of the steroid, such as an automo-
bile crash and survival can be threatened by inability to adapt. Cortisol is essential to life. This system is discussed in
more detail in the chapter on steroid hormones.
The excretory system filters out toxins, cellular wastes and excess nutrients or water from the circulation. This sys-
tem includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra as shown in Fig. 1.18. An aspect of the kidney in transverse sec-
tion is also shown.
The reproductive systems of the male and female are diagramed in Fig. 1.19. Part (A) shows the components of the
male reproductive system and part (B) shows them for the female.
The lymphatic system is an elaborate network of lymph nodes with lymph vessels connecting the nodes. As shown
in Fig. 1.20 the vessels distribute to every part of the body except the CNS. Important nodes are located in the neck,
chest, armpits, abdomen, the pelvis, and the groin. Lymphatic fluid, containing lymphocytes and antibodies (as part of
the immune system), flows within the lymph vessels. The nodes act as filters for the removal of bacteria and other
unwanted particulate substances.
SUMMARY
After fertilization of the human egg, there are a series of cell cleavages generating 2 cells, 4 cells, 8 cells, and 16 cells.
By Day 3 the morula is formed and the blastocyst. In the next stage the gastrula is formed. At this stage the cells are
still pluripotent (stem cells) and two primordial layers, the ectoderm and endoderm are apparent. With further develop-
ment of the gastrula the internal endoderm is formed. From these three layers of cells, all the tissues and organs of the
body are formed. The ectoderm forms mainly nervous tissue, the endoderm forms internal organs through the primitive
gut and the mesoderm forms the majority of the internal organs.
(A) (B)
(D)
(C)
(E)
Muscle fiber
Nucleus
Striations
FIGURE 1.21 Composite of the major human cell types in tissues. (A) Human tracheal epithelial cells: those pictured are pseudostratified columnar epithe-
lium lining the trachea. The nuclei belong to cells contacting the basement membrane. In this case the epithelial cells are goblet cells (they can alternatively,
be ciliated cells). The basal cells regenerate other cell types of the epithelium. (B) Connective tissue of human aorta (ef 5 elastin fibers). (C) Cardiac muscle
cells (cardiomyocytes; labeled as myocytes in the figure). (D) (a) Human smooth muscle, a second type of muscle cell and (b) striated muscle. (E) Human
nervous tissue cell. (F) Human adipose tissue. Note the presence of fat globules inside the adipose cells. (G) Human stem cells, pluripotent blastocyst cells.
(A) Reproduced from: http://www.lab.anhb.uwa.edu.au/mb140/CorePages/Epithelia/images/trachea041he.jpg. (B) Reproduced from: http://www.
austincc.edu/histologyhelp/tissues/images/tn400.jpg. (C) Reproduced from: http://www.medical-look.com/systems_images/Cardiac_Muscle.gif.
(D) (a) Reproduced from: http://images.encarta.msn.com/xrefmedia/sharemed/targets/images/pho/t790/T790539A.jpg. (b) Reproduced from: http://
images.tutorvista.com/cms/images/123/striated-muscle-fibre.jpeg. (E) Reproduced from: http://images.absoluteastronomy.com/images/encyclopediai-
mages/g/go/golgistainedpyramidalcell.jpg. (F) Reproduced from: http://biology.nebrwesleyan.edu/courses/Labs/Biology_of_Animals/Images/Lab%
20Images/images%20for%20the%20Web/Adipose_Human_400X.jpg. (G) Reproduced from: http://www.sarahwray.com/USERIMAGES/blastocyst.jpg.
Organ Systems and Tissues Chapter | 1 17
The organ systems consist of the skin, skeleton, muscle system, circulation, nervous system (central nervous system
and peripheral nervous system), respiratory system, digestive system, endocrine system, excretory system, reproductive
systems of the male and female, and the lymphatic system.
The organs are composed of tissues that are represented by four major cell types: epithelial cells, muscle cells (stri-
ated and smooth), nervous cells (neurons and others), and connective tissue. In addition, there are adipose cells and
stem cells (typified by the cells of the blastocyst). There are more than two hundred variations of cells of the four major
types.
SUGGESTED READING
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Chapter 2
The Cell
Plasma
enilin
enilin
Pen-2 Pen-2 membrane
Aph-1 Aph-1
Pres
Pres
P P
GSA GSA
Aβ
α-Secretase
T
NC
NC
γ-Secretase
sAPPα β-secretase
Nter
APP
APP-CTFs
AICD
AICD
Exosomes
Aβ
Exosome
Intracellular
Early
endosome
n
retio
Sec
Multivesicular
body or
multivesicular
endosomes
(MVB/MVE)
(MVB/MVE)
Degradation
Late
endosome
Lysosome
FIGURE 2.2 Amyloid precursor protein (APP) and its metabolites are present in multivesicular bodies (MVBs) and in exosomes. APP and APP-C-
terminal fragments (APP-CTFs) are internalized and directed into the internal vesicles of multivesicular bodies (MVBs). At this point APP and its
metabolites can either be degraded after the fusion of MVB with lysosomes or can be released in the extracellular space in association with exosomes
consecutively to the fusion of MVB with the plasma membrane. APP, Amyloid protein precursor; CTF, C-terminal fragment; AICD, amyloid precur-
sor intracellular domain. Reproduced from http://www.frontiersin.org/Articles/18560/fphys-03-00229-r2/Image.m/fphys-03-00229-g004.jpg.
The Cell Chapter | 2 21
LRP1 LRP1B Megalin FIGURE 2.3 Structural organization and trafficking path
of SORLA. (A) SORLA is a member of the VPS10 domain
(A) receptor family, a group of sorting receptors characterized
by a VPS10 domain (the name “VPS10” derives from the
yeast carboxykinase Y sorting receptor [Vps10 protein]).
This domain adopts the structure of a large tunnel that is
involved in the binding of peptide ligands. In contrast to all
other VPS10 domain receptors, SORLA contains
complement-type repeats and a β-propeller, structural ele-
ments that are found in LRPs (low-density lipoprotein
(LDL) receptor-related proteins). The cluster of
A
RL complement-type repeats is also a site that interacts with
SO
ligands. The β-propeller is required for pH-dependent
ligands in endosomes. SORLA is produced in the cell as a
2
pro-receptor with a 53 amino acid pro-peptide that folds
R
R
OE
S1
DL
S2
S3
AP
RC
VL
RC
RC
S1
SO
VP
SO
TGN-endosome
shuttling
Convertase cleavage
of pro-SORLA
TGN
APP SORLA
TGN
It is unclear whether cortical atrophy (Fig. 2.5) always occurs in AD because it usually occurs in a different part of
the brain (posterior brain cortex). Posterior cortical atrophy is often associated with Lewy body dementia or with
Creutzfeld Jakob disease.
CELL MEMBRANE
As seen in Fig. 1.19, the cells in the body display many different shapes. Therefore, in this chapter, we will deal with
an ideal model of a typical cell. An example is shown in cross section in Fig. 2.6. The higher eukaryotic cell that con-
tains a distinct membrane-bound nucleus, shown here, contrasts with a prokaryotic cell, a bacterium or a cyanobacte-
rium, that do not contain membrane-bound organelles and do not have their DNAs in the form of chromosomes. It also
contrasts with the eukaryotic yeast cell that contains a rigid cell wall outside the plasma membrane. The cell membrane
or the plasma membrane is the outermost layer surrounding the cell (Fig. 2.6) consisting of a double layer of lipids with
polar head groups facing the exterior and interior. The lipid bilayer membrane is penetrated with transmembrane pro-
teins with extensions to the outside of the cell and inside to contact the cytoplasm (Fig. 2.7). From the outside layer
FIGURE 2.5 Neuronal degeneration associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The
figure of the diseased neuron shows β amyloid plaque and neurofibrillary tan-
gles. Reproduced from http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/77/
Blausen_0017_AlzheimersDisease.png.
Transcriber’s Notes:
1. Obvious printers’, punctuation and spelling errors have been corrected silently.
2. Some hyphenated and non-hyphenated versions of the same words have been
retained as in the original.
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