This comprehensive course on biochemical metabolism covers the intricate pathways of carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid processing in living organisms. In carbohydrate metabolism, students explore the digestion process, glycolysis, and the various fates of pyruvate across different organisms. The course delves into the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, pentose phosphate pathway, and the metabolism of non-glucose monosaccharides. It also covers anabolic processes like gluconeogenesis and glycogenesis, as well as unique pathways such as the Calvin-Benson cycle, Cori cycle, and glyoxylate cycle. Regulatory mechanisms and metabolic disorders related to carbohydrates are also discussed.

Lipid metabolism is examined in detail, starting with the digestion of triacylglycerols and the roles of various lipases. The course covers beta-oxidation of fatty acids, the fate of its products, and the synthesis of fatty acids, triacylglycerols, and cholesterol. Regulatory aspects of lipid metabolism are emphasized to understand the balance between catabolic and anabolic processes.

The section on amino acid metabolism begins with protein digestion and explores the fundamental processes of transamination, deamination, and decarboxylation. Students learn about the urea cycle, the fate of carbon skeletons, and the metabolism of specific amino acids, including aromatic and sulfur-containing variants. The synthesis of amino acids and inborn errors of metabolism are also covered, along with regulatory mechanisms.

The course concludes with a focus on bioenergetics, exploring the concepts of free energy in biochemical reactions, the role of ATP in metabolic processes, and various phosphorylation mechanisms (substrate-level, oxidative, and photo-phosphorylation). Students gain insights into energy coupling in metabolic reactions and the effects of uncoupling agents. This comprehensive approach provides a solid foundation in understanding the complex interplay of metabolic pathways and energy transformations in living systems.