Includes bibliographical references and index.

The structural and biochemical hierarchy of a cell and a human -- Essential topics in dynamic biochemistry -- Energy : in the body, tissues and biochemical processes -- Enzymes : activities, properties, regulation and physiology -- Transport into the body : the gastrointestinal tract, digestion and absorption -- Transport into the cell: particles, molecules and ions -- Essential metabolism -- Carbohydrate metabolism -- Fat metabolism -- Amino acid and protein metabolism -- Oxidation of fuels and ATP generation: physiological and clinical importance -- Metabolism of ammonia and nucleic acids -- Synthesis of fatty acids, triacylglycerol, phospholipids and fatty messengers: the roles of polyunsaturated fatty acids -- Hormones : from action in the cell to function in the body -- Essential processes of life -- Physical activity : in non-athletes, athletes and patients -- Mental activity and mental illness -- Nutrition: biochemistry, physiology and pathology -- Starvation: metabolic changes, survival and death -- Defence against pathogens: barriers, enzymes and the immune system -- Survival after trauma: metabolic changes and response of the immune system -- Sexual reproduction -- Growth and death of cells and humans: the cell cycle, apoptosis and necrosis -- Serious diseases -- Cancer: genes, cachexia and death -- Atherosclerosis, hypertension and heart attack.