It’s interesting to be in lecture and realize that not only have I learned the material before but now we will be analyzing it in a new light. The integrative biochemistry perspective has made so many connections for me. I’m glad to have taken this class at the end of my undergrad because it is serving me well as a reminder of all the other science/lab classes I have taken. There are some areas that I’m realizing I need to delve further into and this class has opened doors for the possibilities of research.
There was one moment in class that I specifically remember when one of these bridges between knowledge being made was when we were talking about glycolysis and gluconeogenesis. I made this connection with endocrinology about the autonomic nervous system’s fight or flight response. I realized that these two metabolic pathways, while they generally occur unnoticed, are more influenced by an individual’s environment than simply by what the body is in need of at a given time.
I first learned about "fight or flight" when I was in Paramedic school, and it was explained in simple terms. But I think I may have had a similar light-bulb moment than the one you described at the same time. I had a similar epiphany when we were looking at the TCA cycle in detail and it occurred to me that there is some level of dysfunction in diabetics, in addition to the issues with insulin. At least it appears that way.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great epiphany! The perspective biochemistry allows for is such a fostering environment for these kinds of realizations! It's a valuable tool to keep in your belt for the future.
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