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Biochemistry
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Diagram showing how epinephrine binding to a beta-adrenergic receptor on a cell membrane activates a G-protein, which then stimulates adenylyl cyclase to convert ATP into cyclic AMP (cAMP), leading to physiological effects such as increased heart rate, blood vessel dilation, and glycogen breakdown.
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Computer-generated model of anthrax toxin showing seven differently colored protein units, with a small gold molecule representing a drug bound to the protein structure. Two cross-sectional illustrations compare a normal human artery with a healthy, open lumen to an artery narrowed by atherosclerotic plaque buildup, showing damaged endothelium, foam cells, fibrous cap, and lipid deposits.
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Computer-generated model of anthrax toxin showing seven differently colored protein units, with a small gold molecule representing a drug bound to the protein structure.
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greylag. Flock of Greylag geese during their winter migration at Bosque del Apache National Refugee, New Mexico. greylag goose (Anser anser)
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Diagram showing how epinephrine binding to a beta-adrenergic receptor on a cell membrane activates a G-protein, which then stimulates adenylyl cyclase to convert ATP into cyclic AMP (cAMP), leading to physiological effects such as increased heart rate, blood vessel dilation, and glycogen breakdown.
epinephrine-stimulated cAMP synthesis; biochemistry In biochemistry, researchers study the chemical substances and processes that occur in living organisms and cells. In particular, various processes by which cells gain energy, such as epinephrine-stimulated cAMP synthesis, have been deduced through the study of biochemistry.

Biochemistry

science
Also known as: physiological chemistry
Written by
Elmer H. Stotz
Professor of Biochemistry, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, New York. Editor of Comprehensive Biochemistry.
Elmer H. StotzAll
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Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
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Biochemistry, study of the chemical substances and processes that occur in plants, animals, and microorganisms and of the changes they undergo during development and life. It deals with the chemistry of life, and as such it draws on the techniques of analytical, organic, and physical chemistry, as well as those of physiologists concerned with the molecular basis of vital processes. All chemical changes within the organism—either the degradation of substances, generally to gain necessary energy,...

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