Category Archives: Reflections

Studying glycolysis has made me appreciate how a single biochemical pathway can play such an important role in sustaining life. Learning about glycolysis has also given me a new appreciation for how connected metabolism is to my own experiences as … Continue reading →

I found the lectures earlier this month pertaining to enzyme mechanisms really interesting, especially our discussion of the Induced Fit Model. Although I had learned about enzymes before, this deeper exploration of how they “bind to the transition state better … Continue reading →

I found the lectures and case studies on glycolysis really interesting. More specifically, I am particularly intrigued by how glycolysis relates to lactic acid production. As a freshman at Colby I had the opportunity to get my lactate levels tested … Continue reading →

One of my absolute favorite pastimes is baking, and I have recently started churning butter. I love sharing my baked goods with friends and family, and often spend my weekends in my kitchen. While studying abroad in France, I began … Continue reading →

We discussed diabetes and the importance of maintaining glucose homeostasis for overall metabolic health in our classes on glycogen synthesis and breakdown. The two most common types are Type 1 diabetes, where an autoimmune attack on the cells in the … Continue reading →

I was especially interested in our lessons on hemoglobin and what factors increase/decrease its ability to bind oxygen. Specifically, I had never heard of the two different states of hemoglobin or the unique properties of fetal hemoglobin. As an EMT, … Continue reading →

Earlier in the course when we discussed protein structure and folding, I was really interested in the application of prion diseases. I knew that prion diseases were caused by a misfolded protein, but I didn’t realize how it modified a … Continue reading →

One of the other courses I’m taking this semester is Biological Basis of Behavior, a psychology class. I’ve noticed that several topics we’ve covered in biochemistry parallel those in psychology, which has made both classes more engaging for me. For … Continue reading →

I’ve been really fascinated by our recent lectures on blood sugar regulation and metabolism. More specifically, the pathways involved in the body’s response to low blood sugar and with glucagon release and the breakdown of glycogen stores. For some odd … Continue reading →

A friend of mine from home has Type 1 Diabetes, and learning about metabolic disorders and glucose homeostasis has deepened my understanding of what she experiences daily. I was previously aware that T1D is an autoimmune disorder in which the … Continue reading →