Ideas of the Parthenon Essay Example For Students

Ideas of the Parthenon Essay The Greek people of the 5th century BC created a culture that was deeply rooted in philosophy and the arts. Their endless search for their place in the grand scheme of the universe and in nature around them influenced everything in their lives especially their love of the arts. Their drama, sculpture, and even architecture are all shining examples of the ideas that were so dominant in the minds of the Greek people. What could be considered the crown jewel of Greek architecture, the Parthenon, is one such of these examples. It brings into form the three principal ideas of humanism, rationalism, and idealism of the 5th century Greek people through not only its structure, but its ornamentation and sculpture as well. The basis of humanism can be summed up in the words of Protagoras, Man is the measure of all things. Humanism is the idea that human beings are the yardstick by with to measure all things in the universe, including Greek gods and goddesses. The Parthenon stands for this very idea through the fact that it is a human organization of space. It brings an understandable order into a chaotic space that would otherwise be incomprehensible to a human being. It allows a human to see the space and recognize it as something that is real. It also consists of repeated patterns and distance intervals throughout its structure that add to this order. The metopes, for example, are set in an alternating pattern with the triglyphs around the entire building at distinct intervals bringing a clear order to the entablature of the Parthenon. The columns that support the Parthenon are also placed in certain distance intervals from each other and coincide with the pattern formed by the metopes and triglyphs. These columns, however, are not in a perfect pattern of equal distances around the entire Parthenon. The columns on either side of the doorway to the Parthenon are placed a little farther apart than the rest to show a clear entrance to the building. Also the corner columns of the building are positioned slightly closer to their neighboring columns in order to compensate for the human eye. Without this compensation the columns would give the illusion of leaning outward and being farther apart than the rest of the columns because of the distortion of such a large structure to the human eye. The stylobate that the columns rest on is also built to allow for this optical illusion of the human eye. It has a gentle arch to it that prevent the human eye from believing the building to be concave or sagging toward the middle. This effect, known as entasis, can be seen throughout the Parthenon from the curve of the stylobate and entablature to the slight bulging of the columns that gives the impression of bearing the load of the structure. Another example of humanism in the Parthenon can be seen in it ornamentation and sculpture. The Parthenon is a temple to the goddess of wisdom, Athena, and has many references to her though its decorative art work. For example, the East pediment of the Parthenon depicts the birth of Athena from the head of Zeus. All of the figures in the pediment are in a human form, including the gods and goddesses and Athena herself. This is a way of bringing the gods down to a level that can be recognized and understood by humans who worship them. This is true of all the Greek statues of gods and goddesses such as the gold and ivory statue of the goddess Athena that stood in the Parthenon itself. Another idea of the 5th century Greek people that can be recognized in the Parthenon is that of rationalism. .u5a2f54f0b189a28d38c1ebabf6b06aba , .u5a2f54f0b189a28d38c1ebabf6b06aba .postImageUrl , .u5a2f54f0b189a28d38c1ebabf6b06aba .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u5a2f54f0b189a28d38c1ebabf6b06aba , .u5a2f54f0b189a28d38c1ebabf6b06aba:hover , .u5a2f54f0b189a28d38c1ebabf6b06aba:visited , .u5a2f54f0b189a28d38c1ebabf6b06aba:active { border:0!important; } .u5a2f54f0b189a28d38c1ebabf6b06aba .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u5a2f54f0b189a28d38c1ebabf6b06aba { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u5a2f54f0b189a28d38c1ebabf6b06aba:active , .u5a2f54f0b189a28d38c1ebabf6b06aba:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u5a2f54f0b189a28d38c1ebabf6b06aba .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u5a2f54f0b189a28d38c1ebabf6b06aba .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u5a2f54f0b189a28d38c1ebabf6b06aba .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u5a2f54f0b189a28d38c1ebabf6b06aba .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u5a2f54f0b189a28d38c1ebabf6b06aba:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u5a2f54f0b189a28d38c1ebabf6b06aba .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u5a2f54f0b189a28d38c1ebabf6b06aba .u5a2f54f0b189a28d38c1ebabf6b06aba-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u5a2f54f0b189a28d38c1ebabf6b06aba:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Thesis: Essay Rationalism is the idea of eternal principles or basic truths that are inherent in the universe and in the human mind. An example is that of Pythagoras right triangle theory that a+b=c, which cannot be total proven but yet has never been disproved either. This same theory can be seen in the Parthenon through its rectangular shape which, if cut in half diagonally, would be two right triangles. As it is plain to see, rationalism had

Talking In Whispers Essay Example

Talking In Whispers Paper Talking In Whispers by James Watson is a view of the Chilean revolution in the 1970s through the eyes of 16-year-old Andres Laretta. Andres is having a hard time of it as his father, singer who is kidnapped by the secret police and most of his friends are also missing. Forced to run for his life, Andres comes upon twins, Isa and Beto with whom he becomes very good friends. Together, the trio set out to find Andres father and try to get photos of an assassination published, as an attempt to bring to light the sorry state their country is in. The characters and relationships between them develop throughout the story, displaying many examples of conflict and co-operation. The twins, Isa and Beto were on their way to market in San Miguel to perform one of their usual puppet shows when Andres flagged them down while running from the secret police. Though at first only taken on as a hitchhiker, tragedy strikes on their chosen route as the Silver Lion, an election candidate is assassinated. Isa decides to put Andres up for the night at the mill, from where the friendship grows. It isnt long before he sees the twins as his friends and considers them important in his decision making; common sense urged Andres to return to the mill and to his friends, Isa and Beto. Together they would decide what must be done A newspaper announces Andres death, meaning the best thing to do is to lie low for a few weeks. However, Andres being Andres, he insists on continuing to fight for his beliefs to the end. This proves Isa and Beto to be true friends as they agree to help him, whatever he chooses to do. We will write a custom essay sample on Talking In Whispers specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Talking In Whispers specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Talking In Whispers specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer They keep their word and stick by him throughout the story in his search for his father. Together, they manage to publish Don Chaileys photos to expose the CNI as the bloody-handed killers they are. In their quest, Andres and the twins come across many people who are on their side. Don Chailey asks Andres to publish photos for him as he is caught by the CNI. Chailey risked his life to get these photos, showing his pure courage here also was terrible danger. The American photographer had himself been snapped by the officer commanding the troops. The photos could prove to be crucial for the result of Chiles future; Don Chaileys photographs proved to be more sensational in content. Diego Rosales, a printer, agrees to develop the photos for Andres: I have an instinct, a feeling. Fact is friends, Im gettig- vibrations! . Diego is given shelter by Father Marino and was imprisoned and tortured after the overthrow of President Allende, leaving him with permanent spinal damage but not his spirit, not his humour. The main conflict of the story is between the good people of Chile and the CNI. They do not seem to have a care in the world for the people of Chile as seen by the way that they treat them. At the beginning of the story, Horacio is shot, Juan captured and battered, told You Laretta, will pay for your lies and youll suffer for your songs. Andres is badly tortured for trying to withhold information about his friends. Andres whole body convulsed as he was hit in the stomach. His arms blazed with agony. Electrocuted, almost to the point of destruction he is dumped on the side of a road, badly battered and bruised but escapes with help from a reluctant passer-by and his good-hearted daughter Although based on a very serious topic, Talking In Whispers contains some humour. Save the Junta time and bullets Shoot yourself! was written on the side of a wall in Santiago. Sadly, by the way some of the Chileans were treated, they probably would have preferred to die this way. Although the book itself is fictional, the events in the book were very much a reality. James Watson approaches the subjects cautiously and tastefully, while still exposing the brutal pain these people suffered. Human rights are still fought for in Bosnia, Indonesia and parts of China today and I know that this book has brought this to light for me, and others I am sure. He also showed the importance of friendships and relationships in the struggle for human rights as Andres depended on his to see him through. For in spite of you, tomorrow is another day

Motivation Essays

Motivation Essays Motivation Essay Motivation Essay In todays highly aggressive business environment, international air passenger transport Is known as one of the most competitive sectors which demands finest of service towards customers. In delivering a high quality service, it is required to have a well-equipped staff force with an unmatchable caring factor and experience. Its evident to satisfy a big ask, comes a great deal of stress. In order to evade these subjects, Motivation plays a huge role. This case study elaborate the difficulties airline, its staff and the passengers faces. 1. Pieta Andorra, being employed in a traditional hierarchy organization, higher management expects him to be self-motivated and to pass this motivation down to his staff. As pieta receives negative or no comments from the management, he will be denominated and In turn his and his teams performance will decline. As his contribution not being recognized, it will lead him to consider other opportunities. As the airline sector is aggressive, other airline s will make a lucrative offer which he will be forced to accept as motivation declines further in the long run. Airline will have a boost In ticket sales due to their overbooking strategy In the short term. Other hand, the management will see an increase in customer complaints as quality of staff service has deteriorated. As more complaints arises and news of staff leaving the airline spreads, dissatisfied customers will shift to other airlines which will affect the three Kepis of this organization. Customers will experience a negative change In service which will lead to dissatisfaction. As the over booked situation becomes regular frequent flyers will look for alternative airlines. In the long run, credibility of the airline will decrease as the loyalty of the customers. 2. Failure to recognize staff requirements and having no means of proper communication with Its employees, high staff turnover Is Inevitable. To train new recruits to be as professionals costs and takes time. This will not only cost the airline financially but also its reputation and loyalty of customers. Positive personality, attitude and motivation are the three key areas which defines stress of an individual. Communication can play a vital role In achieving the above and its cost effective and makes a big difference on employees. Without contact with the management staff test denominated. In other words, they feel unwanted. This directly influence on employees personality and brings negative attitude towards the airline. This can be easily avoided by having regular Interactions with your subordinates and providing encouragement. 3. 0 Content theory and Process theory are two divisions of motivation. Content motivational theory includes Masons theory, two factor theory and Miscellanys theory of needs and Process motivational theory derives from expectancy theory, equity theory, Goal setting theory and reinforcement theory. Masons theory divided he individual needs into five levels which are physiological, security, belongingness, esteem and self-actualization needs. Correct communication can achieve all the needs which Is lacking from the airline. Two factor theory, Intrinsic and extrinsic, Intrinsic which states that people tend to relate achievement, responsibility and recognition to job satisfaction and extrinsic which explains factors like remuneration, 1 OFF providing more responsibility accordingly will boost motivation of staff and in turn make the airline profitable. McClellan theory of needs divided an individuals need s for achievements, for power and for affiliation. People tend to perform more when the Job responsibility increase and motivation increases. As high staff turnover was common, to motivate its employees, limiting new recruits and increasing Job responsibility to a certain limit suffice. In process motivational theories, expectancy theory states that employees will be more motivated when they expect good Job appraisal like bonuses, increasing salaries and promotion. Equity theory is concerned with productivity, turnover rates and absenteeism. Employees who perceive that their inputs and efforts, experiences towards the Job are not equivalent to the output like salaries , promotions and recognition they tend to be less motivated and in result they will produce less or the turnover rates increase. Goal-setting theory explains that defined, specific and hard goals lead to higher productivity levels. Reinforcement theory considers the contrast of the goal setting theory as it concerns with the quality and the quantity of the Job itself and considers the behavior as environmental factor. For individuals as Pieta Andorra, who has the natural desire to service people and sonnet need external motivation, McClellan theory could be applicable for this category as their needs for achieving the best outcomes (more satisfied customers) will motivate them to do his Job; in addition expectancy theory will be suitable for Pieta does not need any responsibility. For staff who are motivated with external rewards, expectancy theory will be more applicable as more appraisals they expects to get to do a certain task the more they will be more motivated to do his Job. Senior managers can adopt equity theory which is based on the organizational Justice, where employees will be motivated when they feel that the organization rewards to its employers equally according to their efforts and experiences. 4. The Airline has focused on high margins and customer satisfaction but they have not focused on Job satisfaction of employees which ultimately effects the above two factors. According to the best fit approach of HRS, the organization strategies and HRS strategies must be aligned. Therefore, HRS department of the given company should focus on staff motivation in order to retain the employees and achieve the company Laos. Airline has failed to provide this environment. Lack of communication between the employees and management have created disputes in the company. Senior management should communicate with the staff to identify the operational problems in the organization. They should provide support and guidance or necessary trainings to handle the operational problems. Communication will be helpful to identify intrinsic employees and provide a better environment for them to perform and identify extrinsic employees and appraise them in a better way.

Mercury Facts - Periodic Table of the Elements

Mercury Facts - Periodic Table of the Elements Mercury is the only metallic element that is a liquid at room temperature. This dense metal is atomic number 80 with element symbol Hg. This collection of mercury facts includes atomic data, the electron configuration, chemical and physical properties, and history of the element. Mercury Basic Facts Symbol: HgAtomic Number: 80Atomic Weight: 200.59Element Classification: Transition MetalCAS Number: 7439-97-6Mercury Periodic Table LocationGroup: 12Period: 6Block: d Mercury Electron Configuration Short Form: [Xe]4f145d106s2Long Form: 1s22s22p63s23p63d104s24p64d105s25p64f145d106s2Shell Structure: 2 8 18 32 18 2 Mercury Discovery Discovery Date: Known to the ancient Hindus and Chinese. Mercury has been found in Egyptian tombs dating to 1500 B.C.Name: Mercury derives its name from the association between the planet Mercury and its use in alchemy. The alchemical symbol for mercury was the same for the metal and the planet. The element symbol, Hg, is derived from the Latin name hydragyrum meaning water silver. Mercury Physical Data State at room temperature (300 K): LiquidAppearance: heavy silvery white metalDensity: 13.546 g/cc (20  °C)Melting Point: 234.32 K (-38.83  °C or -37.894  °F)Boiling Point: 356.62 K (356.62  °C or 629.77  °F)Critical Point: 1750 K at 172 MPaHeat of Fusion: 2.29 kJ/molHeat of Vaporization: 59.11 kJ/molMolar Heat Capacity: 27.983 J/mol ·KSpecific Heat: 0.138 J/g ·K (at 20  °C) Mercury Atomic Data Oxidation States: 2 , 1Electronegativity: 2.00Electron Affinity: not stableAtomic Radius: 1.32 Ã…Atomic Volume: 14.8 cc/molIonic Radius: 1.10 Ã… (2e) 1.27 Ã… (1e)Covalent Radius: 1.32 Ã…Van der Waals Radius: 1.55 Ã…First Ionization Energy: 1007.065 kJ/molSecond Ionization Energy: 1809.755 kJ/molThird Ionization Energy: 3299.796 kJ/mol Mercury Nuclear Data Number of isotopes: There are 7 naturally occurring isotopes of mercury..Isotopes and % abundance: 196Hg (0.15), 198Hg (9.97), 199Hg (198.968), 200Hg (23.1), 201Hg (13.18), 202Hg (29.86) and 204Hg (6.87) Mercury Crystal Data Lattice Structure: RhombohedralLattice Constant: 2.990 Ã…Debye Temperature: 100.00 K Mercury Uses Mercury is amalgamated with gold to facilitate the recovery of gold from its ores. Mercury is used to make thermometers, diffusion pumps, barometers, mercury vapor lamps, mercury switches, pesticides, batteries, dental preparations, antifouling paints, pigments, and catalysts. Many of the salts and organic mercury compounds are important. Miscellaneous Mercury Facts Mercury compounds with the 2 oxidation states are known as mercuric in older texts. Example: HgCl2 was known as mercuric chloride.Mercury compounds with the 1 oxidation state are known as mercurous in older texts. Example: Hg2Cl2 was known as mercurous chloride.Mercury is rarely found free in nature. Mercury is harvested from cinnabar (mercury(I) sulfide - HgS). It is extracted by heating the ore and collecting the mercury vapor produced.Mercury is also known by the name quicksilver.Mercury is one of the few elements that is liquid at ordinary room temperatures.Mercury and its compounds are highly poisonous. Mercury is readily absorbed across unbroken skin or though the respiratory or gatroinstestinal tract. It acts as a cumulative poison.Mercury is very volatile in air. When room temperature air (20 °C) is saturated with mercury vapor, the concentration greatly exceeds the toxic limit. The concentration, and thus the danger, increases at higher temperatures.Early alchemists believ ed all metals contained varying amounts of mercury. Mercury was used in many experiments to transmute one metal into another. Chinese alchemists believed mercury promoted health and extended life and included it with several medicines.Mercury readily forms alloys with other metals, called amalgams. The term amalgam literally means alloy of mercury in Latin.An electrical discharge will cause mercury to combine with the noble gases argon, krypton, neon, and xenon.Mercury is one of the heavy metals. Many metals have a higher density than mercury, yet are not considered to be heavy metals. This is because heavy metals are both extremely dense and highly toxic. Sources Eisler, R. (2006). Mercury hazards to living organisms. CRC Press. ISBN 978-0-8493-9212-2.Greenwood, Norman N.; Earnshaw, Alan (1997). Chemistry of the Elements (2nd ed.). Butterworth-Heinemann. ISBN 0-08-037941-9.Lide, D. R., ed. (2005). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics (86th ed.). Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press. ISBN 0-8493-0486-5.Norrby, L.J. (1991). Why is mercury liquid? Or, why do relativistic effects not get into chemistry textbooks?. Journal of Chemical Education. 68 (2): 110. doi:10.1021/ed068p110Weast, Robert (1984). CRC, Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. Boca Raton, Florida: Chemical Rubber Company Publishing. pp. E110. ISBN 0-8493-0464-4. Return to the Periodic Table

Metric Machine Parts and Supplies Corporation Research Paper

Metric Machine Parts and Supplies Corporation - Research Paper Example The workforce of only 25000 with the limited networking facility could not manage the large customer base. Therefore, the company has decided to outsource (share) the network management facility. The core issue can be summarized as: The Metric Machine Parts and Supplier Corp. is facing issues in network management facility, required for managing heavy network base for the customers. 2. Discussion of the Problem within the Context of the Problem. The company’s heavy network base has now been managed by internal and external networking facilities. Following are some technical problems the company faces: 2.1 Crashed Network As a result of heavy network, the connectivity problems arose, due to which the network periodically crashes. 2.2 Poor Customer Service The crashed network results in an inability to provide up-to-the-mark services to the customers. 2.3 E-mail Interruptions Another major impact of the whole networking problem linked with the poor customer service is the e-mail blockage and interruption. 2.4 High Cost Cost of managing two network bases, i.e. internal and external, and eradication of networking errors has become too high. 2.5 Poor Service by the Telecom Network Management Company The outsourced telecom network management company has proved to be the major business problem for MMPS. The reason is the poor service rendered by the network management company. The company often disagrees that there is even a problem and does not properly address MMPS networking errors. 3. Recommendations in Applications of the technology, Processes and Policies Internal management of overwhelmed network management facility requires highly technical and experienced telecom engineers to manage the network functions of the company (Mayer, Jiang, Xi, McCarron, & Chang, 2010). As mentioned above, the major problem faced by MMPS is the handling of heavy network problems. The most congenial solution to the problem is to develop a system that can easily incorporate the internally managed heavy networking issues. In order to internally manage the networking problem, MMPS should incorporate the Cross Domain Network Management System. 3.1 Application of the Technology The Cross Domain Networking System is one of the most widely used and recommended telecom network management systems (Lu, 2009), that can help companies like MMPS to individually manage the whole networking system without any interruption. 3.2 Process Of Cross Domain NMS: The Cross Domain Networking System functions is a way that allows the operation system of telecom network engineering to gather information and systematically integrate it into the system in a consistent manner so that the large number of different customers can be entertained at the same time without interruption (Etheridge, Chen, Tanaka & Watanabe, 1998). 3.3 Policies Of Cross Domain NMS: The Cross Domain Networking System follows the policies of providing fully secured services for the customer, so the confidential information of the customers can be preserved. 4. Impacts or Risks of the Applied Solutions. The applied solution of the Cross Domain Networking System has some shortcomings or limitations that relate with implementing the solely controlled network managem

CROSS CULTURAL NEGOTIATION MGT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

CROSS CULTURAL NEGOTIATION MGT - Essay Example Against this backdrop, common understanding is not only limited to what the members achieve or share in common but what they can be as a single entity (Spoelstra and Pienaar, 1999). Exchanging information through communication is an integral part of the negotiation process and this information is generated through different methods. The nature of methods used in exchanging information in the negotiation process depends on the relationship of the negotiating parties where in some cases this relationship can be terminated where consensus is not reached or prolonged when it has been reached (Reardon, 2004). In order to test the concept of negotiation, simulations that were conducted between week seven and eleven focused on three main areas highlighted below. The Him and Her Australia (HHA) is one of the key focus area. HHA is regarded as an upmarket store specialising in retailing fashion clothes in Australia and is comprised of a prestigious network of about 80 chain stores. The company worked together with another Italian designer shop where the young crop designers from Sydney have managed to add some flavour and HHA has emerged as a force to reckon with as this has greatly contributed to its success. HHA has also underscored to collaborate with Beijing Fashion Manufacturing (BFM) where the companies have seen a reduction of production costs which in turn has lowered the prices while at the same time increasing the profit margins. In order to investigate if a common ground can be reached between HHA and BFM to establish a platform where they can share similar agreement in the process of manufacturing clothes for summer clothes for the 2009 and 2010 seasons, a simulated e-mail negotiation was conducted between HHA and BFM. The participants mainly comprising students were grouped into eight different categories and the groups were split into two parts where the other group represented

Ketones in insulin resistant state Essay Example for Free

Ketones in insulin resistant state Essay 1. How is glucose normally maintained in the post absorptive state? 2. Why is muscle glycogen not useful for blood glucose 3. Why may this situation have evolved 4. Under what circumstances do you think substantial gluconeogenesis will occur 5. What is necessary for the production of ketones 6. What will reduce acetyl CoA oxidation 7. When is oxaloacetate availability impaired 8. When is the regulation of gluconeogenesis disrupted Glycolysis and gluconeogenesis are reciprocally regulated by eachother. What promotes the activity of one inhibits the other. Lack of insulin leads to high levels of glucose in the blood, gluc levels exceed renal threshold. . this causes excess water to excreted in urine (polyuria) Ketones are formed when there is not enough sugar or glucose to supply the body’s fuel needs. This occurs overnight, and during dieting or fasting. During these periods, insulin levels are low, but glucagon and epinephrine levels are relatively normal. This combination of low insulin, and relatively normal glucagon and epinephrine levels causes fat to be released from the fat cells. The fats travel through the blood circulation to reach the liver where they are processed into ketone units. The ketone units then circulate back into the blood stream and are picked up by the muscle and other tissues to fuel your body’s metabolism. In a person without diabetes, ketone production is the body’s normal adaptation to starvation. Blood sugar levels never get too high, because the production is regulated by just the right balance of insulin, glucagon and other hormones.However, in an individual with diabetes, dangerous and life-threatening levels of ketones can develop. When there is not enough insulin, the fat cells keep releasing fat into the circulation, and the liver keeps making more and more ketones and ketoacids. The rising ketoacid levels make the blood pH too low (acidotic/Diabetic Keto-Acidosis), which is an emergency medical situation and requires immediate medical attention. Oxidation reaction†¦ leads to release of h+ ions Lipogenesis: Since carbohydrates are the major part of the diet, they must be immediately converted into energy, stored as glycogen, or converted into fats. The introduction has already presented the facts about the necessity of storing energy as fat. A total of 55% of the carbohydrates are involved in the synthesis of fats. The total energy content of the diet must be balanced with the energy requirements of the human body. If excess foods (calories) are ingested beyond the bodys energy needs, the excess foods (energy) are converted into fat. If insufficient calories are ingested, the energy deficit is made up by oxidizing fat reserves. These simple facts provide the key to weight control although it is probably more easily understood than carried out in practice. Excessive deposits of lipids lead to an obese condition. Extensive blood capillary networks in these deposits mean that they are quite active metabolically. Obesity puts a strain on the heart by causing it to pump blood through extra c apillaries. Generally, obesity results from overeating, but a few people have malfunctioning endocrine glands. Lipid metabolism is in a constant state of dynamic equilibrium. This means that some lipids are constantly being oxidized to meet energy needs, while others are being synthesized and stored. In rats, the average life-time of a single lipid molecule ranges from 2 to 10 days. A similar figure probably applies to human lipid metabolism. The sequence of reactions involved in the formation of lipids is known as Lipogenesis. Lipogenesis is not simply the reverse of the fatty acid spiral, but does start with acetyl CoA and does build up by the addition of two carbons units. The synthesis occurs in the cytoplasm in contrast to the degradation (oxidation) which occurs in the mitochondria. Many of the enzymes for the fatty acid synthesis are organized into a multienzyme complex called fatty acid synthetase. The major points in the overall lipogenesis reactions are: Starvation and Diabetes Synthesis of Ketone Bodies: When the body is deprived of food whether by voluntary or involuntary fasting, starvation is the net result. During starvation, glycogen reserves are rapidly depleted and the body begins to metabolize reserves of fat and protein. The entry of acetyl CoA into the citric acid cycle depends on the availability of oxaloacetic acid for the formation of citric acid. In starvation or uncontrolled diabetes situations, oxaloacetic acid is used to synthesize glucose and is then not available for use with acetyl CoA. Under these conditions, acetyl CoA is diverted from the citric acid cycle to the formation of acetoacetic and 3-hydroxybutanoic acids. In three steps, two acetyl CoA react to make acetoacetic acid. The acetoacetic acid may be changed into either acetone or 3-hydroxybutanoic acid. All three compounds are collectively known as ketone bodies even though one is not a ketone. The odor of acetone may be detected on the breath of a person with excess ketone bodies in the blood. The overall accumulation of ketone bodies in blood and urine is known as ketosis. The acids also upset buffers in the blood to cause acidosis. Both acetoacetic acid and 3-hydroxybutanoic acid can be used by the heart, kidneys, and brain for metabolism to produce energy. The heart and kidneys actually prefer these to glucose. In contrast, the brain prefers glucose, but will adapt if necessary in starvation or diabetic conditions. Link to: Ketone Bodies (move cursor over arrows)