Zombie Metabolism: Introduction

This is the first in what will hopefully be a series of posts discussing a topic of obvious importance: The Regulation of Metabolism in Zombies.

Introduction:

Zombies, though difficult to capture and study, present a fascinating subject for research for all those who are interested in metabolism. Topics such as appetite regulation, nutritional requirements and waste excretion all present an intriguing mystery to fans of metabolism, such as myself.

Many times, while on the run, hacking my way through emaciated, stinking, yet animated, corpses, I stop to wonder (well... I don't stop, obviously) just what adaptations zombies have made to their metabolism that gives them their striking characteristics.

Zombies obviously live on a diet consisting mostly of meat, i.e protein, which, in human metabolism, would explain their extremely lean physiques, but presents a conundrum in terms of their insatiable hunger.

How do zombies excrete waste? They continue to feed on human flesh even without function internal organs, such as the small intestine, kidney or liver.

How do zombie muscles function? They don't move very quickly, but show a fair amount of strength, implying a focus on aerobic, rather than anaerobic metabolism. But in the absence of a fully functioning circulatory system (decapitated zombie heads continue to make biting motions), how is the oxygen delivered?

As you can see, a discussion of the possible alterations in the core metabolic pathways that may occur in zombies, has more than enough depth to intrigue even the most apathetic biochemist. Though we do confess that how they metabolise human flesh is of secondary importance to making sure they do not feast on yours...

More to follow...