MONTHLY LUNCHEON

THE GRADUATE UNION presents

Introducing: The Power of ‘P’

An address to be delivered by

Dr David McCredie

It is not possible to conceive of life as we know it in the absence of phosphorus which, by reason of its particular electronic configuration, is the only element capable of forming the high energy transfer bonds which are essential  for biosynthesis, and therefore for all forms of life. Phosphates are also of considerable importance in the control of acid balance, in stabilising cell membranes and the backbone of DNA,, and, of course, with calcium forming our bony skeleton

This talk tells the story of phosphorus, from ancient beliefs to its discovery by the alchemist Brand in the 17^th century to recent discoveries in the 21st century which have shown that klotho< the so-called anti-ageing gene is of major importance in the regulation of the body’ s phosphorus.

David McCredie is a consultant physician at the Royal Children’s Hospital, former Associate Professor of The University of Melbourne, and former Head of Professorial Medical Unit and Department of Nephrology. He has had a long-time interest in disorders of calcium and phosphorus, and has for some years been involved in studies of renal disease in Australia’s indigenous population.