8 Questions
What is the most important route for disposing nitrogen from the body?
Urea cycle
What are the carbon skeletons of α-keto acids converted to in the second phase of amino acid catabolism?
Common metabolites
What happens to any amino acids in excess of the biosynthetic needs of the cell?
They are rapidly degraded
What is the primary route for disposing nitrogen from the body?
Synthesis of urea (urea cycle)
What is the first phase of amino acid catabolism that involves the removal of α-amino groups?
Transamination and oxidative deamination
What happens to the carbon skeletons of α-keto acids in the second phase of amino acid catabolism?
Converted to common metabolic intermediates
What is the fate of any amino acids in excess of the biosynthetic needs of the cell?
Rapidly degraded
Apart from diet, where else can amino acids be obtained from?
Synthesized de novo
Study Notes
Amino Acid Catabolism
- The primary route for disposing nitrogen from the body is through the excretion of urea in the urine.
Phases of Amino Acid Catabolism
- The first phase of amino acid catabolism involves the removal of α-amino groups, which is achieved through transamination or oxidative deamination.
Fate of Amino Acids
- Any amino acids in excess of the biosynthetic needs of the cell are catabolized to produce energy or stored as fat.
Second Phase of Amino Acid Catabolism
- In the second phase of amino acid catabolism, the carbon skeletons of α-keto acids are converted to acetyl-CoA, acetoacetate, or pyruvate, which can then be used for energy production or biosynthesis.
Alternative Sources of Amino Acids
- Apart from diet, amino acids can also be obtained from the breakdown of muscle protein or other tissue proteins.
Test your knowledge of amino acid metabolism and the disposal of nitrogen with this clinical biochemistry quiz. Explore the processes of amino acid acquisition, synthesis, and degradation, and understand how the body manages excess amino acids.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
