Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which amino acid is not essential for humans?
Which amino acid is not essential for humans?
What is the function of hydroxylysine in protein synthesis?
What is the function of hydroxylysine in protein synthesis?
What is the classification of serine based on its R-group?
What is the classification of serine based on its R-group?
Which amino acid is often added to animal feed due to its limiting nature?
Which amino acid is often added to animal feed due to its limiting nature?
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What is the role of tyrosine hydroxylase in the brain?
What is the role of tyrosine hydroxylase in the brain?
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Which amino acid is a precursor to serine, hydroxylysine, and methyllysine?
Which amino acid is a precursor to serine, hydroxylysine, and methyllysine?
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What is the function of serine in proteins?
What is the function of serine in proteins?
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Why is lysine often added to dietary supplements?
Why is lysine often added to dietary supplements?
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What is the role of the hydroxyl group in serine?
What is the role of the hydroxyl group in serine?
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Which amino acid is a precursor to several important cellular compounds?
Which amino acid is a precursor to several important cellular compounds?
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Study Notes
Amino Acid Classification
- Essential and non-essential amino acids are classified based on whether they can be synthesized by cells or need to be obtained from the diet.
- This classification has little to do with the structure of amino acids.
- Essential amino acids vary from one organism to another and even differ in humans, depending on whether they are adults or children.
Amino Acid Chemistry
- Amino acids are categorized based on the chemistry of their R-groups.
- Different textbooks may have different names for the categories and may categorize the same amino acid differently.
Post-Translational Modifications
- After a protein is synthesized, amino acid side chains within it can be chemically modified.
- Common modifications include phosphorylation of hydroxyl groups of serine, threonine, or tyrosine.
- Other modifications include addition of fatty acids, isoprenoid groups, acetyl groups, methyl groups, iodine, carboxyl groups, or sulfates.
Amino Acid Functions
- Some amino acids are precursors of important compounds in the body, such as epinephrine, thyroid hormones, L-dopa, and dopamine (from tyrosine), serotonin (from tryptophan), and histamine (from histidine).
- Amino acids serve as constituents of proteins, which are polymers of amino acids.
Specific Amino Acids
- Ornithine is a metabolic precursor of arginine and citrulline.
- Citrulline is a metabolic byproduct and is sometimes used as a dietary supplement to reduce muscle fatigue.
- Lysine is a precursor of important compounds, including serotonin, niacin, and the auxin phytohormone.
- Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid that is a target for phosphorylation in proteins and plays a role in signaling processes.
- Serine is a precursor of many important cellular compounds, including purines, pyrimidines, sphingolipids, folate, and the amino acids glycine, cysteine, and tryptophan.
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Description
This quiz covers the classification of amino acids, including essential and non-essential amino acids, and their role in the urea cycle. Learn about the metabolism of ornithine, arginine, and citrulline, and how they interact in the body.
