20 Amino Acids Quiz: Properties and Essential Types

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Questions and Answers

What are the properties of amino acids at pH=7?

Positively charged, no net charge across N- and C-terminals, and monoprotic

Neutral, no net charge across N- and C-terminals, and amphoteric (correct)

Negatively charged, net charge across N- and C-terminals, and amphoteric

Zwitterions, net charge across N- and C-terminals, and monoprotic

Where does the nitrogen in amino acids come from?

Animals

Bacteria in the roots of legumes

N2 in the atmosphere (correct)

Plants

What is the role of plants in the nitrogen cycle for amino acids?

Converting nitrogen to usable organic forms (correct)

Assimilating nitrogen from the atmosphere

Ingesting nitrogen from the soil

Releasing nitrogen into the atmosphere

What do animals do with the amino acids obtained from ingesting plants?

Use them for the synthesis of proteins Signup and view all the answers

What is the main source of nitrogen for animals and plants?

Atmospheric nitrogen (N2) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for amino acids acting as both an acid or a base by donating or accepting electrons?

Amphoteric Signup and view all the answers

Which type of amino acids are known as branched chain amino acids (BCAA’s)?

Valine, Leucine, Isoleucine Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about essential amino acids (EAA) is true?

They are not made de novo in mammals and are required in the diet. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a role of the Citric Acid Cycle (CAC) in relation to amino acids?

It has entry points for various amino acids. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of releasing N from amino acids?

To make purines and pyrimidines, heme, and urea. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about complete proteins?

They contain sufficient amounts of essential amino acids to support health. Signup and view all the answers

What amino acids are considered essential in the diet in addition to valine, isoleucine, and leucine?

Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan Signup and view all the answers

What is the excretory form of nitrogen derived from amino acids?

Urea Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following crops is NOT usually considered a complete protein due to its low content of specific essential amino acids?

Wheat Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of classifying amino acids as essential or non-essential?

To determine which amino acids must be obtained through the diet Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Amino Acids Properties at pH 7

At pH 7, amino acids exist as zwitterions, having both positive and negative charges.

Nitrogen Source

Nitrogen in amino acids comes from the air, which is fixed into a form usable by living organisms through the nitrogen cycle.
Plants obtain nitrogen from soil through their roots.
Animals obtain nitrogen by consuming plants or other animals that have already obtained nitrogen from plants.

Nitrogen Cycle

Plants absorb nitrogen from the air through nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their roots, converting it into amino acids.
Animals obtain amino acids by consuming plants or other animals that have already obtained nitrogen from plants.

Amino Acid Functionality

Amino acids can act as both acids and bases, donating or accepting electrons, a property known as amphotericism.

Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)

Leucine, isoleucine, and valine are known as branched chain amino acids (BCAAs).

Essential Amino Acids (EAAs)

Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by humans and must be obtained through the diet.
EAAs include valine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, threonine, methionine, lysine, histidine, and arginine.

Citric Acid Cycle (CAC)

The Citric Acid Cycle (CAC) plays a role in the degradation of amino acids, producing energy and releasing nitrogen.

Nitrogen Release

The purpose of releasing nitrogen from amino acids is to recycle it back into the environment for reuse.

Complete Proteins

Complete proteins are proteins that contain all essential amino acids in a sufficient amount to support human health.

Essential Amino Acids in Diet

In addition to valine, isoleucine, and leucine, other essential amino acids that must be obtained through the diet include phenylalanine, tryptophan, threonine, methionine, lysine, histidine, and arginine.

Nitrogen Excretion

Urea is the excretory form of nitrogen derived from amino acids.

Incomplete Proteins

Legumes, such as beans and lentils, are not complete proteins due to their low content of specific essential amino acids.

Classification of Amino Acids

Amino acids are classified as essential or non-essential to identify those that cannot be synthesized by humans and must be obtained through the diet.

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Description

Learn about the properties of amino acids at pH 7, an overview of the N-cycle, and the concept of essential amino acids including EAA's and BCAA's. Understand the structure of amino acids and their general properties at neutral pH.

Amino Acids: Properties and Essential Types

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