15 Questions
What are the properties of amino acids at pH=7?
Neutral, no net charge across N- and C-terminals, and amphoteric
Where does the nitrogen in amino acids come from?
N2 in the atmosphere
What is the role of plants in the nitrogen cycle for amino acids?
Converting nitrogen to usable organic forms
What do animals do with the amino acids obtained from ingesting plants?
Use them for the synthesis of proteins
What is the main source of nitrogen for animals and plants?
Atmospheric nitrogen (N2)
What is the term for amino acids acting as both an acid or a base by donating or accepting electrons?
Amphoteric
Which type of amino acids are known as branched chain amino acids (BCAA’s)?
Valine, Leucine, Isoleucine
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.
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.
What is the purpose of releasing N from amino acids?
To make purines and pyrimidines, heme, and urea.
Which of the following is true about complete proteins?
They contain sufficient amounts of essential amino acids to support health.
What amino acids are considered essential in the diet in addition to valine, isoleucine, and leucine?
Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan
What is the excretory form of nitrogen derived from amino acids?
Urea
Which of the following crops is NOT usually considered a complete protein due to its low content of specific essential amino acids?
Wheat
What is the purpose of classifying amino acids as essential or non-essential?
To determine which amino acids must be obtained through the diet
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.
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.
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