Enterocyte Amino Acid Absorption and Kwashiorkor Disease

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

What is the main component that makes each amino acid unique?

Acid (carboxylic acid)

Side group (correct)

Amino group (nitrogen)

Carbon skeleton

When dietary amino acids are absorbed, what is one of their fates besides liver synthesis?

Converted to vitamins

Stored in adipose tissue

Oxidized for energy (correct)

Excrete through urine

How does the utilization of amino acids differ from carbohydrates and fats?

Amino acids are stored in muscle tissue

Amino acids are stored in the liver

Amino acids are stored as glycogen

Amino acids are not stored like carbohydrates and fats (correct)

What is the physiological significance of the free amino acid pool in the body?

To maintain the ratio of amino acids for protein synthesis Signup and view all the answers

How many essential amino acids are there, and which pair is considered conditionally essential?

9 essential; phenylalanine to tyrosine Signup and view all the answers

How many amino acids are classified as non-essential?

10 Signup and view all the answers

Where does the process of transamination occur?

In the liver Signup and view all the answers

What is the general reaction for producing a new amino acid from an amino acid and a keto acid?

Amino acid + keto acid = new amino acid Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary structure of a protein defined as?

The literal sequence of amino acids Signup and view all the answers

In which part of the digestive system does the chemical digestion of amino acids start?

Stomach Signup and view all the answers

How are dietary proteins primarily absorbed in the small intestine?

As amino acids and dipeptides Signup and view all the answers

Where do pancreatic proteases cleave dietary proteins into amino acids and oligopeptides?

Small intestine Signup and view all the answers

What enzyme is responsible for facilitating the removal of ammonia groups from amino acids?

Glutamate dehydrogenase Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the urea cycle?

To maintain nitrogen balance Signup and view all the answers

Which condition can lead to elevated ammonia levels and subsequently hepatic encephalopathy?

Liver disease Signup and view all the answers

What clinical measurement is commonly used to assess urea levels in the blood?

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) Signup and view all the answers

In which organ does glutamine act as an ammonia scavenger?

Kidney Signup and view all the answers

What condition is associated with negative nitrogen balance?

Sepsis Signup and view all the answers

Which process describes the conversion of glucose to pyruvate in the muscle?

Glycolysis Signup and view all the answers

Which amino acid acts as a major gluconeogenic amino acid?

Alanine Signup and view all the answers

Where are branched-chain amino acids primarily catabolized?

Peripheral tissue (skeletal muscle) Signup and view all the answers

Why are branched-chain amino acids oxidized primarily outside the liver?

Peripheral tissues have higher energy requirements Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cause of kwashiorkor disease?

Protein deficiency with normal caloric intake Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary symptoms of kwashiorkor?

Edema, muscle wasting, immune dysfunction, and poor growth Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT associated with kwashiorkor?

Hyperalbuminemia Signup and view all the answers

How is the amino acid pool in the human body maintained?

Proteolysis Signup and view all the answers

What is the fate of nitrogen after the degradation of amino acids?

Excreted as urea Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme facilitates the transamination of alanine?

Aminotransferases Signup and view all the answers

What does elevated AST and ALT indicate in a liver function test?

Liver disease or damage Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary treatments for kwashiorkor?

Nutritional rehabilitation and therapeutic feeding programs Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of amino acids in the gut?

Serving as a source of energy Signup and view all the answers

Where is the majority of the free amino acid pool located in the body?

Circulating in the blood Signup and view all the answers

What is the physiological significance of glutamine in the kidney, besides fuel?

Buffering excess ammonia Signup and view all the answers

During fasting, what is the major site contributing to the amino acid pool?

Muscles Signup and view all the answers

What can a pure protein meal promote in terms of hormone secretion?

Little insulin and glucagon release Signup and view all the answers

Where is glutamine primarily used as a source of energy?

Gut (enterocytes) Signup and view all the answers

What can a hypercatabolic state be caused by?

Surgery, trauma, burns, and septic stress Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of ATP does the catabolism of branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) produce?

~20-25% Signup and view all the answers

"Besides serving as fuel, what can oxidation of BCAAs produce in muscles?"

Glutamine and alanine Signup and view all the answers