Protein Digestion and Absorption Quiz

Amino Acids and Proteins

• The human body cannot synthesize essential amino acids, which must be ingested through diet.
• Proteins are made up of amino acids.

Essential Amino Acids

• Essential amino acids are termed as such because they cannot be synthesized by the body and must be ingested.
• There are 8 essential amino acids.

Protein Function and Digestion

• The primary function of body proteins is to build and repair tissues.
• During digestion, proteins are broken down into amino acids.
• After digestion, the liver processes the amino acids, and the remaining amino acids are released into the bloodstream.

Amino Acid Uptake and Synthesis

• The term "amino acid surge" describes the cells' tendency to take in as many amino acids as they can to maintain their own supply.
• Amino acids that can be synthesized by the body cells are called non-essential amino acids.
• The two sources of non-essential amino acids are:
  • Recycling of existing proteins
  • De novo synthesis from other nutrients

Protein Synthesis

• For protein synthesis to take place, the amino acid pool must contain the necessary amino acids.
• Vegetarians must be knowledgeable about combining plant-based foods to make complete proteins, as plant-based foods often lack one or more essential amino acids.

Incomplete Proteins

• Foods that contain only limited or improper amounts of essential amino acids are called incomplete proteins.