Amino Acid Biochemistry Flashcards
What are the 2 main sources in which Amino Acids are obtained?
- dietary intake
- cellular protein turnover
Where do most amino acids come from?
the diet!
Where is protein digestion initiated and when does it finish?
Starts: stomach
Ends: small-intestine
Why does nitrogen have to be removed from amino acids in order to be utilised in the TCA cycle?
in order for metabolites to be able to enter into the TCA cycle. Breakdown produces ammonia and ammonium ions, which in high concentrations can be toxic and MUST be excreted.
How are nitrogen containing products excreted from the body?
by urea in the urine!
Where is urea formed?
Liver
What is the function of the urea cycle?
converts highly toxic ammonia to urea for excretion.
How is Urea synthesised?
- transamination
- de-amination
- urea cycle
What is Alcaptonuria?
is the blockage of the degradation of phenylalanine and tyrosine.
What is Maple Syrup Disease?
sweet smelling urine! Due to blockage of the degradation of valine, isoleucine and leucine.
What is Phenylketonuria?
due to the failure to breakdown phenylalanine to tyrosine.
