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Nutrition 101 > Amino acids > Flashcards

Amino acids Flashcards

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1
Q

The transfer of one carbon groups (CH3) between compounds is known as…?

A

Methylation

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2
Q

Depression and insomnia may be due to inadequate intake of what AA?

A

Tryptophan

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3
Q

What amino acid is used to synthesise the neurotransmitter serotonin and the vitamin niacin?

A

Tryptophan

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4
Q

Someone with hypothyroidism may benefit from increased intake of which AA?

A

Tyrosine

(necessary for the production of thyroid hormones)

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5
Q

S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM) is the major carrier in the body of what

A

Methyl groups (CH3)

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6
Q

GABA is a neurotransmitter that can be made from which AA?

A

Glutamine (using B6)

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7
Q

Glutamine is the primary fuel for..?

A

Enterocytes (cells of the intestinal lining) and leukocytes (white blood cells)

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8
Q

The synthesis of cysteine from homocysteine is known as what?

A

Transsulfuration

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9
Q

What is meant by aromatic amino acids?

A

Side group has a benzene ring

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10
Q

What is the overall general structure of an amino acid?

A

Acid group, side chain and amino group

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11
Q

How many amino acids are essential and what does this mean?

A

9 EAA; means the body cannot make them or not in sufficient enough quantities, must come from the diet

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12
Q

Name the 9 essential amino acids?

A

Histidine
Isoleucine
Leucine
Threonine
Lysine
Methionine
Phenylalanine
Tryptophan
Valine

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13
Q

What is transamination?

A

To form new non-essential amino acids (B6 is needed)

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14
Q

What are non-essential and conditionally essential amino acids?

A

Non-essential: the body can synthesise them for itself

Conditionally essential: some non-essential may become essential for some people, e.g. babies before metabolic pathways are fully developed or if diet is inadequate for some AA that are used to make other AAs

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15
Q

What’s a branched chain amino acid?

A

Essential amino acids that the body uses for protein and energy synthesis

(isoleucine, leucine, valine)

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16
Q

Methionine is an essential amino acid. Name some of its primary functions.

A
  1. methyl group transfer
  2. folate metabolism
  3. energy production
  4. protein synthesis
17
Q

What’s a branched-chain amino acid?

A

Essential amino acids that the body uses for protein and energy synthesis

(isoleucine, leucine, valine)

18
Q

What vitamins does the conversion of methionine to homocysteine require?

A

Folate (B9) and B12

19
Q

List some key functions of S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAMe) - including involvement in neurotransmitters

A
  1. folate metabolism
  2. protein synthesis
  3. energy production
  4. methyl group transfer
  5. homocysteine metabolism
  6. synthesis and activation of neurotransmitters, including epinephrine, norepinephrine, histamine, serotonin and dopamine
20
Q

Why are high homocysteine levels bad?

A

Associated with increased health risks such as CVD, depression, infertility, cancer, high cholesterol

(can be caused by low levels of folate B9)

21
Q

Tryptophan is an important amino acid responsible for making 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan). What does 5-HTP produce?

A

Serotonin (happy neurotransmitter) which in turn produces melatonin (helps with sleep)

22
Q

Phenylalanine is a precursor in the production of 4 amino acids and hormones. What are they?

A
  1. tyrosine
  2. dopamine
  3. norepinephrine
  4. epinephrine
23
Q

Tyrosine (produced by phenylalanine) is needed for the production of what type of hormone?

A

Thyroid hormones (T3 and T4)

24
Q

What nutrient cofactors are needed for thyroid hormones (T4)?

A
  • Selenium (activation)
  • Iodine
  • Zn
  • Fe
  • Vitamin C
25
Q

What is the most abundant amino acid in the body?

A

Glutamate

26
Q

Glutamate is the primary fuel for..?

A

Enterocytes (cells that line to gastrointestinal system)
Lymphocytes (white blood cells)

27
Q

What are some of the functions of glutamine and glutamate?

A
  • gastrointestinal protection and repair
  • immunomodulation
  • antioxidant
28
Q

Glutamine can cross the blood brain barrier and be metabolised into what?

A

Glutamate which is an excitatory neurotransmitter which is metabolised to GABA (an inhibitory neurotransmitter)

29
Q

What is glutathione and what is it made up of?

A

Major antioxidant

Made up of cysteine, glutamate and glycine

Nutrition 101 (12 decks)

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