Amino acids Flashcards
The transfer of one carbon groups (CH3) between compounds is known as…?
Methylation
Depression and insomnia may be due to inadequate intake of what AA?
Tryptophan
What amino acid is used to synthesise the neurotransmitter serotonin and the vitamin niacin?
Tryptophan
Someone with hypothyroidism may benefit from increased intake of which AA?
Tyrosine
(necessary for the production of thyroid hormones)
S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM) is the major carrier in the body of what
Methyl groups (CH3)
GABA is a neurotransmitter that can be made from which AA?
Glutamine (using B6)
Glutamine is the primary fuel for..?
Enterocytes (cells of the intestinal lining) and leukocytes (white blood cells)
The synthesis of cysteine from homocysteine is known as what?
Transsulfuration
What is meant by aromatic amino acids?
Side group has a benzene ring
What is the overall general structure of an amino acid?
Acid group, side chain and amino group
How many amino acids are essential and what does this mean?
9 EAA; means the body cannot make them or not in sufficient enough quantities, must come from the diet
Name the 9 essential amino acids?
Histidine
Isoleucine
Leucine
Threonine
Lysine
Methionine
Phenylalanine
Tryptophan
Valine
What is transamination?
To form new non-essential amino acids (B6 is needed)
What are non-essential and conditionally essential amino acids?
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
What’s a branched chain amino acid?
Essential amino acids that the body uses for protein and energy synthesis
(isoleucine, leucine, valine)
Methionine is an essential amino acid. Name some of its primary functions.
- methyl group transfer
- folate metabolism
- energy production
- protein synthesis
What’s a branched-chain amino acid?
Essential amino acids that the body uses for protein and energy synthesis
(isoleucine, leucine, valine)
What vitamins does the conversion of methionine to homocysteine require?
Folate (B9) and B12
List some key functions of S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAMe) - including involvement in neurotransmitters
- folate metabolism
- protein synthesis
- energy production
- methyl group transfer
- homocysteine metabolism
- synthesis and activation of neurotransmitters, including epinephrine, norepinephrine, histamine, serotonin and dopamine
Why are high homocysteine levels bad?
Associated with increased health risks such as CVD, depression, infertility, cancer, high cholesterol
(can be caused by low levels of folate B9)
Tryptophan is an important amino acid responsible for making 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan). What does 5-HTP produce?
Serotonin (happy neurotransmitter) which in turn produces melatonin (helps with sleep)
Phenylalanine is a precursor in the production of 4 amino acids and hormones. What are they?
- tyrosine
- dopamine
- norepinephrine
- epinephrine
Tyrosine (produced by phenylalanine) is needed for the production of what type of hormone?
Thyroid hormones (T3 and T4)
What nutrient cofactors are needed for thyroid hormones (T4)?
- Selenium (activation)
- Iodine
- Zn
- Fe
- Vitamin C
What is the most abundant amino acid in the body?
Glutamate
Glutamate is the primary fuel for..?
Enterocytes (cells that line to gastrointestinal system)
Lymphocytes (white blood cells)
What are some of the functions of glutamine and glutamate?
- gastrointestinal protection and repair
- immunomodulation
- antioxidant
Glutamine can cross the blood brain barrier and be metabolised into what?
Glutamate which is an excitatory neurotransmitter which is metabolised to GABA (an inhibitory neurotransmitter)
What is glutathione and what is it made up of?
Major antioxidant
Made up of cysteine, glutamate and glycine
