Amino Acids Flashcards
amino acids
building blocks of proteins
basic chemical structure of amino acid
one amino group and one carboxyl functional group
alpha-carbon
N-terminal end and C-terminal end are bonded to this carbon.
peptide bond
linkage of the amino group of one amino acid to the carboxyl group of another amino acid
polypeptide
chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds
protein
large polypeptide
size of proteins in serum
100-150 amino acids in length
essential amino acids- require dietary supplement
arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine
nonessential amino acids-not required dietary supplement
alanine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, proline, serine, and tyrosine
how much of total required daily energy do proteins provide
20%
what are the ketogenic amino acids
isoleucine, leucine, lysine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, tyrosine, and threonine
what are the glycogenic amino acids
alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, tyrosine, and threonine, isoleucine, valine, histidine, proline, methionine,
Role(s) of arginine
cell division, wound healing, stimulation of protein synthesis, immune function, release of hormones, and in conversion of ammonia to urea for excretion
Role(s) of histidine
grow and repair of body tissues, maintain myelin sheaths around nerve cells, precursor to histamine (immune response), manufacturing of red and white blood cells, protection from heavy metal toxicity, and source of carbon for synthesis of purine for DNA and RNA
Role(s) of isoleucine, leucine, and valine
branched chain amino-acids; promote healing of muscle tissue, skin, and bones; regulation of blood glucose levels; maintain energy levels; isoleucine in hemoglobin formation; leucine in infant growth; leucine and valine in nitrogen balance in adults
Role(s) of lysine
production of antibodies; lowering triglyceride levels; absorption and conservation of calcium; formation of collagen
Role(s) of methionine
initiation of translation of mRNA (first amino acid incorporated into N-terminal position of all amino acids); source of sulfur for metabolism and growth; breakdown of fats; detoxification of lead and other heavy metals; decrease muscle weakness and prevents brittle hair; reacts with ATP
Role(s) of phenylalanine
promotes alertness and vitality; elevates mood; decreases pain; aids in memory and learning; treatment for arthritis and depression; used by brain to produce norepinephrine; can interfere with serotonin production; direct precursor to tyrosine
Role(s) of threonine
formation of collagen, elastin, and tooth enamel
Role(s) of tryptophan
precursor for serotonin, melatonin, and niacin; natural relaxant; treatment of migrants, weight control, hyperactivity
Role(s) of alanine
product of DNA/dipeptide (anserine and carnosine) breakdown; transfers nitrogen from peripheral tissues to liver for processing and excretion; strengthens immune system through antibody production; reduces buildup of toxic substances when muscle protein is broken down quickly
Role(s) of asparagine
derived from aspartic acid and ATP; transport of nitrogen; requisite amino acid for nervous system; synthesis of ammonia; conversion of amino acids through amination or transamination