Ch.6 Proteins and Amino Acids Flashcards
legumes
The starchy seeds of plants that produce bean pods, including peas, peanuts, beans, soybeans, and lentils.
amino acids
The building blocks of proteins. Each contains an amino group, and a unique side chain.
essential amino acids (aka indispensable amino acids)
Amino acids that cannot be synthesised by the body in sufficient amounts to meet its needs and therefore must be included in the diet.
phenylketonuria (PKU)
A genetic disease in which the amino acid phenylalanine cannot be metabolised normally, causing it to build up in the blood
polypeptide
A chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds that is part of the structure of a protein.
denaturation
Alteration of a protein’s three-dimensional structure.
amino acid pool
All the amino acids in body tissues and fluids that are available for use by the body.
gene
A length of DNA that contains the information needed to synthesise a specific polypeptide chain.
transamination
The process by which an amino group from one amino acid is transferred to a carbon compound to form a new amino acid.
limiting amino acid
The essential amino acid that is available in the lowest concentration relative to the body’s needs.
protein-energy malnutrition
A condition characterised by loss of muscle and fat mass and an increased susceptibility to infection that results from the long term consumption of insufficient amount of energy and/or protein to meet the body’s needs.
kwashiorkor
A form of protein-energy malnutrition in which only protein is deficient.
marasmus
A form of protein-energy malnutrition in which a deficiency of energy and protein in the diet causes severe body wasting.
food allergy
An adverse immune response to a specific food protein.
food intolerance or food sensitivity
An adverse reaction to a food that typically does not involve the production of antibodies by the immune system.
celiac disease
A disorder that causes damage to the intestines when the protein gluten is eaten.
nitrogen balance
The amount of nitrogen consumed in the diet compared with the amount excreted over a given period.
protein complementation
The process of combining proteins from different sources so that they collectively provide the proportions of amino acids required to meet the body’s needs.
vegetation diets
Diets that include plant-based foods and eliminate some or all foods of animal origin.
vegan diets
Plant-based diets that eliminate all animal products.
