Essential Amino Acids Functions Flashcards
- Complex amino acid found at the catalytics (Active) sites of proteins an enzymes
- amine-containing side chain
Arginine
Role in
- cell division
- healing of wounds
- stimulation of protein synthesis
- release of hormones
Arginine
Req for generation of urea and synthesis of creatine
Arginine
- Has imidazole side chain
- basic amino acid
Histidine
Source of carbon atoms in the synthesis of purines
Histidine
Histamine stimulates the secretion of a digestive enzyme —
Gastrin
- help grow and repair body tissues
- maintain myelin sheaths
- manufacture RBC and WBC
- protect body from heavy metal toxicity
- stimulate secretion of gastric
- acts as catalytic site
Histidine
- help maintain, repair, heal muscle tissues, skin, bones
- hemoglobin formation
- regulate blood glucose
- maintain energy levels
Isoleucine
Amino acids that are included in the group of branched-chain amino acids
Valine
Isoleucine
Leucine
(VIL)
Second most common amino acid
Leucine
For optimal growth of infants and nitrogen balance of adults
Leucine
Function of LEUCINE in conjunction w isoleucine and valine
- helps in healing of muscle tissue, skin, and bones
- lowers blood glucose
- aids in recovery from surgery
- basic ph
- has net positive charge
Lysine
- Helps in absorption and conversation of calcium
- formation of collagen
Lysine
Role in
- production of antibodies
- lowers triglyceride levels
- proper growth and bone development in children
- maintain proper nitrogen balance in adults
Lysine
Helps initiate translation of mRNA — first amino acid incorporated into the N-terminal position
Methionine
Source of sulfur
Methionine
Cysteine
- assist in breakdown of fats
- detoxify lead and other heavy metals
- diminish muscle weakness
- prevents brittle hair
Methionine
Reacts with ATP to contribute to the synthesis of epinephrine and choline
Methionine
Non polar amino acid - due to hydrophobic nature of benzyl side chain
Phenylalanine
- promotes alertness and vitality
- elevates mood
- decreases pain
- aids in memory and learning
Phenylalanine
Treat arthritis and depression
Phenylyalanine
- Used by brain to produce norepinephrine
- interferes w production of serotonin
- uses an active transport channel to cross blood-brain barrier
Phenylalanine
-Part composition of aspartame - natural sweetener
- plays a key role in biosynthesis of other amino acids
Phenylalanine
Alcohol-containing amino aid important in formation of protein, collagen, elastin, and tooth enamel
Threonine
Important in production of neurotransmitters and health of nervous system
Threonine
- Helps maintain proper protein balance
- aids liver function, metabolism, and assimilation
Threonine
Formed from proteins during digestion by the action of proteolytic enzymes
Tryptophan
Precursor for serotonin and melatonin
Tryptophan
- natural relaxant
- helps alleviate insomnia
- soothes anxiety
- reduces depression
Tryptophan
- used in treatment of migraine headaches
- aids in weight control by reducing apetite
- helps control hyperactivity in children
Tryptophan
Branched chain amino acid that is a constituent of fibrous protein
Valine
- needed for muscle metabolism and coordination
- tissue repair
- maintenance of nitrogen balance
Valine
Used by muscle tissue as an energy source
Valine
used in treatments for
-muscle, mental, and emotional problems
- anxiety
- liver and gallbladder disease
Valine
