Metabolism Amino Acids Ammonia (Module 3 Lecture 5)

Question 1

Every day, humans turn over what percent of their bodies’ protein?

Answer 1

1-2%, typically muscle protein.

Question 2

What percentage of amino acids catabolized are utilized and what percent is degraded?

Answer 2

75-80% and 20-25%, respectively

Question 3

How are amino acids degraded?

Answer 3

The carbon skeletons are oxidized to generate CO2, water, and ATP, and the nitrogen is primarily converted to urea.