Nitrogen Metabolism Flashcards
1
Q
Name some nitrogen containing compounds
A
Amino acids
Proteins
Purine and pyrimidine (DNA/RNA)
Creatine (small amounts)
2
Q
What is a positive N balance?
A
When intake of nitrogen is greater than output of nitrogen. Normal state of growth an pregnancy or in adult recovering from malnutrition
3
Q
What is a negative N balance?
A
When nitrogen intake is less than nitrogen output.
Net loss of body protein, never normal!! Causes include trauma, infection or malnutrition
