PROTEIN METABOLISM

Question 1

What are proteins essential for?

Answer 1

Formation of all body structures [ genes, enzymes, contractile structures in muscle, matrix of bone, hemoglobin ]

Question 2

What are amino acids?

Answer 2

Building blocks of proteins
(Limited capacity for storage of excess amino acids)

Question 3

What are amino acids not needed for?

Answer 3

Protein synthesis converted to fatty acids, ketones, glucose
- stored or used as metabolic fuel

Question 4

What are amino acids broken down from ?

Answer 4

Proteins

Question 5

Amino acids as used as a major substrate for what?

Answer 5

Gluconeogenesis - when metabolic needs exceed food intake