| 18 Biosynthesis and Degradation of Amino Acids
|
After reading this chapter you should be able to:
- Describe the three mechanisms used by humans for removal of the nitrogen from amino acids
 prior to the metabolism of their carbon skeletons. - Outline the sequence of reactions in the urea cycle and trace the flow of nitrogen from amino acids into and out of the cycle.
- Describe the role of vitamin B6 in aminotransferase reactions.
- Define the terms, and give examples of a glucogenic and a ketogenic amino acid.
- Summarize the factors that contribute to the input and the depletion of the pool of free amino acids in animals.
- Summarize the sources and use of ammonia in animals and explain the concept of nitrogen balance.
- Identify the essential amino acids and the metabolic sources of the non-essential amino acids.
- Explain the biochemical basis and the therapeutic rationale for treatment of phenylketonuria and maple syrup urine disease.
|
|
