Amino acid metabolism is a complex process that involves the production, breakdown, and use of amino acids. The body uses amino acids to create proteins, enzymes, hormones, and other important molecules. The liver is the main site of amino acid metabolism, but other tissues, such as the kidney, the small intestine, muscles, and adipose tissue, also take part. A key reaction in amino acid metabolism is transamination, followed by deamination, and by decarboxylation. Transamination is a reaction that involves the conversion of an amino acid to the corresponding keto acid. The body can... Show more Amino acid metabolism is a complex process that involves the production, breakdown, and use of amino acids. The body uses amino acids to create proteins, enzymes, hormones, and other important molecules. The liver is the main site of amino acid metabolism, but other tissues, such as the kidney, the small intestine, muscles, and adipose tissue, also take part. A key reaction in amino acid metabolism is transamination, followed by deamination, and by decarboxylation. Transamination is a reaction that involves the conversion of an amino acid to the corresponding keto acid. The body can synthesize non-essential amino acids, but essential amino acids must be taken in through food. After those amino acids necessary for growth are used, the rest are either used to make other amino acids or are burned for energy. Show less
Amino acid metabolism is a complex process that involves the production, breakdown, and use of amino acids. The body uses amino acids to create proteins, enzymes, hormones, and other important molecules.
The liver is the main site of amino acid metabolism, but other tissues, such as the kidney, the small intestine, muscles, and adipose tissue, also take part. A key reaction in amino acid metabolism is transamination, followed by deamination, and by decarboxylation. Transamination is a reaction that involves the conversion of an amino acid to the corresponding keto acid. The body can synthesize non-essential amino acids, but essential amino acids must be taken in through food. After those amino acids necessary for growth are used, the rest are either used to make other amino acids or are burned for energy.
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