Humans can synthesize non essential amino acids from other compounds?

As humans, we have always been blessed with the unique ability to produce amino acids in our bodies. Our ancestors invented fire and harnessed the power of speech; we invented chemistry and learned to torture it into telling us things about biochemically synthesizing nutrients.

But wait – what are amino acids and why do they matter? Great question! Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins – these compounds form peptide bonds when joined together, creating a polypeptide chain that eventually folds into a specific protein structure. Proteins play many vital roles in human physiology, including muscle growth/repair, enzyme function regulation, hormone synthesis, immune system response…they’re kind of a big deal.

So now here’s where things get interesting: there are 22 known amino acids required for human protein building purposes (let’s just ignore all those wacky extra-terrestrial beings that use different combinations of atoms); but only nine out of those 22 called ‘essential’. What gives? Well turns out some plants or animals just happen to be better at chemically producing certain types than others so we need to ingest them through diet plan otherwise there will deficiency happens which is never good; however,the remaining thirteen non-essential amino acidshumans can generate on their own using various input molecules found within our bodies.

The Importance Of Non Essential Amino Acids

Hooray for self-sufficiency! The ability to synthesize such important components within ourselves makes life much easier (and cheaper) than having to search high and low or purchase exorbitantly priced supplements/nutrition bars etc. Also,without these non-essential varieties functioning properly, numerous critical physiological processes would take an incredible hit too making normal-life interaction difficult.

With that being said – let’s dive into how exactly this process works:

How Synthesising Works

First, all amino acids start with a central carbon atom (called the alpha-carbon) that bonds to four different groups: a hydrogen atom, an amino group (-NH2), a carboxyl group (-COOH), and then the last slot is filled by one of twenty distinct side chains (also called R-groups) depending on what specific acid you’re looking at. It’ll shock you how much it won’t surprise you to learn that synthesizing non-essential amino acids in humans starts with one that’s already familiar – glutamic acid!

Glutamine synthetase converts glutamate into glutamine which participates in various anabolic activities such as glucose production via gluconeogenesis or urea cycle metabolism leading ammonia excretion from our bodies.

One other key pathway for non-essential synthesis relies on pyruvate and 3-phosphoglycerate being converted into alanine/serine/glycine respectively through transamination/transaldol reactions; this essentially ‘shifts’ chemical functional groups around until they end up comprising a different desired structure(more than 1 molecule involved).

Examples Of Non-Essential Amino Acids

Let’s get specific about some nonsensical sounding catchphrases:

Alanine:

Alanine is synthesized using pyruvic acid precursors. During glycolysis, two molecules of ATP are created by breaking down glucose into two glyceraldehyde phosphate molecules. Glyceraldehyde phosphate can then be converted to pyruvic acid through oxidation-reduction reactions with NADH; however,if there is too much pyruvate floating around outside cells need for energy, alanine transaminates some of it back inside so no blood sugar imbalance occurs.

Serine:

Serinesynthesizes starting from either 3PG (an intermediate during glycolysis also known as 3-phosphoglycerate)or glucose-6-phosphate depending on the body’s need. In simple words,when your cells require more energy, glucose-6-phosphate is used as a starting material to create serine which gets then processed by other enzymes into cellular energy ATP molecules.

Aspartate:

Aspartate has two specific biochemical pathways in humans that lead to its production: one using oxaloacetate and another starting from amino acid threonine.These are made possible through a series of complex enzyme reactions catalyzed by specialized transaminase enzymes such as 4-amino butyrate aminotransferase (ABAT).

And so it goes with all thirteen types – each synthesized differently yet interconnected enough to allow for an efficient workflow that distributes these crucial components around our bodies when we encounter food shortages or fasting situations wherein no alternative sources available leading stomach growling, headaches and grouchiness etc.

Conclusion

Can you imagine life without non-essential amino acids being produced within us? It sounds quite dreadful! We must give credit where credit’s due; scientists who spent countless hours understanding the intricate details of human biochemistry have enabled us with these capabilities today – kudos(golf clap). And who knows where future research will take this topic too(rubs crystal ball)…It could be used for therapeutic advancements like enhancing muscle mass post-surgery or providing nourishment supplements while traveling intergalactically! One thing’s for sure: chemistry may seem daunting during high school exams;however, if only understood how significant role plays in my everyday functioning(eating) habits then studying would have taken priority over watching therealhousewivesof[insert city here].

Random Posts