Amino Acid Oxidation

The use of amino acids as fuel

varies greatly by organism

Microorganisms scavenge amino acids from their

environment for fuel when needed
Only a small fraction of energy needs of herbivores
are met by amino acids
Plants do not use amino acids as a fuel source, but
can degrade amino acids to form other metabolites
 Metabolic Circumstances of Amino Acid
Oxidation

Leftover amino acids from normal protein turnover

Dietary amino acids that exceed bodys protein
synthesis needs
Proteins in the body can be broken down to supply
amino acids for energy when carbohydrates and
fats are scarce (starvation, diabetes mellitus)
Overview
Nitrogen Excretion Forms
Nitrogen Delivered to Liver Cells
Transaminases
PLP Transaminase Cofactor
 Transaminases Used in Diagnosis of Tissue
Damage
Tissue damage leaks enzymes into blood

(S)GPT: glutamate-pyruvate transaminase

(S)GOT: glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase
-- indicate probable liver damage (toxins,
infections)

(S)CK: creatine kinase

-- heart damage heart attack, infection

S for serum
Glutamate Dehydrogenase
 Glucose-
Alanine Cycle
is in Muscle
Only
Urea Cycle
Overview

Amino acids come

from recycling
(glutamine), muscle
glycolysis (alanine),
and diet.
Begin in the Mitochondrion
Mechanims of the Two Nitrogen Entry Points
in Urea Cycle
Relationship to Citric Acid Cycle
Summary of Amino Acid Catabolism
Pyruvate Family
 Glycine Degradation in Kidney

1. D-amino acid oxidase breaks down D-aas from

bacterial peptidoglycan.
2. Oxalate-Ca++ are major substance in kidney stones.
Acetyl-SCoA
Family
Indole Ring
Phenylalanine
Degradation
PKU = Phenylketouria
-KetoGlutarate Family
Succinyl-SCoA
Family
Oxaloacetate
Family
Amino Acid Carbon Use