Amino Acid Metabolism and Urea Cycle

A set of flashcards covering key concepts, terms, and mechanisms related to amino acid metabolism and the urea cycle, aiding in exam preparation.

What is nitrogen balance?

It is the difference between nitrogen intake and nitrogen excretion in the body.

What occurs in positive nitrogen balance?

It occurs during growth or pregnancy when nitrogen intake exceeds nitrogen excretion.

What are essential amino acids?

Amino acids that cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from the diet.

What is Kwashiorkor?

A form of malnutrition caused by protein deficiency despite adequate caloric intake.

What is the role of the urea cycle?

It is a series of chemical reactions that remove excess nitrogen from the body through the formation of urea.

What are the main hormones influencing protein digestion?

Gastrin, cholecystokinin (CCK), and secretin.

What is the difference between glucogenic and ketogenic amino acids?

Glucogenic amino acids can be converted to glucose, while ketogenic amino acids can be converted to ketone bodies.

What is protein turnover?

The continuous process of protein synthesis and degradation in the body.

What is hyperammonemia?

A condition characterized by elevated levels of ammonia in the blood, often due to urea cycle disorders.

Which enzyme initiates the urea cycle?

Carbamoyl Phosphate Synthetase I (CPS I).