Chapter 26.6, Problem 1QQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To determine the factor that classify an amino acid as essential or nonessential for humans.

Concept introduction: Essential amino acids are those amino acids which cannot be synthesized by the body via biosynthesis and thus must be taken from the outside in form of dietary protein to meet the body’s need. Those amino acids which can be synthesized by biosynthesis within the liver are termed as nonessential amino acids.

The essential amino acids are arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine.

The non-essential amino acids are alanine, asparagines, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, proline, serine, and tyrosine.