Final answer:
The amino acid pool consists of free amino acids available for protein construction in the body, including essential amino acids that must be sourced from the diet, as the body cannot synthesize them. The availability of these amino acids is crucial for efficient protein synthesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The amino acids in body tissues and fluids that are available for new protein synthesis are collectively known as the amino acid pool. This pool includes both non-essential amino acids, which can be synthesized by the body, and essential amino acids, which must be obtained through the diet as the body cannot produce them.
Proteins are vital for the body's maintenance and growth, and they are composed of 20 standard amino acids. Human body proteins particularly require essential amino acids such as Methionine, Valine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Phenylalanine, Histidine, and Lysine for proper synthesis.
When new proteins are constructed within the cells, these free amino acids from the amino acid pool are utilized. If there are insufficient quantities of any essential amino acid, the synthesis of proteins that contain it might slow down or halt until those are replenished.
It is also important to understand that the human body cannot store amino acids for long-term use. If not integrated into new proteins or biological processes, they are broken down, and their nitrogen components are excreted as urea.