Question

One consequence of starvation in humans is reduced muscle mass. What is the major metabolic fate of amino acids derived from muscle proteins, and in what organ or tissue are they metabolized?

Answer 1

During starvation, amino acids from muscle proteins are primarily metabolized in the liver where they undergo gluconeogenesis to form glucose, providing energy for vital organs.

Step-by-step explanation:

One consequence of starvation in humans is a reduction in muscle mass due to the body breaking down muscle proteins to derive amino acids as an alternate energy source. The major metabolic fate of these amino acids is their use in gluconeogenesis, the process of synthesizing glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. This process primarily takes place in the liver, where amino acids undergo deamination to remove their amino groups. The resulting carbon skeletons can then be utilized to form glucose, which is particularly critical when the body is depleted of carbohydrates during starvation. These metabolic changes are a defense mechanism to provide the brain and other vital organs with energy, but prolonged reliance on protein catabolism can lead to significant health issues, including organ failure and death.