Question

Amino acids are "wasted" (not used to build protein or nitrogen-containing compounds) in the body whenever there is_________.

1) A deficiency of essential amino acids
2) An excess of essential amino acids
3) A deficiency of non-essential amino acids
4) An excess of non-essential amino acids

Answer 1

Amino acids are wasted when there is an excess of essential amino acids, as the body cannot store them and converts the surplus into other substances or decomposes them.

Step-by-step explanation:

Amino acids are wasted in the body whenever there is an excess of essential amino acids. This occurs because the body cannot store excess amino acids for future protein synthesis. Essential amino acids can only be obtained from our diet and are crucial for proper bodily functions. When there is more of these amino acids than the body needs at a given time, the surplus cannot be stored and is instead converted into other substances, such as glucose or ketones, or decomposed. The decomposition of amino acids creates nitrogenous waste, which can be toxic in high concentrations and is usually excreted from the body through processes like the urea cycle.