Question

What happens to amino acids when eaten in excess of the RDA?

a) Converted into glucose or fat
b) Excreted by the kidneys
c) Utilized for immediate energy
d) Stored in muscle tissue

Answer 1

Amino acids are used to synthesize proteins and other substances that need nitrogen. They can also be used as an alternate energy source when there is a shortage of carbohydrates and fats.

Step-by-step explanation:

Amino acids are the products of stage 1 of protein catabolism. Usually, amino acids are used to synthesize proteins and other substances that need nitrogen, e.g., nucleotides. Only about 10% of our energy is usually derived from amino acids. Still, when there is a shortage of carbohydrates and fats, e.g., during fasting or starvation, amino acids are used as an alternate energy source. Prolonged use of amino acids as an energy source may lead to the destruction of essential tissues.