nonessential amino acid

nonessential amino acid

n.

An alpha-amino acid that is required for protein synthesis and can be synthesized by humans.

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nonessential amino acid

[-esen′shəl]

any amino acids that are not essential to the diet because the body can synthesize their molecules from other amino acids. See also amino acid, essential amino acid.

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amino acid,

n an organic acid in which one of the CH hydrogen atoms has been replaced by NH₂. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.

amino acid, essential,

n the group of amino acids that cannot be synthesized by the organism but are required by the organism. They must be supplied by the diet. Isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine are essential for adults; these eight plus arginine and histidine are considered essential for infants and children.

amino acid, glucogenic

n the group of amino acids that produce enzymes that may be converted to glucose if necessary.

amino acid, ketogenic

n an amino acid that produces ketone bodies following chemical alteration of its carbon skeleton.

amino acid, nonessential,

n the group of amino acids that can be synthesized by the organism and are not required in the diet.

amino acid pool,

n an accumulation of amino acids in the liver and blood that adjusts to meet the body's need for protein and amino acids.