aminozuurmetabolisme

Amino acid metabolism refers to the biochemical processes involved in the synthesis and degradation of amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and also play crucial roles in various metabolic pathways. The body obtains amino acids from dietary protein or synthesizes them internally, a process known as *de novo* synthesis. Non-essential amino acids can be synthesized by the body, while essential amino acids must be obtained from the diet.

The degradation of amino acids, or catabolism, primarily occurs when the body has an excess of protein or during periods of starvation. This process involves the removal of the amino group, which is then converted to ammonia. Ammonia is a toxic compound that is converted to urea in the liver through the urea cycle, and subsequently excreted by the kidneys. The remaining carbon skeleton of the amino acid can be used for energy production, converted to glucose (gluconeogenesis), or used to synthesize fatty acids.

Amino acid metabolism is tightly regulated by hormones and cellular needs. Imbalances in amino acid metabolism can lead to various metabolic disorders. For instance, phenylketonuria is a genetic disorder where the body cannot properly metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine. Understanding amino acid metabolism is vital for comprehending overall metabolic health and the development of nutritional and therapeutic strategies.