Topic 43 – Amino Acid Pool, Protein Catabolism and Urea Cycle

This topic establishes the foundation of nitrogen metabolism, linking amino acid breakdown to urea formation.

Curriculum Coverage

Biochemistry

Amino Acid Pool

• Formation of amino acid pool
• Sources of amino acids entering the pool
• Utilization of amino acids from pool

Protein Catabolism Processes

• Transamination
• Deamination
• Transdeamination

• Clinical importance of transaminases

Ammonia Formation and Transport

• Formation of ammonia in tissues
• Transport of ammonia to liver

• Ammonia toxicity
• Effects of ammonia toxicity on brain

Urea Cycle

• Krebs-Henseleit urea cycle

• Steps of urea formation

• Enzymes involved in urea cycle

• Clinical significance of urea cycle enzyme defects