Question

The term 'non-essential amino acids' is applied to amino acids that are

• A. Synthesised in the body
• B. Water-soluble
• C. Required by the body but not essential
• D. Not synthesised in the body

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Essential amino acids are those that are "essential" in the diet. In other words, our metabolism cannot create them. Therefore, we need to obtain them through foods containing these essential amino acids. Fortunately, protein-containing foods contain varying degrees of the essential amino acids. During times of starvation, our body relies on its own protein stores, such as pre-albumin, albumin, and ultimately protein from sources that it normally shouldn't have to utilize. Non-essential amino acids are those which can be produced from other amino acids and substances in the diet and metabolism. During times of need, the metabolism can shift into producing the amino acids that it requires for synthesizing proteins essential to our survival.

Therefore, the correct answer is option A.