How are amino acids metabolized in the body?

Amino acids are metabolized in the body through several simple steps that help produce energy, build new proteins, or form other important molecules.

Here’s an explanation:

1. Protein breakdown:
   When we eat protein, it is broken down in the stomach and intestine into amino acids.
2. Absorption:
   These amino acids are absorbed into the blood and carried to body cells.
3. Use in the body:
   • Most amino acids are used to build new proteins (like muscles, enzymes, or hormones).
   • Extra amino acids cannot be stored, so they are broken down.
4. Amino acid breakdown:
   • The amino group (-NH₂) is removed in a process called deamination.
   • This forms ammonia, which is converted to urea in the liver and excreted in urine.
   • The remaining carbon part of the amino acid is used to make energy, glucose, or fat.
5. Energy production:
   If the body needs energy, the carbon skeleton enters energy pathways like the Krebs cycle to produce ATP.

In short:
Amino acids are used to make proteins, and any extra are broken down to give energy and form urea for removal from the body.