Question

Amino acids are produced from

• A. Proteins
• B. Fatty acids
• C. Essential oils
• D. $\alpha$-keto acids

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

$\alpha$-keto acids

The amino acids which can be synthesized in our body are the non-essential amino acids. Alanine, Aspartate, Asparagine, Glutamate etc. are few examples of the amino acids which can be synthesized by cellular anabolic pathways. They are mostly synthesized from α-ketoacids, which are transaminated (transfer of amino groups) from another amino acid like glutamate. Since our cells cannot fix nitrogen, the amino group is transferred from glutamate to the other amino acid to be synthesized. So, the correct answer is 'α-keto acids'.