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Multiple Choice
What must happen to amino acids before they can be used in catabolic reactions?
A
They must be converted into nucleotides.
B
They must be phosphorylated.
C
They must be oxidized to form glucose.
D
They must undergo deamination.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of amino acids in metabolism: Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and can be used in catabolic reactions to produce energy.
Recognize the process of deamination: Before amino acids can be used in catabolic reactions, they must undergo deamination, which is the removal of an amino group.
Explain the significance of deamination: Deamination converts amino acids into keto acids, which can enter metabolic pathways such as the citric acid cycle.
Identify the fate of the removed amino group: The amino group is typically converted into ammonia, which is then processed into urea in the liver for excretion.
Clarify why other options are incorrect: Amino acids are not converted into nucleotides, phosphorylated, or oxidized to form glucose before catabolism; deamination is the necessary step.