Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biochemistry4h 34m
2. Water3h 23m
3. Amino Acids8h 10m
4. Protein Structure10h 4m
5. Protein Techniques14h 5m
6. Enzymes and Enzyme Kinetics13h 38m
7. Enzyme Inhibition and Regulation 8h 42m
8. Protein Function 9h 41m
9. Carbohydrates7h 49m
10. Lipids5h 49m
11. Biological Membranes and Transport 6h 37m
12. Biosignaling9h 45m
Review 1: Nucleic Acids, Lipids, & Membranes2h 47m
Review 2: Biosignaling, Glycolysis, Gluconeogenesis, & PP-Pathway3h 12m
Review 3: Pyruvate & Fatty Acid Oxidation, Citric Acid Cycle, & Glycogen Metabolism2h 26m
Review 4: Amino Acid Oxidation, Oxidative Phosphorylation, & Photophosphorylation1h 48m

3. Amino Acids

Essential Amino Acids

Biochemistry

3. Amino Acids

Essential Amino Acids

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a feature of an essential amino acid?

It contains a sulfur atom in its side chain.

It cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained from the diet.

It is only required during periods of rapid growth.

It can be converted into glucose via gluconeogenesis.

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Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Begin by understanding the term 'essential amino acid.' Essential amino acids are amino acids that cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained through the diet.

Step 2: Evaluate the first option: 'It contains a sulfur atom in its side chain.' While some amino acids, such as methionine, contain sulfur, this is not a defining feature of essential amino acids. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

Step 3: Evaluate the second option: 'It cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained from the diet.' This is the correct definition of an essential amino acid, as the body lacks the biochemical pathways to produce these amino acids.

Step 4: Evaluate the third option: 'It is only required during periods of rapid growth.' This is incorrect because essential amino acids are required throughout life, not just during growth periods.

Step 5: Evaluate the fourth option: 'It can be converted into glucose via gluconeogenesis.' While some amino acids can be converted into glucose, this is not a defining feature of essential amino acids. Therefore, this option is incorrect.