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

Amino Acid Groups

Biochemistry

3. Amino Acids

Amino Acid Groups

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following amino acids may be required in increased amounts during periods of physiological stress?

Phenylalanine

Glycine

Glutamine

Leucine

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the context: Physiological stress, such as trauma, infection, or surgery, increases the body's demand for certain amino acids. These amino acids are often referred to as 'conditionally essential' because their synthesis may not meet the body's needs during stress.

Review the role of glutamine: Glutamine is a conditionally essential amino acid that plays a critical role in nitrogen transport, immune function, and maintaining intestinal health. During stress, the body's demand for glutamine increases significantly.

Compare the amino acids listed: Phenylalanine, glycine, and leucine are not typically required in increased amounts during physiological stress. Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid, glycine is non-essential, and leucine is a branched-chain amino acid important for muscle protein synthesis but not specifically elevated during stress.

Focus on glutamine's unique properties: Glutamine serves as a primary fuel source for rapidly dividing cells, such as immune cells and intestinal epithelial cells, which are highly active during stress. This makes it the correct answer in this context.

Conclude the reasoning: Based on the physiological demands during stress and the specific functions of glutamine, it is clear why glutamine is required in increased amounts during periods of physiological stress.