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Multiple Choice
Which amino acid is the most abundant in the human body?
A
Glutamine
B
Phenylalanine
C
Lysine
D
Glycine
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the question. The problem is asking which amino acid is the most abundant in the human body. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and play various roles in metabolism and cellular functions.
Step 2: Recall the properties and functions of the amino acids listed. Glutamine is known for its role in nitrogen transport and being a precursor for nucleotide synthesis. Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid involved in protein synthesis and precursor for neurotransmitters. Lysine is another essential amino acid important for protein synthesis and enzyme function. Glycine is a non-essential amino acid involved in collagen formation and neurotransmission.
Step 3: Consider the abundance of amino acids in the human body. Glutamine is particularly abundant because it serves as a major nitrogen donor in metabolic processes and is stored in high concentrations in muscle tissue.
Step 4: Compare the roles and abundance of the other amino acids. While phenylalanine, lysine, and glycine are important, they are not stored or utilized in the same high quantities as glutamine.
Step 5: Conclude that glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the human body based on its widespread role in metabolism, storage in muscle tissue, and high concentration in plasma.