Protein Catabolism Tutorial

Under conditions of starvation, after glycogen stores have been depleted and fatty acids levels are low

Amino acids, which are used as energy source

1) for amino acids to be used as an energy source, they must first be deaminated (removal of the amino group)

2) the amino group is added to CO2, forming urea (which is a non toxic version of ammonia)

Deamination of glutamine

Liver

Prior to fatty acids and fats depletion

Ketones temporarily decrease the need for glucose, because the brain and muscles can use ketones as energy source

protein sparing effect

BMI is sometimes considered to be an estimate of an individual's percent body fat. However, it most useful as a tool to make a judgment of the nutritrional state of the individual, and whether the individual is at risk of disease or death. A high BMI may indicate obesity; conversely, a low BMI may indicate malnourishment.

(weight in kg) / (height in m)^2

Keeps fluids from leaking out of the blood vessel

nourishes tissues

A way to check kidney function

if the kidneys are working properly, there will be no albumin in the urine

if the kidneys are not working properly, there will be small amounts of albumin in the urine -- microalbumin

Used as a screening test to check for kidney insufficiency. Increased levels indicate abnormally low excretion by the kidneys and thus is indicative to renal failure

Skeletal muscle

Ubiquitin

Glutamine and alanine