Metabolism of Amino Acids and Derivatives: Pathways and Functions

İçeri

Amino acids are not only the building blocks of proteins but also key intermediates in metabolic pathways. Their metabolism involves catabolism for energy production, anabolism for biosynthesis, and the generation of derivatives with specialized functions. L-Aspartic acid, for example, plays a central role in the urea cycle, nucleotide synthesis, and energy metabolism.

Table 1: Major Metabolic Pathways of Amino Acids

L-Aspartic acid is crucial in the urea cycle, where it helps eliminate toxic ammonia while contributing to energy production via the malate-aspartate shuttle.

Table 2: Key Amino Acid Derivatives and Their Metabolic Roles

L-Aspartic acid is converted into oxaloacetate, linking amino acid metabolism with the citric acid cycle for ATP generation.

Table 3: Disorders Related to Amino Acid Metabolism

Defects in L-Aspartic acid metabolism can disrupt the urea cycle, leading to hyperammonemia and neurological complications.

Table 4: Dietary and Therapeutic Interventions

Conclusion

The metabolism of amino acids and derivatives, such as L-Aspartic acid, is essential for energy production, detoxification, and biosynthesis. Dysregulation can lead to severe metabolic disorders, while targeted interventions can restore balance. Continued research enhances our understanding of these pathways for medical and nutritional applications.