Before an amino acid can be broken down for energy: A) the side chain must be removed. B) the carboxyl group must be removed. C) it must be converted to NAD⁺. D) the amino group must be removed. E) it must be phosphorylated.

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Before an amino acid can be broken down for energy, the amino group (-NH2) must be removed through the process of deamination. This produces ammonia, which is converted to urea in the liver and excreted in urine. The remaining carbon skeleton can then be used for energy or converted into other molecules such as glucose or fatty acids.

Before an Amino Acid Can Be Broken Down for Energy