The breakdown of amino acids forms NH₄⁺,which enters the urea cycle to form urea,and a carbon skeleton that is metabolized to either pyruvate,acetyl CoA,or an intermediate in the citric acid cycle.

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The breakdown of amino acids involves deamination, where the amino group is removed. This amino group is converted into ammonia, which then enters the urea cycle to form urea. The remaining carbon skeleton of the amino acid can indeed be metabolized into pyruvate, acetyl CoA, or an intermediate in the citric acid cycle, depending on the specific amino acid. This process is crucial for energy production and the disposal of nitrogen waste in the body.

The Breakdown of Amino Acids Forms NH4+,which Enters the Urea

The Breakdown of Amino Acids Forms NH₄⁺,which Enters the Urea