When an essential amino acid is lacking in the diet,
A) nonessential amino acids will be converted into the missing amino acid.
B) protein synthesis will be limited.
C) glucose will be converted into the missing amino acid.
D) proteins will be made, but they will lack that particular amino acid.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When an essential amino acid is lacking in the diet, protein synthesis will be limited because the body cannot make the essential amino acid on its own, and therefore cannot complete the protein synthesis process without it. Nonessential amino acids are not converted into essential amino acids, and glucose cannot be converted into amino acids. While proteins can still be made without the essential amino acid, they will be incomplete and may not function properly.

When an Essential Amino Acid Is Lacking in the Diet