If the diet is deficient in one or more of the _____amino acids, the body must break down existing proteins to provide the amino acids.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Essential amino acids are those that cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from the diet. If the diet does not provide enough of one or more essential amino acids, the body will break down existing proteins to obtain them. Nonessential amino acids can be synthesized by the body, and dispensable amino acids can be obtained from the diet or synthesized as needed. Dipeptides are molecules made up of two amino acids linked together, and are not directly related to the question about amino acid deficiencies.

If the Diet Is Deficient in One or More of the _____Amino