The Principal Reaction That Prepares an Amino Acid for Use

Question

The principal reaction that prepares an amino acid for use as an energy source is
A) deamination
B) beta oxidation
C) dehydration synthesis
D) hydrolysis

Accepted Answer

Deamination is the process by which the amino group is removed from an amino acid, leaving behind a carbon skeleton that can be used for energy via pathways such as the TCA cycle or gluconeogenesis. Beta oxidation is the process of breaking down fatty acids and is not directly related to amino acid metabolism. Dehydration synthesis is the process of joining two molecules together by removing a water molecule and is not related to amino acid metabolism as a source of energy. Hydrolysis is the process of breaking down a molecule with the addition of water and is not directly related to preparing an amino acid for use as an energy source.