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How does the liver make non-essential amino acids?

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User Okarpov
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The liver synthesizes non-essential amino acids through a process called transamination.

Step-by-step explanation:

The liver produces non-essential amino acids through a process called transamination.

In this process, an amino group is transferred from one amino acid to a keto acid, resulting in the formation of a new amino acid.

The liver has enzymes, such as transaminases, that facilitate this reaction.

For example, the liver can produce alanine from pyruvate through transamination.

Pyruvate, a keto acid, accepts an amino group from an amino acid like glutamate, resulting in the conversion of pyruvate to alanine.

Summary: The liver synthesizes non-essential amino acids by transferring amino groups from one amino acid to a keto acid in a process called transamination.

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