Question

In: Biology

Explain how degradation of tryptophan (an amino acid) can be converted into carbohydrate (sugar) as an...

Explain how degradation of tryptophan (an amino acid) can be converted into carbohydrate (sugar) as an energy source. Use the chemical reaction and identify the metabolic pathway(s) (discussed in lecture) involved. (Hint: Deamination is involved)

Solutions

Expert Solution

Tryptophan is an amino acid.It has an amine group and a carboxyl group.When a the amine group is removed, it becomes an acid which can be used for the generation of energy like a carbohydrate.

It is an aromatic amino acid having an indole ring. During its degradation, the indole group is separated and deamination is done to form pyruvate. The process results in indole, pyruvate , amino group and energy. Pyruvate enters in to the citric acid cycle to generate energy. The enzyme needed in the reaction is Tryptophanase.

Tryptophane---------------------------> Indole + Pyruvate + NH4+ + energy.

The above reaction is the process of deamination and it requires Tryptophanase.

This is how Tryptophan can be used to produce energy by converting in to pyruvate which enters in to Citric acid cycle. The Citric acid cycle produces energy.

Pyruvate can also be used to produce glucose by gluconeogenesis path way where, phospho enol pyruvate is formed from it and reverse process of glycolysis leads to glucose formation.


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