Question:

Which among the following amino acids is NOT synthesized in our body?

Updated On: Apr 14, 2025
  • Alanine
  • Tyrosine
  • Valine
  • Proline
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: What Are Amino Acids and Why Does It Matter?

Amino acids are like the Lego bricks that build proteins, which are essential for our muscles, enzymes, and even hormones. Some amino acids (non-essential) can be made by our body, but others (essential) we must get from food because we can’t produce them. Let’s find out which one from the list is essential!

Step 2: Check Each Amino Acid

Let’s go through the options one by one to see if our body can synthesize them:

  • Alanine: This is a non-essential amino acid. Our body can make it from pyruvate through a process called transamination. So, Alanine is synthesized in our body.
  • Tyrosine: This is usually a non-essential amino acid because our body can make it from phenylalanine (another amino acid) if we have enough. So, Tyrosine is synthesized in our body.
  • Valine: This is an essential amino acid. That means our body cannot produce it at all—we need to get it from foods like meat, dairy, beans, or nuts. This one stands out!
  • Proline: This is a non-essential amino acid. Our body can synthesize Proline from glutamic acid. So, Proline is made by our body too.

Step 3: Identify the One We Can’t Make

From our list, Alanine, Tyrosine, and Proline are all non-essential amino acids that our body can synthesize. Valine, however, is an essential amino acid, meaning we rely entirely on our diet to get it. Our body doesn’t have the machinery to make Valine, making it the odd one out!

Step 4: Match with Options

The options provided are:

  • Option 1: Alanine
  • Option 2: Tyrosine
  • Option 3: Valine ✔ Correct
  • Option 4: Proline

Since Valine is the essential amino acid that our body cannot synthesize, the correct answer is Option 2. Awesome job spotting that!

Final Answer: Option 3 (Valine) is correct.

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Concepts Used:

Proteins

An essential part of every cell in our body, protein is one of the three macronutrients which is required by our body in larger amounts. Proteins are made up of linear chains of smaller units called amino acids. Every biochemical process that takes place inside our bodies is possible because of these proteins. Proteins are 3-dimensional structures that are assembled with different amino acid sequences.

Functions of Protein

Proteins are used in many ways. Some of their functions are:

  • Enzymes: Most of the important chemical reactions which take place inside a cell are mostly carried out by enzymes. They also play a role in regenerating and creating DNA molecules and carrying out complex processes.
  • Hormonal Regulation: Proteins create various types of hormones that help in balancing the components of the body. For example, hormones like insulin help in regulating blood sugar and secretin. The formation of digestive juices essential for the whole digestion process is also possible because of hormones.
  • Protection: Being the main constituent of antibodies, proteins protect our body against antigens and pathogens thus preventing infections.
  • Energy: Proteins are one the most essential sources of energy required for our body movements. The right amount of proteins should be consumed so that they can be turned into energy.
  • Structural functions: Proteins are the building blocks of the body. They are required for the growth, development, healing, and repair of tissues. Proteins are essential in order to strengthen various structures like hair, skin, and muscles. It is also present in the outer membrane of all cells in the human body.

Classification of Protein 

Proteins are classified on the basis of:

  1. Shape
  2. Constitution
  3. Nature of Molecules

Protein Structure

A protein molecule is made from a long chain of amino acids, each linked to its neighbor through a covalent peptide bond. The structure of proteins are divided into four types:

  1. Primary Structure
  2. Secondary Structure
  3. Tertiary Sector
  4. Quaternary Structure