Question

An animal requires 20 amino acids to make proteins. Why aren’t all 20 essentials to animal diets?

Short answer

The chain of amino acids forms the protein molecules. The DNA comprises codons to synthesize 20 amino acids in the animal body. All 20 amino acids are not required in animals’ diets because some amino acids are synthesized in the body. They are used to build cellular components.

The amino acids necessary for an animal diet are known as essential amino acids.

Step-by-step solution

Amino acid

The organic compound with a minimum of one amine and carboxyl group is called an amino acid. They are classified as essential amino acids and nonessential amino acids based on the synthesis in the body.

Amino acids are crystalline and soluble in water. The twenty amino acids serve as components of protein.

Types of amino acid

Essential amino acids must be ingested through diet because it does not synthesize in the body. Examples include leucine, methionine, phenylalanine, and valine. In contrast, nonessential amino acids are synthesized in the body through deamination and transamination. Examples of nonessential amino acids are glycine, serine, proline, glutamic acid, and cystine.

The amino acids essential to animals’ diet

Protein is one of the structural components of the cell. The nonessential amino acids participate in tissue formation and repair, immune function, synthesis of hormones, and other body’s structural and functional features.

The essential amino acids are consumed through food. They provide energy, allow nutrient absorption, and also aids in tissue growth.

The nonessential amino acids are formed in human body; thus, taking them through the diet is unnecessary. Therefore, all 20 amino acids are not necessary for the animals’ diet. The amino acids required in the diet are taken from food sources rich in protein.