Canadian Medical Guide > Chemicals and Drugs > Amino Acids, Peptides, and Proteins > Amino Acids > Amino Acids, Basic Terms and Definitions

Amino Acids, Basic

	Arginine - An essential amino acid that is physiologically active in the L-form.
	Asparagine - A non-essential amino acid that is involved in the metabolic control of cell functions in nerve and brain tissue. It is biosynthesized from ASPARTIC ACID and AMMONIA by asparagine synthetase. (From Concise Encyclopedia Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 3rd ed)
	Glutamine - A non-essential amino acid present abundantly throughout the body and is involved in many metabolic processes. It is synthesized from GLUTAMIC ACID and AMMONIA. It is the principal carrier of NITROGEN in the body and is an important energy source for many cells.
	Lysine - An essential amino acid. It is often added to animal feed.
	Ornithine - An amino acid produced in the urea cycle by the splitting off of urea from arginine.

Amino Acids, Basic Medical Definitions and Terms