Beta-Alanine and Carnosine Biosynthesis

The video tutorial explains beta alanine, a beta amino acid, and its unique synthesis in humans. It highlights its role in skeletal muscle as a buffer, particularly during exercise, and discusses its synthesis through a reductive pathway. The tutorial also covers the formation of carnosine, a dipeptide with significant buffering capacity, and the potential benefits of beta alanine supplementation for exercise performance.

What distinguishes beta amino acids from alpha amino acids?

• Beta amino acids are only found in plants.

• Beta amino acids have a carboxyl group attached to the same carbon as the amine group.

• Beta amino acids have a carboxyl group attached to a different carbon than the amine group.

• Beta amino acids are not synthesized in humans.

Which pathway is responsible for the synthesis of beta alanine in humans?

• Oxidative pathway

• Right pathway

• Reductive pathway

• Photosynthetic pathway

What is the primary role of beta alanine in skeletal muscles?

• To act as a neurotransmitter

• To serve as a buffer during exercise

• To provide energy directly

• To increase muscle mass

How does beta alanine enhance its buffering capacity in muscles?

• By binding with glucose

• By forming a complex with histidine

• By converting into lactic acid

• By increasing blood flow

What is the main function of carnosine in skeletal muscles?

• To store calcium

• To act as a hormone

• To buffer pH changes

• To transport oxygen

Which enzyme is responsible for synthesizing carnosine from beta alanine and histidine?

• Carnosine hydrolase

• Histidine dehydrogenase

• Carnosine synthase

• Beta alanine reductase

What happens to carnosine in an energetically stressed state?

• It is converted into glucose

• It is hydrolyzed back into beta alanine and histidine

• It is used to produce ATP

• It is stored as fat