Date of Award
Spring 5-8-2021
Document Type
Honors Thesis
Department/Major
Biology
First Advisor
Caleb Heim
Second Advisor
Andrea Powell
Third Advisor
Beate Wone
Keywords
Amino Acids, Metabolism, Branch Chain Amino Acids, Catabolic reactions, Exercise, Decrease Muscle Fatigue, Leucine, Valine, Isoleucine, Recovery
Subject Categories
Cell and Developmental Biology
Abstract
Over the past 150 years, amino acids have been found and researched in the nutrition biochemistry field. Over these years, three have been identified; leucine, valine and isoleucine; to make up the branch chain amino acids (BCAAs) that play a crucial role on the anaerobic and aerobic energy systems. The metabolism of BCAAs is a highly complicated process that is regulated by the activation of the alpha-keto acids dehydrogenase complex (BCKDH complex) to complete the catabolic reaction. With exercise, it has been found to increase the metabolism of BCAAs by increasing the BCKDH complex, which will decrease the fatigue and muscle breakdown experienced during training. Additionally, BCAAs have been found to increase insulin uptake in the body and decrease delayed onset muscles that is experienced the days following activity. Although BCAAs have a positive impact on exercise performance and recovery, they can negatively impact the body if not in the correct balance.
Recommended Citation
Arellano-Myers, Skylar, "Catabolism of BCAAs and Application" (2021). Honors Thesis. 137.
https://red.library.usd.edu/honors-thesis/137