Expert: John Locke - 4/30/2010

Question
hi, I have to write an essay on how protein in meat is broken down and used in the body so far i have the introduction and a little bit about the structure of protein. I am unsure about what things to talk about in the body of my  essay in order to achive a good score.I was wondering if you would be able to help me?
thanks.

Answer
Thanks for using AllExperts. Relevant topics to consider on the digestion of protein would include some of the following; there is a tremendous range of topics on which you could write about protein nutrition, so you may wish to narrow this list significantly depending on your preference:

1. Enzymes involved in the breakdown of proteins to amino acid and the organs they are secreted from
2. How amino acids are absorbed in the small intestine
3. Where amino acids are stored in the body and/or how they are utilized in the body; in particular, you may want to write about the enzyme pathways that are involved in the use of proteins to either produce glucose (part of gluconeogenesis) or the construction of muscle tissue.
4. What happens to proteins in the states of fasting and starvation
5. How amino acids are transported in the bloodstream
6. The basic effects of protein deficiency on the body
7. The urea cycle, which is responsible for the degradation of excess amino acids
8. The effect of protein meals on glucagon and insulin, the fundamental regulatory hormones of blood sugar

Good luck.