NCSF Sport Nutrition Specialist Certification Practice Test – Complete Exam Prep

The process of removing the amine group from an amino acid to generate energy through the Krebs cycle is known as oxidative deamination. This metabolic pathway involves converting the amino acid into a corresponding keto acid while liberating ammonia (NH₃) and producing energy-rich molecules such as NADH, which can then enter the Krebs cycle.

Oxidative deamination is essential for the utilization of amino acids in energy production, especially during periods of fasting or intense physical activity, when the body may need to draw on amino acids as an energy source. By converting amino acids into intermediates that can enter the Krebs cycle, the body can effectively metabolize protein for energy, which is crucial for athletes and active individuals.

Transamination, while related, involves the transfer of the amine group from one amino acid to another rather than removing it entirely. Deamination generally refers to the removal of an amine group, but oxidative deamination specifically denotes that this process occurs alongside the oxidation of the amino acid, highlighting its role in energy production and metabolism. Condensation, on the other hand, refers to a different type of reaction, typically involving the joining of two molecules with the loss of water, which is not applicable in this context.