Amino Acids Serve as the Precursors for Compounds Other Than Proteins

Amino Acids Serve as the Precursors for Compounds Other Than Proteins 

As stated at the outset of this chapter, the primary fate of amino acids is their incorporation into protein. However, amino acids also serve as precursors for a number of other important molecules. These include processes leading to the formation of the porphyrin nucleus found in many oxygen-and electron-carrying proteins, of biologically active amines, and of glutathione. These two topics are examined below. 

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