Identify the Non-Essential Amino Acid from the following options.

Appeared in: DSSSB -28 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

Glutamic acid is classified as a non-essential amino acid.
This means the human body can synthesize it on its own, primarily from other amino acids and intermediates of metabolism.
Therefore, it is not strictly required to be present in the daily diet for a healthy adult.

Option A: Valine is an essential amino acid, meaning the body cannot produce it. It must be supplied through the diet.
Option B: Lysine is an essential amino acid. It cannot be synthesized by the body and is a necessary component of the diet.
Option D: Histidine is considered a semi-essential or conditionally essential amino acid. While adults can synthesize it, the amount is often insufficient, especially during periods of growth (infancy) or stress, making it a required part of the diet.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Nutritional classification of amino acids as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding essential vs. non-essential amino acids is crucial for nutritional assessment and planning, especially for patients with specific dietary needs, metabolic disorders, or those on parenteral nutrition.
A deficiency in essential amino acids can lead to serious health issues, including kwashiorkor (protein malnutrition), impaired growth, and poor wound healing.
What if? If a patient has a genetic disorder like Phenylketonuria (PKU), the non-essential amino acid Tyrosine becomes conditionally essential. This is because the patient cannot convert the essential amino acid Phenylalanine into Tyrosine, requiring Tyrosine to be supplemented in the diet.

How to Approach the Question

First, understand the question's core concept: the difference between 'essential' and 'non-essential' amino acids.
Define 'non-essential amino acid' in your mind: an amino acid the body can produce on its own.
Recall the list of essential amino acids, perhaps using a mnemonic like 'PVT TIM HALL'.
Evaluate each option against your knowledge. Check if Valine, Lysine, Glutamic Acid, or Histidine is on the list of essential amino acids.
Identify that Valine, Lysine, and Histidine are all considered essential or semi-essential.
Conclude that Glutamic Acid is the only option that is non-essential, making it the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pharmacology Nursing Lilley 11e Part 3 p. 231-233

E6 Biochemistry U Satyanarayana— Part 1 (pp 26-420 of 840) p. 37-39

Practise the full DSSSB -28 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.