Answer to Question 1
Whether amino acids come from animal or plant sources makes little difference from a nutritional standpoint. From a health standpoint, amino acids from plant sources are often accompanied by fiber, carbohydrates, phytochemicals, and generally healthy fats whereas amino acids from animal sources are usually accompanied by unhealthy fats like saturated fat (a major exception is seafood). Therefore, plant-based protein often has some health advantages over animal based protein.
Answer to Question 2
Another substance found in the plants we eat is fiber. Although technically a carbohydrate, fiber is different from starchy carbohydrates because it consists of the plant's indigestible cellulose components. For the purpose of this chapter, fiber is treated as a separate food component rather than as a carbohydrate. Fiber is beneficial to our health but provides no life-sustaining energy.
Plant
Tracing the Source of a Water-Borne Disease
Modified Amino acids with unique properties
Amino acid conversion to the corresponding a-keto acid by transamination or oxidative deamination
Medial view of tracts revealed by removing gray matter from a midsagittal section