The liver processes excess amino acids from protein by removing the amino group (deamination) to produce lipids that can be used as an energy source. Specifically, the liver converts excess amino acids into fatty acids through a process called deamination, removing the amino groups from the amino acids to produce lipids for energy production. This allows the body to use amino acids as an alternate energy source when carbohydrates and lipids are not readily available.

1. Entry slip: What does the liver do with
excess amino acids (protein)?
Lesson 1.8- Describe the function of the six
major types nutrients: CHO’s, lipids,
proteins, vitamins, minerals and water
(pp354-358) of Biology-McGraw-Hill
Ryerson)
I. Functions of six major nutrients:

2. a.CHO’s:
i. The human body’s preferred
source of energy. Combines with
oxygen, O2 to make energy, carbon
dioxide and water as products.
A.k.a “sugars”, CHO’s can be the
single-glucose ring or the multiple-
glucose ring starch.
ii. Source: Grains, potatoes, bread,
rice, pasta, sugar, sweet fruits and
vegetables, etc..
b. Lipids:
i. Major energy source in body.
ii. Also provides building materials
for making new cells’ walls.
iii. Building material for making
hormones such as estrogen and
testosterone.

3. iv. Sources: meat, fish, anything
cooked with oil, milk, nuts, etc..
c. Protein:
i. “Last resort” energy source. Amino
acids can be “de-aminized” (have
the N removed) to make lipids to
be used as an energy source.
ii. Provides building and repairing
tissues for muscles and other cells.
iii. Amino acids combine to make
enzymes.
iv. Makes “anti-bodies” to help fight
disease and build up immunity.
v. Sources: meat, fish, legumes
(bean-like plants), eggs, milk, soy,
etc..
d. Minerals:
i. Inorganic (does not contain
carbon). Examples: iron in red

4. blood cells, calcium in teeth,
sodium and potassium in your
blood plasma.
ii. Body needs these in small
amounts, to help carry out special
functions. Example: the iron in
your hemoglobin helps to carry
the O2 throughout your body to
where it is needed.
iii. Sources: table salt, prepared foods
(like bag of chips), milk (calcium),
soda drinks, etc...
e. Vitamins:
i. Also needed in small amounts like
minerals.
ii. Function as coenzymes, or in other
words, they help enzymes do their
job. This like how pepsin in the
stomach needs acid to be able to

5. do its job of aiding in the break-
down of proteins to amino acids.
iii. Aid in tissue development and
tissue growth.
iv. Aid in fighting disease (immunity).
v. Sources: fruits and vegetable,
vitamin pills, sunlight (vitamin D)
f. Water:
i. Thermoregulation: Sweating helps
cool the body. Blood flow from the
middle of the body out to the arms
and legs helps keep the arms and
legs warm.
ii. Aids in nutrients and wastes
moving into, around and out of
the body.
iii. Helps conduct electrical impulses
which cause muscles to move and

6. signals to be sent to and from the
brain.
iv. Sources: water, any drink, any
food with some moisture, etc...
II. Homework: Research one vitamin (use
Wikipedia or some other resource
material) such as Vitamin A, B, C, D, K,
etc... Find out:
a. Function(s). Why does the body need
it.
b. Food source(s). What can we eat to
get it.
c. What too much or too little will do to
your body.
d. Due next class, on a separate piece
of paper, can be in point form.