Explain how sugar molecules combine with other elements to create amino acids. Why is this an essential process for living things?

Answer 1

Hi Jessie,

While Amanad's answer is a high level answer, it sounds like you're teacher is asking you to drill down into the actual process.

Many amino acid precursors can be synthesized as part of the citric acid cycle (also called the Krebs cycle).

The Krebs cycle can be very complex and hard to understand at first. If you'd like some help understanding, feel free to reach out.

Answer 2

Sugar molecules contain oxygen, hydrogen, carbon and provide energy. The hydrogen-carbon elements are used to make amino acids and other larger molecules (such as DNA) which is essential to new cellular growth for organisms and life.