This biochemistry laboratory course is for the learners of undergraduate programme of biochemistry with emphasis on metabolism of amino acids and nucleotides. The lab course is worth two credits. It is a supplement to the theory aspects of amino acid and nucleotides, learners have read in the course BBCCT- 113. These lab exercises have been designed to characterize the metabolic reactions of amino acids.

Nitrogen is an indispensable element present in all amino acids; it is derived from dietary protein intake and is essential for the synthesis of proteins as well as for their maintenance. Nitrogen is excreted by the kidneys mainly in the form of urea and ammonia. Under steady-state environment, excretion of renal nitrogen equals intake of nitrogen.

Urea, uric acid, creatine, and creatinine are four major NPN components and their estimation is used to monitor renal function in clinical settings. In hospitals, these are routinely used tests to diagnose several types of kidney diseases and their progression. Urea constitutes nearly half of the NPN in the blood. Its excretion is regulated by a wide variety of conditions as it play vital roles in normal health and disease, including roles in acid-base homeostasis.

The “how” and “why” of the amino acid biochemical reactions that are required for maintenance of cellular functions are being uncovered by the lab exercises on assay of serum transaminases. The alpha amino group of amino acids is removed by amino transferases. The two most important serum amino transferases are aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT). They make significant contribution to overall transamination and are important prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers.