essential amino acid

American  

noun

Biochemistry.

1. any amino acid that is required by an animal for growth but that cannot be synthesized by the animal's cells and must be supplied in the diet.

---

Etymology

Origin of essential amino acid

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

Pacheco also highlighted the favorable balance of essential amino acids in the flour, which adds to its nutritional value.

From Science Daily

Leucine is one of the essential amino acids, meaning it must be obtained through food.

From Science Daily

She realized that, while it’s not an essential amino acid for us, pipecolic acid is also present in humans.

From Salon

The chemical works by inhibiting a specific enzyme pathway in plants that is crucial for producing essential amino acids.

From Science Daily

Two key factors determine the quality of a protein: its essential amino acid content and how well it is digested and absorbed.

From Salon