CUNY Bronx Community Nitrogen Balance Studies and Stable Biochemistry Questions

I’m working on a biochemistry discussion question and need an explanation and answer to help me learn.

I’m working on a biochemistry discussion question and need an explanation and answer to help me learn.

Although establishing the RDA for protein in 1943 was based on the premise of EAA, the requirement of 0.8 g protein/kgfor adults was determined using nitrogen balance studies. With the inception of stable isotope techniques, the RDA for protein has been challenged repeatedly with tracer methodology in populations across the lifespan for decades. Yet, the RDA has not changed. One reason is the tremendous number of nitrogen balance feeding studies done era of instituting the RDAs; another, the cost effectiveness of this work given the simplicity of nitrogen balance studies. Stable isotope techniques provide insight into the body’s utilization of the EAA’s carbon skeleton as well as nitrogen, protein’s unique component.

After reviewing the readings below, answer the following questions:

1. Describe how stable isotope/tracer techniques provide additional insight regarding protein metabolism by the body and skeletal muscle.
2. Outline 2 advantages and 2 limitations of nitrogen balance studies based on your understanding of protein metabolism with specific examples.
3. Explain why findings from nitrogen balance studies may differ from those observed with tracer techniques when simultaneously implementing these techniques in an experimental design for human research?