Amino acids that yield Acetyl CoA when they are broken down are termed what?

Amino acids that yield Acetyl CoA upon degradation are considered ketogenic. This process involves the breakdown of certain amino acids into Acetyl CoA, which can then enter the citric acid cycle or be converted into ketone bodies. Ketogenic amino acids mainly include leucine and lysine.

In contrast to ketogenic amino acids, glucogenic amino acids are those that can be converted into glucose through gluconeogenesis. Essential amino acids are those that cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through the diet, while non-essential amino acids can be synthesized by the body. Therefore, the correct classification of amino acids that produce Acetyl CoA upon degradation is ketogenic, emphasizing their role in fat metabolism and energy production in the body.