Essential amino acids

Definition

Amino acids that insects cannot synthesize for themselves and must be obtained from the diet or from endosymbionts.

Etymology

From Latin 'essentialis' meaning 'necessary' and Greek 'amino' meaning 'ammonia'

Example

Insects require essential amino acids for growth and development, such as arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine.

Related Terms

• Non-essential amino acids
• Dietary protein

Usage Notes

The specific essential amino acid requirements vary between insect species.