Mnemonic to Remember Essential and Non-Essential Amino Acids

Do you have trouble remembering the essential and non-essential amino acids? In this blog, I will provide you with mnemonics that will help you remember them more easily.

A mnemonic is an effective memory aid that helps us recall information. One of the best things about mnemonics is that they are a fun way of learning. Employ the power of mnemonics to remember what you read!

Amino acids are molecules that combine to form proteins. Based on the nutritional requirement, amino acids can be classified into two types:
(a) Essential amino acids
(b) Non-essential amino acids

Essential Amino Acids

Essential amino acids are those amino acids that cannot be endogenously synthesized by the body and must be obtained through diet.

There are 9 essential amino acids which include Tryptophan, Threonine, Histidine, Valine, Isoleucine, Phenylalanine, Methionine, Lysine, and Leucine.

Mnemonic for Essential Amino Acids

A simple mnemonic to remember the essential amino acids is “Try THis VIP MaLL”.

Try THis VIP MaLL

  • Tryptophan
  • Threonine
  • Histidine
  • Valine
  • Isoleucine
  • Phenylalanine
  • Methionine
  • Lysine
  • Leucine

Non-Essential Amino Acids

Non-essential amino acids are those amino acids that can be endogenously synthesized in adequate quantities to meet the body’s requirements. They are not a dietary requirement.

There are 11 non-essential amino acids which include Alanine, Arginine, Asparagine, Aspartic acid, Cysteine, Glutamic acid, Glutamine, Glycine, Tyrosine, Proline, and Serine.

Mnemonic for Non-Essential Amino Acids

A simple mnemonic to remember the non-essential amino acids is “Ah, Almost All Girls Go Crazy After Guys Take Proposal Seriously.”

Ah, Almost All Girls Go Crazy After Guys Take Proposal Seriously

  • Alanine
  • Arginine
  • Asparagine
  • Aspartic acid
  • Cysteine
  • Glutamic acid
  • Glutamine
  • Glycine
  • Tyrosine
  • Proline
  • Serine

1 thought on “Mnemonic to Remember Essential and Non-Essential Amino Acids”

Leave a Comment