Amino Acid FAQs:
Advanced Amino Acid Technology

Frequently Asked Questions

On this page you will find frequently asked questions about amino acids. Use the links below to jump to the question you want to learn more about.

What are amino acids?
Why are amino acids important for plants?
Why is it important to supplement amino acids to plants?
Are all amino acids the same?
Why are MACRO-SORB and QUELANT unique products in the turfgrass industry?
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What are amino acids?
Amino acids are the building blocks of all proteins. They are organic compounds with an amino (-NH2) and a carboxylic acid group (-COOH).

(N=Nitrogen, H=Hydrogen, C=carbon, O=Oxygen)

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Why are amino acids important for plants?
Amino acids are required by plants throughout all their growing stages. Amino acids are the starting points for the synthesis of cellular molecules including vitamins, nucleotides, chlorophyll, enzymes, proteins, etc. They have an important nutritional function during germination (the embryo consume amino acids derived from proteins stored in the endosperm); during the synthesis of proteins (enzymes and structural proteins, etc.); in the formation of phytohormones such as auxins, ethylene, polyamines, porfirines, etc.; in the regulation of the water balance especially when plants are under stressful conditions. Amino acids also act as chelating molecules of essential nutrients for normal development of the plant.
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Why is it important to supplement amino acids to plants?
Under optimum growing conditions, plants synthesize their own L-amino acids through thousands of chemical reactions and a significant use of energy. However, when growing under stressful conditions, plants decrease or stop the synthesis of carbohydrates and consequently the production of L-amino acids. Instead plants have to hydrolyze or break down structural proteins to obtain the required L-amino acids. These activities require an extraordinary use of energy by plants and contribute to the reduction of root mass and the quality of plants.
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Are all amino acids the same?
No. The diagram below shows that amino acids can exist in two forms: L and D. The procedure used to obtain the amino acids dictates the form of the amino acids in a product. Synthesis or hydrolysis of proteins by using strong acidic or alkaline solutions yields racemic mixtures of L and D form amino acids. Enzymatic hydrolysis of proteins, on the other hand, produces only L form amino acids. L-amino acids also should be in the free form or forming small peptides for them to be absorbed by plants. Large molecules with a high molecular weight cannot be absorbed and further used by plants.

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Why are MACRO-SORB and QUELANT unique products in the turfgrass industry?
  • MACRO-SORB and QUELANT supplement the same L-amino acids turfgrass and other plants are unable to make during stressful conditions.
  • MACRO-SORB and QUELANT provide plants with readily available essential nutrients.
  • L-amino acids in MACRO-SORB and QUELANT are obtained through enzymatic hydrolysis of selected natural protein.
  • MACRO-SORB and QUELANT are backed by university research.
  • MACRO-SORB and QUELANT provide all biologically active L-amino acids needed by plants to make proteins, enzymes, chlorophyll, and many other compounds.
  • MACRO-SORB and QUELANT are produced at a pharmaceutical facility - ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified.
  • MACRO-SORB and QUELANT products are environmentally safe.

MACRO-SORB and QUELANT provide maximum protection from stress and enhance the efficacy of other products