Amino acid catabolism is the process by which the body breaks down amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, to produce energy or other compounds. This process occurs primarily in the liver and involves the removal of the amino group, which is converted into urea for excretion. The remaining carbon skeleton can be transformed into various intermediates that enter the Krebs cycle for energy production. During amino acid catabolism, different amino acids follow specific pathways. Some can be converted into glucose through gluconeogenesis, while others can be transformed into fatty acids or ketone bodies. This flexibility allows the body to adapt to varying energy needs and maintain metabolic balance.