Leucine is an essential amino acid (EAA) that plays an important role in initiating the process of translation. Scientists investigated the effect of leucine on the process of protein synthesis and protein breakdown in muscles. Participants of the study were divided into three equal groups. Each group were given the same diet that was supplemented with different amounts of leucine (High, low and no added leucine) and the rate of protein synthesis and protein breakdown were monitored over time.
The diagram below shows the results of this study.
Which of the following provides the most plausible conclusion that can be drawn from the data?
Leucine led to a significant increase in protein synthesis while it also increased the rate of protein breakdown in the muscles
Low levels of leucine cause a significant increase in protein synthesis with no significant impact on the breakdown of protein in the muscles
Supplementing the diet with high levels of leucine will lead to protein being broken down at a higher rate than it is being synthesised in the muscles
A diet with no added leucine will have a negative impact on protein synthesis and may result in developing a protein deficiency