Is it possible to synthesize amino acids from hydrocarbons?
Out of memory, I don't recall a method for the direct synthesis of $\alpha$-amino acids from plain hydrocarbons (including alkenes and alkynes).

The situation is different for $\beta$-amino acids. The $\ce{Pd(II)}$-catalyzed reaction of alkenes with amines in the presence of carbon monoxide, known as aminocarbonylation can furnish these amino acids or their derivates.


  [&hellip;] from crude oil via a set of complex chemical transformations


however, is pretty vague and may involve anything, including the formation of aldehydes and their subsequent use in a Strecker reaction.