Nursing Elites

1. How many amino acids are considered indispensable or essential?

• A. 9
• B. 10
• C. 12
• D. 14

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 9. Nine amino acids are considered essential or indispensable because they cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through the diet. These amino acids include histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as the number of essential amino acids is specifically 9, as they are crucial for various bodily functions.

2. What is the primary function of protein in the diet?

• A. supply energy.
• B. synthesize vitamins.
• C. build and repair tissue.
• D. store glycogen.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary function of protein in the diet is to build and repair tissues. Proteins are essential for the growth, maintenance, and repair of body tissues like muscles, skin, and organs. While proteins can be a source of energy, their primary role is not to supply energy, making choice A incorrect. Choice B is also incorrect as proteins do not synthesize vitamins; rather, they are essential nutrients themselves. Choice D is inaccurate because glycogen is a form of stored glucose in the body, not a function of protein.

3. One characteristic of an essential fatty acid is that it:

• A. comes from a plant source.
• B. comes from an animal source.
• C. is not manufactured by the body.
• D. is manufactured by the body.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because essential fatty acids are not manufactured by the body and must be obtained through the diet. Choice A is incorrect because essential fatty acids can come from plant sources as well. Choice B is incorrect as essential fatty acids are primarily derived from plant sources. Choice D is incorrect because essential fatty acids cannot be produced by the body. Therefore, the only accurate statement is that essential fatty acids are not manufactured by the body.

4. What is the chemical structure that forms the base component of an amino acid?

• A. carboxyl group
• B. carbon chain
• C. radicals
• D. amino group

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is the amino group. Amino acids consist of an amino group (NH2), a carboxyl group (COOH), a hydrogen atom, and a variable side chain attached to a central carbon atom. The amino group is essential for the formation of proteins. The carboxyl group is not the base component but another important functional group in amino acids. Carbon chain and radicals are not specific chemical structures that form the base component of an amino acid.

5. Proteins from plant sources such as grains, nuts, and legumes are classified as:

• A. incomplete.
• B. complete.
• C. indispensable.
• D. dispensable.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'incomplete.' Proteins from plant sources like grains, nuts, and legumes are considered incomplete because they often lack one or more essential amino acids required by the body. Choice B, 'complete,' is incorrect because complete proteins contain all essential amino acids in adequate amounts. Choice C, 'indispensable,' is incorrect as it refers to essential amino acids rather than the classification of plant proteins. Choice D, 'dispensable,' is also incorrect as it implies that these proteins are not necessary, which is not the case.

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