the primary function of protein in the body is to

ATI LPN

PN Nutrition Assessment ATI

1. What is the primary function of protein in the body?

A. Provide energy.
B. Regulate metabolic processes.
C. Control muscle contractions.
D. Build tissue.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The primary function of protein in the body is to build and repair tissues. Proteins are crucial for growth, maintenance, and repair of body tissues, including muscles, organs, and skin. While proteins can be a source of energy, their primary role is not to supply energy. Regulating metabolic processes and controlling muscle contractions are functions typically attributed to other nutrients and compounds in the body, such as vitamins and minerals.

2. What is the process by which proteins are synthesized from the available amino acids?

A. Gluconeogenesis.
B. Deamination.
C. Protein synthesis.
D. Transamination.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Protein synthesis. This process involves the formation of proteins from amino acids to support various body functions. Gluconeogenesis (choice A) is the synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, not protein synthesis. Deamination (choice B) is the removal of an amino group from an amino acid, not the synthesis of proteins. Transamination (choice D) is the transfer of an amino group from one molecule to another, not the direct synthesis of proteins.

3. Which monosaccharide only occurs naturally in foods in combination with another sugar as a disaccharide?

A. Fructose.
B. Galactose.
C. Sucrose.
D. Maltose.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, galactose. Galactose naturally occurs in foods only when it is combined with glucose to form lactose, a disaccharide found in milk. Fructose is a monosaccharide found in fruits and honey. Sucrose is a disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose, commonly known as table sugar. Maltose is a disaccharide formed by the combination of two glucose molecules.

4. Which nutrient has a protein-sparing effect?

A. Glycerol
B. Carbohydrate
C. Nitrogen
D. Fatty acids

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Carbohydrates have a protein-sparing effect, meaning that adequate carbohydrate intake can prevent the use of protein for energy. Glycerol, nitrogen, and fatty acids do not have a protein-sparing effect. Glycerol is a component of fats and oils, nitrogen is a component of proteins, and fatty acids are used primarily as an energy source.

5. What group makes each amino acid unique?

A. Radical group
B. Amino group
C. Carboxyl group
D. Peptide bond

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the radical group (R-group) because it is the unique side chain that differentiates each amino acid. The amino group (choice B) and carboxyl group (choice C) are functional groups common to all amino acids but do not make them unique. The peptide bond (choice D) is the bond formed between amino acids in a protein chain, not the group that makes each amino acid unique.