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Ch. 24 Nutrition, Metabolism, and Energy Balance
Chapter 23, Problem 9

Amino acids are essential (and important) to the body for all the following except a. production of some hormones, b. production of antibodies, c. formation of most structural materials, d. as a source of quick energy.

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Identify the role of amino acids in the body, focusing on their involvement in protein synthesis and other functions.
Consider the options provided: production of hormones, antibodies, structural materials, and quick energy.
Recall that amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, which are crucial for hormone production, immune function (antibodies), and structural components of cells and tissues.
Evaluate the option related to energy: amino acids can be used for energy, but they are not the body's primary or quick source of energy.
Determine which option does not align with the primary functions of amino acids, focusing on their role in energy metabolism compared to carbohydrates and fats.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Amino Acids

Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins. They play a crucial role in various biological processes, including the synthesis of hormones, enzymes, and antibodies. There are 20 standard amino acids, nine of which are essential, meaning they must be obtained through diet as the body cannot synthesize them.
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Protein Synthesis

Protein synthesis is the process by which cells generate new proteins, which are vital for numerous bodily functions. This process involves transcription of DNA to mRNA and translation of mRNA to form polypeptides, which fold into functional proteins. Amino acids are linked together in specific sequences to form these proteins, influencing their structure and function.
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Energy Sources in the Body

The body primarily uses carbohydrates and fats as sources of quick energy. While amino acids can be used for energy through gluconeogenesis, this is not their primary role. Instead, amino acids are mainly utilized for building proteins and other important molecules, making their use as a quick energy source less significant compared to carbohydrates.
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