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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best defines essential amino acids, and from what source are they primarily obtained?
A
Essential amino acids are those that cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained from dietary sources such as proteins in food.
B
Essential amino acids are only found in plant-based foods and are synthesized by plants.
C
Essential amino acids are produced in the liver and stored for later use.
D
Essential amino acids are those that can be synthesized by the body in sufficient quantities and do not need to be obtained from the diet.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the term 'essential amino acids.' Essential amino acids are amino acids that the human body cannot synthesize on its own. This means they must be obtained from external sources, specifically through the diet.
Step 2: Review the dietary sources of essential amino acids. These amino acids are primarily obtained from proteins in food, such as meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, and certain plant-based sources like legumes and grains.
Step 3: Analyze the incorrect options provided in the problem. For example, the statement 'Essential amino acids are only found in plant-based foods and are synthesized by plants' is incorrect because essential amino acids are found in both animal and plant-based foods.
Step 4: Evaluate the statement 'Essential amino acids are produced in the liver and stored for later use.' This is incorrect because the liver does not produce essential amino acids; it can only process amino acids obtained from the diet.
Step 5: Consider the statement 'Essential amino acids are those that can be synthesized by the body in sufficient quantities and do not need to be obtained from the diet.' This is incorrect because it describes non-essential amino acids, not essential ones. Essential amino acids must be obtained from dietary sources.