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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes an essential amino acid?
A
An amino acid that is used exclusively for energy production.
B
An amino acid that cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained from the diet.
C
An amino acid that is only required during periods of rapid growth.
D
An amino acid that is synthesized in the liver from glucose.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the definition of an essential amino acid: Essential amino acids are those that cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained through dietary sources.
Eliminate incorrect options: Review each option and determine whether it aligns with the definition of an essential amino acid.
Option 1: 'An amino acid that is used exclusively for energy production' is incorrect because amino acids are primarily used for protein synthesis, not exclusively for energy production.
Option 3: 'An amino acid that is only required during periods of rapid growth' is incorrect because essential amino acids are required throughout life, not just during growth periods.
Option 4: 'An amino acid that is synthesized in the liver from glucose' is incorrect because essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the body, including the liver. The correct answer is the second option: 'An amino acid that cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained from the diet.'