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Multiple Choice
What would most likely happen if Sarah consistently exceeded her daily protein requirement?
A
All excess protein would be stored in the body as muscle tissue.
B
Her body would excrete all excess protein in the form of intact amino acids.
C
Excess amino acids would be deaminated, and the resulting carbon skeletons could be converted to fat or used for energy.
D
She would develop a deficiency in essential amino acids.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of proteins in the body: Proteins are made up of amino acids, which are essential for various functions such as building and repairing tissues, producing enzymes, and supporting immune function. However, the body has a limit to how much protein it can use effectively.
Learn about protein metabolism: When protein intake exceeds the body's needs, the excess amino acids cannot be stored as intact proteins or muscle tissue. Instead, they undergo a process called deamination, where the amino group is removed from the amino acid.
Explore the fate of deaminated amino acids: After deamination, the remaining carbon skeletons can be converted into other molecules. These carbon skeletons may be used for energy production through cellular respiration or converted into fat for storage.
Understand why intact amino acids are not excreted: The body does not excrete intact amino acids because they are valuable resources. Instead, the nitrogen from the amino group is converted into urea in the liver and excreted through urine.
Clarify the incorrect options: Excess protein does not lead to a deficiency in essential amino acids, nor is it stored as muscle tissue. The correct process involves deamination and subsequent utilization of the carbon skeletons for energy or fat storage.