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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the preferred fuel for most body functions?
A
Ketone bodies
B
Fatty acids
C
Amino acids
D
Glucose
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of glucose in the body: Glucose is the primary and preferred fuel for most body functions because it is readily metabolized to produce energy in the form of ATP through cellular respiration.
Review the process of cellular respiration: Glucose is broken down in three main stages—glycolysis, the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), and oxidative phosphorylation—to generate ATP efficiently.
Compare glucose to other fuel sources: Ketone bodies, fatty acids, and amino acids can also be used for energy, but they are typically secondary sources. For example, ketone bodies are used during prolonged fasting, fatty acids during extended exercise, and amino acids primarily during starvation or when glucose is unavailable.
Consider the body's preference for glucose: Glucose is the primary energy source for the brain and red blood cells, which cannot efficiently use fatty acids or ketone bodies for energy.
Conclude why glucose is the correct answer: Glucose is the most versatile and efficient fuel source for the majority of body functions, making it the preferred choice under normal physiological conditions.