Proteins and Amino Acids Quiz

Protein Digestion and Absorption

• Hydrochloric acid denatures proteins, breaking their complex structures, while protease breaks down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids in the stomach.
• The combination of hydrochloric acid and protease enables the efficient digestion of proteins in the human body.

Protein as a Fuel Source

• Protein is a secondary fuel source for the body, providing energy when carbohydrates and fats are not available.
• The body can convert protein into glucose or ketones to meet energy demands.

Essential Amino Acids

• Humans require essential amino acids from their diet, as they cannot be synthesized by the body.
• A diet lacking essential amino acids can lead to protein deficiency, poor growth, and impaired health.

Characteristics of Protein

• Amino acids are the building blocks of body tissue, and a defining characteristic of protein from a nutritional standpoint.
• There are 20 different amino acids that the body uses to build proteins, with 9 being essential amino acids.

Essential Amino Acids Requirement

• Humans must obtain 9 essential amino acids from their diet, as they are not synthesized by the body.