Biology: The Dynamic Science (MindTap Course List)
Biology: The Dynamic Science (MindTap Course List)
4th Edition
ISBN: 9781305389892
Author: Peter J. Russell, Paul E. Hertz, Beverly McMillan
Publisher: Cengage Learning
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Chapter 47, Problem 1TYK
Summary Introduction

Introduction:

All animal bodies synthesize elements and molecules for proper functioning of their body organs within the body itself. However, there are still many elements and molecules that cannot be synthesized within the body and need to be supplemented from external sources.

Expert Solution & Answer
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Answer to Problem 1TYK

Correct answer:

Essential nutrients.

Explanation of Solution

Justification/explanation for the correct answer:

Option (b) is given that required molecules that animals cannot synthesize are called essential molecules. This is a correct statement as there are many nutrients that are important for body functioning but cannot be synthesized within the body. Such nutrients are called essential nutrients/minerals or molecules. Vitamins, essential fatty acids, and organic and inorganic minerals are examples of essential molecules. Hence, option (b) is correct.

Explanation for the incorrect answers:

Option (a) says that required molecules that animals cannot synthesize are called nutrients. This is an incorrect statement as a correct definition of nutrition is “organic and inorganic compounds that a living organism derives from its environment to support essential life processes are called nutrients.” Humans acquire nutrients by ingestion of foods. Most essential nutrients can be synthesized by the body. So, it is an incorrect option.

Option (c) says that required molecules that animals cannot synthesize are called enzymes. This is an incorrect statement as enzymes are biochemical substance produced by a living organism and which act as a catalyst for a specific biochemical reaction. Almost all enzymes are proteins and they can be synthesized within the body in the ribosomes present in the cell cytoplasm. So, it is an incorrect option.

Option (d) says that required molecules that animals cannot synthesize are called proteins. This is an incorrect statement as proteins can be synthesized in our bodies in the ribosomes found outside the cell nucleus. Proteins are composed of many smaller units referred to as amino acids. In total, there are about twenty different amino acids types, which can be combined to make a protein. However, since our bodies can synthesize only 10 out of 20 amino acids, therefore, the rest are to be obtained from external sources. So, it is an incorrect option.

Option (e) says that required molecules that animals cannot synthesize are called carbohydrates. This is an incorrect statement as carbohydrates can be prepared in our bodies, starting in the endoplasmic reticulum and structurally grown in the Golgi complex. So, it is an incorrect option.

Hence, options, (a), (c), (d), and (e) are incorrect.

Conclusion

Thus, it can be concluded that molecules that are important for the body functioning but cannot be synthesized within the body of the animals are called essential molecules.

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