Which specific chemical units must humans obtain through diet because the body cannot synthesize them?
Answer
Humans need nine essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own.
Proteins are broken down into smaller units called amino acids, which are the fundamental components for building and repairing tissues. While the body is capable of synthesizing some amino acids internally, it lacks the metabolic pathways to create certain necessary ones. These necessary components are termed essential amino acids. The text specifies that humans require nine of these essential amino acids that must be obtained entirely through dietary sources such as meat, beans, nuts, and seeds, highlighting why consuming adequate sources of complete proteins is vital for growth and repair.
Related Questions
What are the three primary macronutrients supplying the body's energy needs?How do complex carbohydrates differ from simple sugars regarding energy release?What is the principal structural function of proteins in the human body?Regarding energy density, how much more energy do fats (lipids) provide per gram than carbohydrates or proteins?What vital roles does zero-calorie water fulfill within the body's processes?What key difference exists in the storage and replenishment needs between water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins?Where do inorganic minerals originate, and how are they categorized based on necessary intake amounts?What specific function does insoluble fiber perform in the digestive tract?Which specific chemical units must humans obtain through diet because the body cannot synthesize them?What is the synergistic role of B vitamins when the body utilizes carbohydrates for energy?