An incomplete protein is one that: a. lacks all of the non-essential amino acids. b. lacks all of the essential amino acids. c. lacks at least one essential amino acid. d. lacks at least one non-essential amino acid. QUESTION 14 Amino acids form long chains called peptides.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is: c. lacks at least one essential amino acid.
Explanation:
Proteins are made up of long chains of amino acids, and these chains can vary in length and composition. These amino acids are classified as either essential or non-essential.
- Essential amino acids are those that the body cannot produce on its own and must be obtained from the diet. There are 9 essential amino acids, including lysine, leucine, and tryptophan, among others.
- Non-essential amino acids, on the other hand, are those that the body can synthesize from other compounds.
An incomplete protein refers to a protein source that does not contain all of the essential amino acids that the body needs. This is typically a characteristic of plant-based proteins. For example, beans may lack one or more essential amino acids, which is why they are considered an incomplete protein source. To obtain all essential amino acids from plant-based foods, it’s important to combine them with other foods that supply the missing amino acids, such as rice and beans.
A complete protein, by contrast, contains all 9 essential amino acids in sufficient quantities. Animal-based proteins, such as meat, eggs, and dairy, are typically considered complete proteins.
In short, an incomplete protein lacks at least one of the essential amino acids, which is necessary for the body to properly synthesize the proteins it needs for growth, repair, and maintenance. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure a diverse intake of proteins, especially for those following plant-based diets.
