Question 30

Supplemental amino acids are used to make proteins.

Supplemental amino acids directly contribute to the synthesis of proteins, which are essential for growth and development, especially in preterm infants who require adequate protein intake for proper physical development.

A) The supplemental amino acids are used to make lipids.

This option is incorrect because while lipids are vital for energy storage and cellular structure, amino acids do not directly convert into lipids. Instead, lipids are primarily synthesized from fatty acids and glycerol.

B) The supplemental amino acids are used to make carbohydrates.

This option is also incorrect as carbohydrates are primarily made from sugars and starches, not amino acids. While amino acids can be involved in gluconeogenesis, they do not serve as a direct source for carbohydrate synthesis.

C) The supplemental amino acids are used to make proteins.

This option is correct because amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. In preterm infants, adequate protein synthesis is crucial for growth, tissue repair, and overall health, making this mechanism vital for their development.

D) The supplemental amino acids are used to make nucleic acids.

This option is incorrect as nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are primarily synthesized from nucleotides. While some amino acids can play a role in the synthesis of nucleotides, they do not directly convert into nucleic acids in the same way they do for proteins.

Conclusion

The correct answer, C, highlights the fundamental role of amino acids in protein synthesis, which is essential for the growth of preterm infants. Other options fail to recognize the primary function of amino acids in the body, as they are not directly involved in lipid, carbohydrate, or nucleic acid production to the same extent as they are in protein formation.