Texas Medical Assistant Certification Practice Test

What are proteins primarily made from?

1. Fatty acids

2. Carbohydrates

3. Amino acids

4. Nucleotides

The correct answer is: Amino acids

Proteins are primarily made from amino acids, which are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins. In the process of protein synthesis, amino acids link together in specific sequences to form polypeptides, which then fold into functional protein structures. Each protein has a unique sequence of amino acids that determines its shape and function, which is crucial for the biochemical processes it facilitates in the body. Amino acids themselves are categorized as either essential or non-essential, depending on whether the body can synthesize them. The variety and arrangement of these amino acids allow for an immense diversity of proteins that play essential roles in muscle repair, immune function, enzyme activity, and numerous other physiological functions. Other options, such as fatty acids, carbohydrates, and nucleotides, serve different roles in the body. Fatty acids are the building blocks of lipids and are primarily associated with energy storage and membrane structure. Carbohydrates are mainly used for energy and structural support in cells. Nucleotides are the building blocks of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA and play crucial roles in genetic information processing rather than protein formation.