Texas Medical Assistant Certification Practice Test

Which of the following nutrients is essential for building and repairing tissues?

1. Fats

2. Carbohydrates

3. Proteins

4. Vitamins

The correct answer is: Proteins

Proteins are essential nutrients that play a crucial role in building and repairing tissues in the body. They are made up of amino acids, which are the building blocks that contribute to the structure of muscles, skin, enzymes, and hormones. When tissues are damaged, whether it's through injury, illness, or normal wear and tear, proteins are necessary for the body to generate new cells and repair existing ones. While fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins each have important roles in overall health, they do not primarily focus on tissue building and repair. Fats are primarily involved in energy storage, insulation, and protection of organs; carbohydrates serve as a primary source of energy; and vitamins are vital for various biochemical functions, including immune response and metabolic processes. However, they do not have the same direct function in tissue formation as proteins do, making proteins the correct choice for this question.