Question

Which of the following are essential for body growth and the formation of new cells?
(a) Carbohydrates
(b) Proteins
(c) Minerals
(d) Vitamins

Answer 1

Complex, nitrogen-containing macromolecules in our body plays a major role in body growth and the formation of new cells. They are long-chain molecules. They are formed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and Nitrogen with trace amounts of sulfur and phosphorus in some cases.

Complete answer:
Protein is essential for body growth, the formation of new cells, and good health. Protein provides the building blocks of the body. Proteins are present in every cell, skin, and bone of the body of an organism. The body weight of an average person constitutes about 16 percent of the protein. It helps in the growth, development, maintenance, and various body functions that occur. The proteins are the main constituent of almost all the antibodies, hormones, other important chemical substances of the body. All the constituents of food are found in a balanced diet which is necessary for the body. But for the growth and new cell formation, proteins are essential.

Additional Information:
-Proteins are made up of different amino acids. The body might create certain amino acids by themselves which are termed as non-essential amino acids.
-While there are several amino acids that are obtained from outside through the food only because they are synthesized enough by the body. The body needs various amino acids to perform its several functions.
-Arginine, isoleucine, histidine, leucine, methionine, lysine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, threonine, and valine are the essential amino acids while alanine, asparagine, arginine, cysteine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycine, glutamine, serine, proline, and tyrosine are the non-essential amino acids.

So, the correct answer is 'Protein'.

Note:
-The proteins are categorized into three types: fibrous, globular, and membrane. Fibrous proteins form the muscle fiber, connective tissue, tendons, and bone. Globular proteins perform various functions that include catalyzing, transporting, and regulating. Membrane proteins play several roles including sending signals within cells, allowing cells to interact and transport molecules.