Question

Which pair of statements best describes an essential amino acid?

Answer 1

The correct option is:

Essential amino acids are amino acids that cannot be made by the body, and therefore must be obtained through eating certain foods.

Explanation:

A vital amino acid, or essential amino acid, is an amino acid that cannot be manufactured de novo by the organism, and thus must be provided in its diet. The nine amino acids humans cannot manufacture are phenylalanine, valine, threonine, tryptophan, methionine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine, and histidine.

Answer 2

Essential amino acids are amino acids that cannot be made by the body, and therefore must be obtained through eating cetain foods. (C)