Living Environment Regents Practice Test

Why are amino acids vital for complex organisms?

1. They provide energy directly

2. They form hormones solely

3. They serve as the building blocks of proteins

4. They create DNA components

The correct answer is: They serve as the building blocks of proteins

Amino acids are vital for complex organisms because they serve as the building blocks of proteins. Proteins perform a wide variety of functions crucial for the survival and proper functioning of cells and organisms. They are involved in structural roles (like collagen in connective tissues), enzymatic functions (catalyzing biochemical reactions), transport mechanisms (such as hemoglobin carrying oxygen), immune responses (antibodies), and regulation (hormones and signaling molecules). The sequence and arrangement of amino acids in a protein determine its structure and function, making amino acids essential for the overall health and functionality of living organisms. While proteins provide energy under certain circumstances, their primary role is not energy provision, and amino acids do not solely form hormones, nor do they create components of DNA. Instead, they must be combined in specific sequences to form the various proteins that carry out these crucial roles in the body.