Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

Proteins are made from what molecules?

1. Fatty acids

2. Carbohydrates

3. Amino acids

4. Vitamins

The correct answer is: Amino acids

Proteins are made from amino acids, which are the fundamental building blocks of protein molecules. In the process of protein synthesis, a sequence of amino acids is linked together through peptide bonds to form a polypeptide chain, which then folds into a specific three-dimensional structure to create a functional protein. There are 20 different standard amino acids that can combine in various sequences to produce a vast array of proteins, each with unique functions and properties. The other choices represent different types of biomolecules. Fatty acids are the building blocks of lipids (fats and oils), which are important for energy storage and cellular structure. Carbohydrates are composed of sugar molecules and are primarily involved in energy storage and supply. Vitamins are organic compounds that are crucial for various biochemical functions in the body but are not involved in protein structure. Understanding the role of amino acids in the formation of proteins is essential for comprehending basic biochemical processes and the function of proteins in living organisms.