Question

Ms. Ramirez asked her class to compare the labels on a protein bar, a bottle of water, and a bag of chips.

The protein bar label showed: 22 g protein, 15 g carbohydrate, 8 g fat, plus small amounts of calcium and vitamin C.
The chips label showed: 3 g protein, 25 g carbohydrate, 10 g fat, and trace amounts of sodium.
The water bottle label listed: 0 g protein, 0 g carbohydrate, 0 g fat, and some dissolved minerals.
Students remembered that all macronutrients are made mostly of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) atoms, and that proteins also contain nitrogen (N).

A few students argued that water should count as food because it’s essential for survival. Others pointed out that vitamins and minerals provide no energy.


Based on what scientists define as food, which statement BEST explains why the protein bar and chips are food but the water is not?

Responses

E. Anything needed to live is food, so water counts as food.
E . Anything needed to live is food, so water counts as food.

A. Only substances with calories and that contain C, H, O atoms that can be broken down for energy and building blocks count as food.
A. Only substances with calories and that contain C, H, O atoms that can be broken down for energy and building blocks count as food.

C. Vitamins and minerals are not food because they have no atoms.
C. Vitamins and minerals are not food because they have no atoms.

D. Food must be solid; liquids like water cannot be food.
D. Food must be solid; liquids like water cannot be food.

B. Water is not food because it cannot be digested, even though it contains hydrogen and oxygen.
B. Water is not food because it cannot be digested, even though it contains hydrogen and oxygen.
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Answer 1

A.

The protein bar and chips contain macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, fats) made mostly of C, H, and O that can be broken down for energy (calories) and for building blocks. Water contains no calories or organic macronutrients (only dissolved minerals), so by the scientific definition of food it is not a source of energy or building material even though it is essential for life.