High amounts of protein are found in foods like meat, dairy products, and nuts. A model of a protein molecule is shown below.

Question

protein molecule

What will happen to this molecule before it is used by the body for energy?
A.
It will combine with carbon dioxide as it goes through an anaerobic process.
B.
It will remain the same and react with molecules that provide the cell with oxygen.
C.
It will provide the cell with oxygen as it goes through a physical change.
D.
It will go through an aerobic process resulting in the formation of other molecules.

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

D. It will go through an aerobic process resulting in the formation of other molecules.

Before proteins can be used by the body for energy, they typically undergo a series of metabolic processes. In the catabolism of proteins, they are first broken down into amino acids, which can then be converted into other molecules that can enter metabolic pathways such as the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle) for energy production. This process usually requires oxygen, classifying it as an aerobic process.