Question

Some infants cannot synthesize several of the traditionally nonessential amino acids. These amino acids must be obtained from the diet until the baby matures and are referred to as__________.

a. complementary amino acids
b. limiting amino acids
c. conditionally essential amino acids
d. nonessential amino acids

Answer 1

Infants who cannot synthesize certain nonessential amino acids require them in their diet and these are known as conditionally essential amino acids.

Step-by-step explanation:

Some infants cannot synthesize several of the traditionally nonessential amino acids. These amino acids must be obtained from the diet until the baby matures and are referred to as conditionally essential amino acids. The correct answer to the question is option c, conditionally essential amino acids.

While the body is able to synthesize most of the amino acids from components of other molecules, there are nine that it cannot make. These nine are known as the essential amino acids. However, there are certain situations where non-essential amino acids become conditionally essential. This means that they must be obtained from the diet because the body cannot synthesize them fast enough to meet its current demands, often due to illness, stress, or the immaturity of children's metabolic pathways.