Final answer:
Amino acids have three eventual fates in the body: they can be converted to energy, used in the synthesis of proteins, or stored for later use. The direct answer to the question is d) All of the above.
Step-by-step explanation:
The eventual fates of amino acids in the body include conversion to energy, synthesis of proteins, and being stored for later use. The correct direct answer is d) All of the above. Amino acids are essential building blocks of proteins and play a critical role in various metabolic processes. Once inside the body, they may be utilized for the synthesis of proteins, which is the process that consumes more of a cell's energy than any other metabolic process. Proteins are vital for many functions of a cell and constitute enzymes and hormones.
If amino acids are not used in protein synthesis, they have alternative metabolic fates. They can be converted to acetyl CoA, which is an entry molecule for the citric acid cycle, or they can be converted to glucose or ketones, which are then used as energy sources. Amino acids can also be stored as triglycerides in adipose tissue for later use when the body needs energy.