Question

Read the passage from "Zero-Gravity Nutrition." Which sentence from the passage best expresses the central idea?

a) "Astronauts require special diets to adapt to zero-gravity conditions."
b) "Maintaining proper nutrition is essential for astronauts on long missions."
c) "Space travel poses unique challenges for food preparation and consumption."
d) "The health of astronauts is directly affected by the food they eat."

Answer 1

The central idea of the passage is that maintaining proper nutrition is crucial for astronauts during long missions in zero-gravity conditions where they face unique challenges.

Step-by-step explanation:

The central idea of the passage from "Zero-Gravity Nutrition" is best expressed by sentence b) "Maintaining proper nutrition is essential for astronauts on long missions." This sentence encompasses the overall significance of nutrition in space, addressing how critical it is for the health and performance of astronauts in the challenging conditions of zero-gravity. The passage discusses the effects of zero-gravity on muscle and bone mass, the importance of food safety systems, such as the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) developed by Pillsbury for NASA, and the adaptation of astronauts' cardiovascular systems to microgravity conditions. All these points relate back to how special diets and nutritional strategies are vital to counter the unique challenges astronauts face while living and working in space.