Final answer:
Proteins are vital for muscle repair and synthesis of bodily structures and can also be a source of energy. Amino acids from proteins are essential for these processes, and excess protein is converted into glucose or stored as fat.
Step-by-step explanation:
Amy and Jillian's coach describes proteins as essential for building and repairing muscle cells, and as a potential source of energy. Proteins are made up of amino acids, which are necessary for producing new proteins in the body. While proteins do provide energy, at 4 Calories per gram, they are primarily needed for their role in synthesizing antibodies, muscle fibers, enzymes, and other body structures. Excess proteins can be converted into glucose or fat for energy storage, but our bodies do not store proteins for later use in the same way they store lipids. It is important to consume enough protein in the diet to meet the body's demand for amino acids, especially because humans cannot synthesize all of the essential amino acids needed for protein synthesis.