Final answer:
Yes, nitrogen is an essential component of amino acids and proteins. Proteins, necessary for various body functions, are made of amino acids which contain nitrogen. Some amino acids cannot be synthesized by the body and are therefore essential in our diet. The statement is a. True.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that nitrogen is an essential component of amino acids and proteins is true. Proteins are nitrogenous organic compounds that are vital for living organisms. They are composed of amino acids, out of which 20 are standard and required for protein synthesis.
Humans are capable of synthesizing only about half of these amino acids internally, the rest must be obtained through diet and are known as essential amino acids.
Amino acids such as Methionine, Valine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Phenylalanine, Histidine, and Lysine are considered essential because they cannot be synthesized by the body. Additionally, proteins and nucleic acids are the major macromolecules in biological systems that contain nitrogen.
Proteins, being critical components of body tissues, are formed by amino acids joined by peptide bonds, which contain nitrogen. The overall body function, including body repair and growth, depends heavily on protein synthesis and amino acid availability.