Final answer:
True, branched chain amino acids can be metabolized by skeletal muscle, but they are considered the least preferred fuel source compared to carbohydrates and fats.
Step-by-step explanation:
True. Branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) can be metabolized by skeletal muscle, but they are considered the least preferred fuel source when compared to carbohydrates and fats.
Amino acids, including BCAAs, can be used as an alternate energy source when there is a shortage of carbohydrates and fats, such as during fasting or starvation. However, prolonged use of amino acids as an energy source can lead to the destruction of essential tissues.
In general, carbohydrates and fats are the preferred fuel sources for skeletal muscle, as they provide more energy and spare amino acids for protein synthesis.