What are the building blocks of the nutrient protein called?

The building blocks of the nutrient protein are called amino acids. Proteins are macromolecules essential for numerous biological functions, and they are composed of long chains of amino acids that are linked together by peptide bonds. There are 20 different amino acids that can be combined in various sequences to form a wide variety of proteins, each with unique functions in the body.

Understanding amino acids is crucial because they play key roles in growth, repair of tissues, and as precursors to hormones and enzymes. The body can synthesize some amino acids, known as non-essential amino acids, while others must be obtained through diet and are referred to as essential amino acids. This distinction emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet that provides all the necessary amino acids for optimal health.

The other options, such as vitamins and minerals, serve different biological roles. Vitamins are organic compounds that are vital for metabolic processes, and minerals are inorganic elements that contribute to various physiological functions, but neither of these categories represents the basic units that make up proteins. Fatty acids, on the other hand, are the building blocks of lipids (fats) and are not directly related to protein structure.