NUTRITION 315 EXAM 2 | QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS | LATEST 2026/27
1. What type of bond do disaccharides contain that is responsible for linking
their monosaccharide units?
Peptide bonds
Ionic bonds
Glycosidic bonds
Hydrogen bonds
2. Explain the significance of chylomicrons in the process of lipid metabolism.
They break down fats into fatty acids.
They facilitate the absorption of glucose in the intestines.
They transport dietary lipids to various tissues in the body.
They regulate the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver.
3. What is the total number of essential amino acids?
11
9
20
12
4. The secondary structure of a protein is the
,identity and sequence of amino acids present.
folding of the polypeptide chain into an alpha helix or betasheets.
, overall shape or conformation of the molecule
5. If a new drug is designed to alter the properties of cell membranes by
increasing the hydrophobic interactions among phospholipids, what potential
effect could this have on cellular function?
It may enhance nutrient absorption through the membrane.
It could disrupt membrane fluidity, affecting transport and signaling
processes.
It would likely increase the rate of protein synthesis.
It might improve the membrane's ability to repel toxins.
6. A patient with diabetes has difficulty regulating their blood sugar levels. If
their insulin production is insufficient, what would you expect to happen to
their blood glucose levels, and how might glucagon respond?
Blood glucose levels would decrease, and glucagon would remain
inactive.
Blood glucose levels would remain stable, and glucagon would
increase.
Blood glucose levels would increase, and glucagon would be
secreted to counteract this.
Blood glucose levels would decrease, and glucagon would also
decrease.
7. Explain the significance of gluconeogenesis in the human body when
carbohydrate intake is low.
It helps to store excess glucose for later use.
It converts fatty acids into glucose.
, It provides a mechanism to maintain blood glucose levels during
fasting or low carbohydrate intake.
It breaks down glucose for energy.
8. Explain the difference between starch and cellulose in terms of their
digestibility and function in the human diet.
Both are digestible and provide energy.
Starch is digestible and provides energy, while cellulose is
indigestible and aids in digestion.
Cellulose is digestible and provides energy, while starch is indigestible
and aids in digestion.
Both are indigestible and do not provide energy.
9. What defines the tertiary structure of a protein?
The sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain
The overall three-dimensional shape of a protein
The arrangement of multiple polypeptide chains
The specific bonding between amino acids
10. Explain how ALA and LA contribute to cell membrane structure and function.
They provide energy for cellular processes.
They serve as building blocks for cell membranes and influence
fluidity.
They are converted into hormones that regulate metabolism.
They act as antioxidants protecting cells from damage.
ANSWERS | LATEST 2026/27
1. What type of bond do disaccharides contain that is responsible for linking
their monosaccharide units?
Peptide bonds
Ionic bonds
Glycosidic bonds
Hydrogen bonds
2. Explain the significance of chylomicrons in the process of lipid metabolism.
They break down fats into fatty acids.
They facilitate the absorption of glucose in the intestines.
They transport dietary lipids to various tissues in the body.
They regulate the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver.
3. What is the total number of essential amino acids?
11
9
20
12
4. The secondary structure of a protein is the
,identity and sequence of amino acids present.
folding of the polypeptide chain into an alpha helix or betasheets.
, overall shape or conformation of the molecule
5. If a new drug is designed to alter the properties of cell membranes by
increasing the hydrophobic interactions among phospholipids, what potential
effect could this have on cellular function?
It may enhance nutrient absorption through the membrane.
It could disrupt membrane fluidity, affecting transport and signaling
processes.
It would likely increase the rate of protein synthesis.
It might improve the membrane's ability to repel toxins.
6. A patient with diabetes has difficulty regulating their blood sugar levels. If
their insulin production is insufficient, what would you expect to happen to
their blood glucose levels, and how might glucagon respond?
Blood glucose levels would decrease, and glucagon would remain
inactive.
Blood glucose levels would remain stable, and glucagon would
increase.
Blood glucose levels would increase, and glucagon would be
secreted to counteract this.
Blood glucose levels would decrease, and glucagon would also
decrease.
7. Explain the significance of gluconeogenesis in the human body when
carbohydrate intake is low.
It helps to store excess glucose for later use.
It converts fatty acids into glucose.
, It provides a mechanism to maintain blood glucose levels during
fasting or low carbohydrate intake.
It breaks down glucose for energy.
8. Explain the difference between starch and cellulose in terms of their
digestibility and function in the human diet.
Both are digestible and provide energy.
Starch is digestible and provides energy, while cellulose is
indigestible and aids in digestion.
Cellulose is digestible and provides energy, while starch is indigestible
and aids in digestion.
Both are indigestible and do not provide energy.
9. What defines the tertiary structure of a protein?
The sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain
The overall three-dimensional shape of a protein
The arrangement of multiple polypeptide chains
The specific bonding between amino acids
10. Explain how ALA and LA contribute to cell membrane structure and function.
They provide energy for cellular processes.
They serve as building blocks for cell membranes and influence
fluidity.
They are converted into hormones that regulate metabolism.
They act as antioxidants protecting cells from damage.
