Nutrition BIOD 121 Exam3 Practice Test Questions and 100% Correct
Answers/ Portage BIOD 121 Exam 3 Latest Practice Test
Nutrition BIOD 121 Exam Practice Test Questions
Section 1: Basic Nutrition Principles and Digestion
1. Which of the following is considered an essential nutrient?
A) Carbohydrates
B) Fats
C) Proteins
D) All of the above
E) None of the above
Correct Answer: D) All of the above
Rationale: Essential nutrients are substances that the body cannot synthesize in sufficient
amounts and must be obtained from the diet. Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are all essential
macronutrients that provide energy and are necessary for various bodily functions.
2. What is the primary function of the digestive system?
A) To produce hormones
B) To break down food into absorbable nutrients
C) To eliminate waste products
D) To regulate body temperature
E) To produce red blood cells
Correct Answer: B) To break down food into absorbable nutrients
Rationale: The digestive system's primary function is mechanical and chemical breakdown of
food into smaller molecules that can be absorbed into the bloodstream and utilized by the
body's cells.
3. Which enzyme is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates in the mouth?
A) Pepsin
B) Lipase
C) Amylase
D) Trypsin
E) Maltase
Correct Answer: C) Amylase
Rationale: Salivary amylase is secreted by the salivary glands and begins the digestion of starch
and other carbohydrates in the mouth, breaking them down into smaller sugar molecules.
4. The majority of nutrient absorption occurs in which organ?
A) Stomach
,B) Esophagus
C) Small intestine
D) Large intestine
E) Liver
Correct Answer: C) Small intestine
Rationale: The small intestine is the primary site of nutrient absorption due to its large surface
area created by villi and microvilli. Most carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals
are absorbed here.
5. Which of the following is NOT a function of the liver?
A) Producing bile
B) Storing glycogen
C) Detoxifying harmful substances
D) Producing digestive enzymes
E) Synthesizing proteins
Correct Answer: D) Producing digestive enzymes
Rationale: The liver produces bile for fat digestion but does not produce digestive enzymes.
Digestive enzymes are produced by the salivary glands, stomach, pancreas, and small intestine.
6. What is the term for the rhythmic contractions that move food through the digestive tract?
A) Segmentation
B) Peristalsis
C) Mastication
D) Deglutition
E) Churning
Correct Answer: B) Peristalsis
Rationale: Peristalsis refers to the wave-like muscular contractions that propel food through the
digestive tract from the esophagus to the anus.
7. Which of the following nutrients provides the most energy per gram?
A) Carbohydrates
B) Proteins
C) Fats
D) Alcohol
E) Vitamins
Correct Answer: C) Fats
Rationale: Fats provide 9 calories per gram, compared to 4 calories per gram for carbohydrates
and proteins. Alcohol provides 7 calories per gram but is not considered a nutrient.
8. What is the recommended daily water intake for an average adult?
A) 4-6 cups
,B) 6-8 cups
C) 8-10 cups
D) 10-12 cups
E) 12-14 cups
Correct Answer: C) 8-10 cups
Rationale: The general recommendation for daily water intake is approximately 8-10 cups
(about 2-2.5 liters) for adults, though this can vary based on activity level, climate, and
individual needs.
9. Which vitamin is known as the "sunshine vitamin"?
A) Vitamin A
B) Vitamin B12
C) Vitamin C
D) Vitamin D
E) Vitamin E
Correct Answer: D) Vitamin D
Rationale: Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin upon exposure to sunlight (UVB rays). It is
essential for calcium absorption and bone health.
10. Which mineral is essential for oxygen transport in the blood?
A) Calcium
B) Iron
C) Magnesium
D) Zinc
E) Potassium
Correct Answer: B) Iron
Rationale: Iron is a component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen
from the lungs to tissues throughout the body.
11. The Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) are established by which organization?
A) FDA
B) USDA
C) National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
D) CDC
E) WHO
Correct Answer: C) National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Rationale: The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (formerly the
Institute of Medicine) establishes the DRIs, which include Recommended Dietary Allowances
(RDAs) and Adequate Intakes (AIs).
, 12. What is the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR) for carbohydrates?
A) 10-20% of total calories
B) 20-35% of total calories
C) 45-65% of total calories
D) 65-75% of total calories
E) 75-85% of total calories
Correct Answer: C) 45-65% of total calories
Rationale: The AMDR for carbohydrates is 45-65% of total daily calories. This range is associated
with reduced risk of chronic diseases while providing adequate energy and nutrients.
13. Which of the following is a water-soluble vitamin?
A) Vitamin A
B) Vitamin D
C) Vitamin E
D) Vitamin K
E) Vitamin C
Correct Answer: E) Vitamin C
Rationale: Vitamin C is water-soluble, along with the B-complex vitamins. Vitamins A, D, E, and K
are fat-soluble and require dietary fat for absorption.
14. The process of breaking down food into smaller components is called:
A) Absorption
B) Assimilation
C) Digestion
D) Metabolism
E) Excretion
Correct Answer: C) Digestion
Rationale: Digestion is the process by which food is broken down into smaller molecules that
can be absorbed and utilized by the body. It involves both mechanical and chemical processes.
15. Which organ produces bile?
A) Gallbladder
B) Pancreas
C) Liver
D) Stomach
E) Small intestine
Correct Answer: C) Liver
Rationale: The liver produces bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small
intestine to aid in fat digestion and absorption.
Answers/ Portage BIOD 121 Exam 3 Latest Practice Test
Nutrition BIOD 121 Exam Practice Test Questions
Section 1: Basic Nutrition Principles and Digestion
1. Which of the following is considered an essential nutrient?
A) Carbohydrates
B) Fats
C) Proteins
D) All of the above
E) None of the above
Correct Answer: D) All of the above
Rationale: Essential nutrients are substances that the body cannot synthesize in sufficient
amounts and must be obtained from the diet. Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are all essential
macronutrients that provide energy and are necessary for various bodily functions.
2. What is the primary function of the digestive system?
A) To produce hormones
B) To break down food into absorbable nutrients
C) To eliminate waste products
D) To regulate body temperature
E) To produce red blood cells
Correct Answer: B) To break down food into absorbable nutrients
Rationale: The digestive system's primary function is mechanical and chemical breakdown of
food into smaller molecules that can be absorbed into the bloodstream and utilized by the
body's cells.
3. Which enzyme is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates in the mouth?
A) Pepsin
B) Lipase
C) Amylase
D) Trypsin
E) Maltase
Correct Answer: C) Amylase
Rationale: Salivary amylase is secreted by the salivary glands and begins the digestion of starch
and other carbohydrates in the mouth, breaking them down into smaller sugar molecules.
4. The majority of nutrient absorption occurs in which organ?
A) Stomach
,B) Esophagus
C) Small intestine
D) Large intestine
E) Liver
Correct Answer: C) Small intestine
Rationale: The small intestine is the primary site of nutrient absorption due to its large surface
area created by villi and microvilli. Most carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals
are absorbed here.
5. Which of the following is NOT a function of the liver?
A) Producing bile
B) Storing glycogen
C) Detoxifying harmful substances
D) Producing digestive enzymes
E) Synthesizing proteins
Correct Answer: D) Producing digestive enzymes
Rationale: The liver produces bile for fat digestion but does not produce digestive enzymes.
Digestive enzymes are produced by the salivary glands, stomach, pancreas, and small intestine.
6. What is the term for the rhythmic contractions that move food through the digestive tract?
A) Segmentation
B) Peristalsis
C) Mastication
D) Deglutition
E) Churning
Correct Answer: B) Peristalsis
Rationale: Peristalsis refers to the wave-like muscular contractions that propel food through the
digestive tract from the esophagus to the anus.
7. Which of the following nutrients provides the most energy per gram?
A) Carbohydrates
B) Proteins
C) Fats
D) Alcohol
E) Vitamins
Correct Answer: C) Fats
Rationale: Fats provide 9 calories per gram, compared to 4 calories per gram for carbohydrates
and proteins. Alcohol provides 7 calories per gram but is not considered a nutrient.
8. What is the recommended daily water intake for an average adult?
A) 4-6 cups
,B) 6-8 cups
C) 8-10 cups
D) 10-12 cups
E) 12-14 cups
Correct Answer: C) 8-10 cups
Rationale: The general recommendation for daily water intake is approximately 8-10 cups
(about 2-2.5 liters) for adults, though this can vary based on activity level, climate, and
individual needs.
9. Which vitamin is known as the "sunshine vitamin"?
A) Vitamin A
B) Vitamin B12
C) Vitamin C
D) Vitamin D
E) Vitamin E
Correct Answer: D) Vitamin D
Rationale: Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin upon exposure to sunlight (UVB rays). It is
essential for calcium absorption and bone health.
10. Which mineral is essential for oxygen transport in the blood?
A) Calcium
B) Iron
C) Magnesium
D) Zinc
E) Potassium
Correct Answer: B) Iron
Rationale: Iron is a component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen
from the lungs to tissues throughout the body.
11. The Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) are established by which organization?
A) FDA
B) USDA
C) National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
D) CDC
E) WHO
Correct Answer: C) National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Rationale: The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (formerly the
Institute of Medicine) establishes the DRIs, which include Recommended Dietary Allowances
(RDAs) and Adequate Intakes (AIs).
, 12. What is the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR) for carbohydrates?
A) 10-20% of total calories
B) 20-35% of total calories
C) 45-65% of total calories
D) 65-75% of total calories
E) 75-85% of total calories
Correct Answer: C) 45-65% of total calories
Rationale: The AMDR for carbohydrates is 45-65% of total daily calories. This range is associated
with reduced risk of chronic diseases while providing adequate energy and nutrients.
13. Which of the following is a water-soluble vitamin?
A) Vitamin A
B) Vitamin D
C) Vitamin E
D) Vitamin K
E) Vitamin C
Correct Answer: E) Vitamin C
Rationale: Vitamin C is water-soluble, along with the B-complex vitamins. Vitamins A, D, E, and K
are fat-soluble and require dietary fat for absorption.
14. The process of breaking down food into smaller components is called:
A) Absorption
B) Assimilation
C) Digestion
D) Metabolism
E) Excretion
Correct Answer: C) Digestion
Rationale: Digestion is the process by which food is broken down into smaller molecules that
can be absorbed and utilized by the body. It involves both mechanical and chemical processes.
15. Which organ produces bile?
A) Gallbladder
B) Pancreas
C) Liver
D) Stomach
E) Small intestine
Correct Answer: C) Liver
Rationale: The liver produces bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small
intestine to aid in fat digestion and absorption.
