SDK100 TMA 02 2026 – Science and Health: An
Evidence-Based Approach | Full Questions,
Calculations & Answers | Open University
SDK100 TMA 02 2026 — Science and Health: An Evidence-Based Approach
Complete Practice Exam: Nutrition and Malnutrition — 180 Questions with
Detailed Explanations
Section 1: Foundations of Nutrition
Question 1
What is the primary reason humans need to eat food?
A) To satisfy hunger and experience pleasure
B) To obtain energy and essential nutrients required for survival, growth, and
bodily functions
C) To maintain social connections through shared meals
D) To prevent boredom and provide routine
Answer: B
Explanation: The primary biological reason for eating is to obtain energy (in the
form of calories) and essential nutrients—including carbohydrates, proteins, fats,
vitamins, and minerals—that the body cannot synthesise in sufficient quantities.
These nutrients are required for survival, growth, tissue repair, immune function,
and all metabolic processes.
,Question 2
Which of the following is NOT a macronutrient?
A) Carbohydrates
B) Proteins
C) Vitamins
D) Fats
Answer: C
Explanation: Macronutrients are nutrients required in large amounts by the body
and include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Vitamins are micronutrients,
required in much smaller amounts but still essential for health.
Question 3
What is the primary function of carbohydrates in the diet?
A) Building and repairing body tissues
B) Providing the body's main source of energy
C) Insulating the body and protecting organs
D) Regulating body temperature
Answer: B
Explanation: Carbohydrates are the body's preferred and primary source of
energy. They are broken down into glucose, which is used by cells for energy or
stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles for later use.
Question 4
Which of the following is an example of a complex carbohydrate?
A) Table sugar (sucrose)
B) Fruit sugar (fructose)
,C) Starch (found in potatoes and bread)
D) Milk sugar (lactose)
Answer: C
Explanation: Complex carbohydrates (polysaccharides) include starch and fibre,
found in foods such as potatoes, bread, rice, and pasta. They are digested more
slowly than simple sugars, providing sustained energy.
Question 5
What is the role of dietary fibre?
A) Providing energy
B) Supporting digestive health and helping maintain healthy blood glucose and
cholesterol levels
C) Building muscle tissue
D) Storing energy as fat
Answer: B
Explanation: Dietary fibre is a type of carbohydrate that cannot be digested by
human enzymes. It supports digestive health by promoting regular bowel
movements, helps maintain healthy blood glucose levels, and can help lower
cholesterol levels.
Question 6
Which of the following is a good source of lean protein?
A) Fried chicken
B) Salmon
C) Processed cheese
D) Butter
Answer: B
, Explanation: Lean protein sources are those that are not high in fat. Salmon is a
good source of lean protein (though it does contain healthy omega-3 fats). Fried
chicken, processed cheese, and butter are high in saturated fats.
Question 7
What are essential amino acids?
A) Amino acids that are produced by the body in sufficient amounts
B) Amino acids that cannot be synthesised by the body and must be obtained
from the diet
C) Amino acids found only in animal products
D) Amino acids that are only needed in childhood
Answer: B
Explanation: Essential amino acids cannot be synthesised by the body and must be
obtained from dietary protein. There are nine essential amino acids that must be
consumed through food.
Question 8
What is the primary function of fats in the diet?
A) Providing quick energy
B) Energy storage, insulation, protection of organs, and absorption of fat-soluble
vitamins
C) Building and repairing tissues
D) Regulating blood sugar
Answer: B
Explanation: Fats serve multiple essential functions, including long-term energy
storage, thermal insulation, protection of vital organs, and absorption of fat-
soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). They are also important for cell membrane structure.
Evidence-Based Approach | Full Questions,
Calculations & Answers | Open University
SDK100 TMA 02 2026 — Science and Health: An Evidence-Based Approach
Complete Practice Exam: Nutrition and Malnutrition — 180 Questions with
Detailed Explanations
Section 1: Foundations of Nutrition
Question 1
What is the primary reason humans need to eat food?
A) To satisfy hunger and experience pleasure
B) To obtain energy and essential nutrients required for survival, growth, and
bodily functions
C) To maintain social connections through shared meals
D) To prevent boredom and provide routine
Answer: B
Explanation: The primary biological reason for eating is to obtain energy (in the
form of calories) and essential nutrients—including carbohydrates, proteins, fats,
vitamins, and minerals—that the body cannot synthesise in sufficient quantities.
These nutrients are required for survival, growth, tissue repair, immune function,
and all metabolic processes.
,Question 2
Which of the following is NOT a macronutrient?
A) Carbohydrates
B) Proteins
C) Vitamins
D) Fats
Answer: C
Explanation: Macronutrients are nutrients required in large amounts by the body
and include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Vitamins are micronutrients,
required in much smaller amounts but still essential for health.
Question 3
What is the primary function of carbohydrates in the diet?
A) Building and repairing body tissues
B) Providing the body's main source of energy
C) Insulating the body and protecting organs
D) Regulating body temperature
Answer: B
Explanation: Carbohydrates are the body's preferred and primary source of
energy. They are broken down into glucose, which is used by cells for energy or
stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles for later use.
Question 4
Which of the following is an example of a complex carbohydrate?
A) Table sugar (sucrose)
B) Fruit sugar (fructose)
,C) Starch (found in potatoes and bread)
D) Milk sugar (lactose)
Answer: C
Explanation: Complex carbohydrates (polysaccharides) include starch and fibre,
found in foods such as potatoes, bread, rice, and pasta. They are digested more
slowly than simple sugars, providing sustained energy.
Question 5
What is the role of dietary fibre?
A) Providing energy
B) Supporting digestive health and helping maintain healthy blood glucose and
cholesterol levels
C) Building muscle tissue
D) Storing energy as fat
Answer: B
Explanation: Dietary fibre is a type of carbohydrate that cannot be digested by
human enzymes. It supports digestive health by promoting regular bowel
movements, helps maintain healthy blood glucose levels, and can help lower
cholesterol levels.
Question 6
Which of the following is a good source of lean protein?
A) Fried chicken
B) Salmon
C) Processed cheese
D) Butter
Answer: B
, Explanation: Lean protein sources are those that are not high in fat. Salmon is a
good source of lean protein (though it does contain healthy omega-3 fats). Fried
chicken, processed cheese, and butter are high in saturated fats.
Question 7
What are essential amino acids?
A) Amino acids that are produced by the body in sufficient amounts
B) Amino acids that cannot be synthesised by the body and must be obtained
from the diet
C) Amino acids found only in animal products
D) Amino acids that are only needed in childhood
Answer: B
Explanation: Essential amino acids cannot be synthesised by the body and must be
obtained from dietary protein. There are nine essential amino acids that must be
consumed through food.
Question 8
What is the primary function of fats in the diet?
A) Providing quick energy
B) Energy storage, insulation, protection of organs, and absorption of fat-soluble
vitamins
C) Building and repairing tissues
D) Regulating blood sugar
Answer: B
Explanation: Fats serve multiple essential functions, including long-term energy
storage, thermal insulation, protection of vital organs, and absorption of fat-
soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). They are also important for cell membrane structure.
