SCI 131 Exam 1 V1 | SCI 131 Introduction
to Nutrition | Q&A with Rationale (SCI131
Exam 1) | Nightingale College
1. Which of the following describes the amount of a nutrient that is estimated to meet the
requirement of half the healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group?
A. Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)
B. Adequate Intake (AI)
C. Estimated Average Requirement (EAR)
D. Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) is the intake level for a nutrient at
which the needs of 50 percent of the population will be met. This metric is used by
researchers and policy makers to assess the adequacy of nutrient intakes of groups. It
serves as the foundation upon which the Recommended Dietary Allowance is established
for individuals.
2. How many kilocalories are provided by a snack that contains 10 grams of fat, 20 grams of
carbohydrates, and 5 grams of protein?
A. 210 kcal
B. 190 kcal
,C. 140 kcal
D. 175 kcal
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: To calculate the total energy, multiply fat by 9 kcal/g, carbohydrates by 4
kcal/g, and protein by 4 kcal/g. In this scenario, (10g x 9) + (20g x 4) + (5g x 4) equals 90 +
80 + 20, totaling 190 kilocalories. This calculation demonstrates the different caloric
densities of the various macronutrients found in human nutrition.
3. Which organ is primarily responsible for the majority of nutrient absorption in the human
digestive system?
A. Stomach
B. Small Intestine
C. Large Intestine
D. Liver
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The small intestine is the primary site for nutrient absorption due to its
specialized structure including villi and microvilli. These structures significantly increase
the surface area available for the uptake of macro and micronutrients into the bloodstream
or lymph. While the stomach begins protein digestion and the large intestine absorbs
water, the small intestine completes the process for most nutrients.
, 4. What is the primary physiological function of carbohydrates in the human body?
A. To serve as a structural component of cell membranes
B. To provide a concentrated source of stored energy
C. To provide a readily available source of energy for cells
D. To act as the primary building blocks for muscle tissue
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Carbohydrates are the body’s preferred source of energy because they are
easily broken down into glucose, which fuels cellular activities. Brain and nerve cells, in
particular, rely almost exclusively on glucose for their metabolic needs. While fats and
proteins can provide energy, they serve other primary roles like storage and tissue repair
respectively.
5. Which of the following is considered an essential nutrient?
A. Cholesterol
B. Glucose
C. Creatine
D. Vitamin C
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Essential nutrients are those that the body cannot synthesize in sufficient
quantities and must therefore be obtained from the diet. Vitamin C is essential for humans
to Nutrition | Q&A with Rationale (SCI131
Exam 1) | Nightingale College
1. Which of the following describes the amount of a nutrient that is estimated to meet the
requirement of half the healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group?
A. Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)
B. Adequate Intake (AI)
C. Estimated Average Requirement (EAR)
D. Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) is the intake level for a nutrient at
which the needs of 50 percent of the population will be met. This metric is used by
researchers and policy makers to assess the adequacy of nutrient intakes of groups. It
serves as the foundation upon which the Recommended Dietary Allowance is established
for individuals.
2. How many kilocalories are provided by a snack that contains 10 grams of fat, 20 grams of
carbohydrates, and 5 grams of protein?
A. 210 kcal
B. 190 kcal
,C. 140 kcal
D. 175 kcal
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: To calculate the total energy, multiply fat by 9 kcal/g, carbohydrates by 4
kcal/g, and protein by 4 kcal/g. In this scenario, (10g x 9) + (20g x 4) + (5g x 4) equals 90 +
80 + 20, totaling 190 kilocalories. This calculation demonstrates the different caloric
densities of the various macronutrients found in human nutrition.
3. Which organ is primarily responsible for the majority of nutrient absorption in the human
digestive system?
A. Stomach
B. Small Intestine
C. Large Intestine
D. Liver
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The small intestine is the primary site for nutrient absorption due to its
specialized structure including villi and microvilli. These structures significantly increase
the surface area available for the uptake of macro and micronutrients into the bloodstream
or lymph. While the stomach begins protein digestion and the large intestine absorbs
water, the small intestine completes the process for most nutrients.
, 4. What is the primary physiological function of carbohydrates in the human body?
A. To serve as a structural component of cell membranes
B. To provide a concentrated source of stored energy
C. To provide a readily available source of energy for cells
D. To act as the primary building blocks for muscle tissue
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Carbohydrates are the body’s preferred source of energy because they are
easily broken down into glucose, which fuels cellular activities. Brain and nerve cells, in
particular, rely almost exclusively on glucose for their metabolic needs. While fats and
proteins can provide energy, they serve other primary roles like storage and tissue repair
respectively.
5. Which of the following is considered an essential nutrient?
A. Cholesterol
B. Glucose
C. Creatine
D. Vitamin C
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Essential nutrients are those that the body cannot synthesize in sufficient
quantities and must therefore be obtained from the diet. Vitamin C is essential for humans
