BIO 121 Module 6 Exam: Essentials in Nutrition Questions and
Answers (LATEST UPDATE) Portage Learning 200 Practice
Questions and Answers with Explanations
Question 1: The six classes of nutrients that are essential for human health include carbohydrates,
proteins, lipids, vitamins, minerals, and:
A) Fiber
B) Water
C) Antioxidants
D) Enzymes
Answer: B
Rationale: The six essential nutrient classes are carbohydrates, proteins, fats (lipids), vitamins, minerals,
and water. These provide energy, support structures, and regulate physiological processes. All other
substances like fiber or antioxidants are components of these classes but are not separate classes
themselves.
Question 2: Which of the following statements correctly distinguishes between macronutrients and
micronutrients?
A) Macronutrients are required in small amounts, while micronutrients are required in large amounts
B) Carbohydrates, proteins, and water are micronutrients; vitamins and minerals are macronutrients
C) Macronutrients provide energy and are needed in larger quantities; micronutrients are needed in
smaller amounts but are essential for metabolism
D) Micronutrients are always inorganic, while macronutrients are organic
,Answer: C
Rationale: Macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, lipids, water) are required by the body in relatively
large amounts and provide energy (except water). Micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) are required
in small amounts but are crucial for enzyme function, metabolism, and overall health.
Question 3: The four nutrients that provide energy for the body are:
A) Vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and fats
B) Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and alcohol
C) Water, fiber, carbohydrates, and proteins
D) Minerals, vitamins, water, and fiber
Answer: B
Rationale: Carbohydrates, proteins, fats (lipids), and alcohol are energy-yielding nutrients.
Carbohydrates and proteins provide 4 kcal/g, fats provide 9 kcal/g, and alcohol provides 7 kcal/g.
Vitamins, minerals, water, and fiber do not directly provide energy.
Question 4: Which of the following are examples of micronutrients?
A) Carbohydrates and proteins
B) Fats and water
C) Vitamins and minerals
D) Fiber and alcohol
Answer: C
Rationale: Micronutrients are needed in small amounts but are crucial for bodily functions. Vitamins and
minerals fall into this category. They do not provide energy but help regulate metabolic processes.
,Question 5: The primary function of carbohydrates in the diet is to:
A) Build muscle tissue
B) Provide the preferred energy source for the brain and red blood cells
C) Insulate the body
D) Transport fat-soluble vitamins
Answer: B
Rationale: Carbohydrates are the body's preferred source of energy. Glucose, derived from
carbohydrates, is the primary fuel source for the brain, central nervous system, and red blood cells.
Question 6: The dietary fiber content of a food is a form of carbohydrate that:
A) Is digested and absorbed in the small intestine
B) Is not digested by human enzymes but supports digestive health
C) Provides 9 calories per gram
D) Is a rich source of vitamin D
Answer: B
Rationale: Dietary fiber is a type of carbohydrate that cannot be broken down by human digestive
enzymes. It passes through the digestive tract largely intact and promotes bowel regularity, lowers
cholesterol, and helps manage blood sugar levels.
, Question 7: Which of the following foods would be considered the best source of complex
carbohydrates and fiber?
A) White bread
B) Whole oats
C) Fruit juice
D) Chicken breast
Answer: B
Rationale: Whole oats are a rich source of complex carbohydrates (starches) and dietary fiber (both
soluble and insoluble). Whole grains retain the bran, germ, and endosperm, providing more fiber and
nutrients compared to refined grains.
Question 8: A triglyceride is composed of:
A) Three fatty acids attached to a glycerol backbone
B) Three glycerols attached to a fatty acid chain
C) Two fatty acids and a phosphate group
D) A chain of amino acids
Answer: A
Rationale: Triglycerides are the most common form of fat in the body and in food. Their molecular
structure consists of three fatty acid molecules attached to a glycerol molecule.
Question 9: Saturated fatty acids are typically:
A) Liquid at room temperature and come from plant sources
Answers (LATEST UPDATE) Portage Learning 200 Practice
Questions and Answers with Explanations
Question 1: The six classes of nutrients that are essential for human health include carbohydrates,
proteins, lipids, vitamins, minerals, and:
A) Fiber
B) Water
C) Antioxidants
D) Enzymes
Answer: B
Rationale: The six essential nutrient classes are carbohydrates, proteins, fats (lipids), vitamins, minerals,
and water. These provide energy, support structures, and regulate physiological processes. All other
substances like fiber or antioxidants are components of these classes but are not separate classes
themselves.
Question 2: Which of the following statements correctly distinguishes between macronutrients and
micronutrients?
A) Macronutrients are required in small amounts, while micronutrients are required in large amounts
B) Carbohydrates, proteins, and water are micronutrients; vitamins and minerals are macronutrients
C) Macronutrients provide energy and are needed in larger quantities; micronutrients are needed in
smaller amounts but are essential for metabolism
D) Micronutrients are always inorganic, while macronutrients are organic
,Answer: C
Rationale: Macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, lipids, water) are required by the body in relatively
large amounts and provide energy (except water). Micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) are required
in small amounts but are crucial for enzyme function, metabolism, and overall health.
Question 3: The four nutrients that provide energy for the body are:
A) Vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and fats
B) Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and alcohol
C) Water, fiber, carbohydrates, and proteins
D) Minerals, vitamins, water, and fiber
Answer: B
Rationale: Carbohydrates, proteins, fats (lipids), and alcohol are energy-yielding nutrients.
Carbohydrates and proteins provide 4 kcal/g, fats provide 9 kcal/g, and alcohol provides 7 kcal/g.
Vitamins, minerals, water, and fiber do not directly provide energy.
Question 4: Which of the following are examples of micronutrients?
A) Carbohydrates and proteins
B) Fats and water
C) Vitamins and minerals
D) Fiber and alcohol
Answer: C
Rationale: Micronutrients are needed in small amounts but are crucial for bodily functions. Vitamins and
minerals fall into this category. They do not provide energy but help regulate metabolic processes.
,Question 5: The primary function of carbohydrates in the diet is to:
A) Build muscle tissue
B) Provide the preferred energy source for the brain and red blood cells
C) Insulate the body
D) Transport fat-soluble vitamins
Answer: B
Rationale: Carbohydrates are the body's preferred source of energy. Glucose, derived from
carbohydrates, is the primary fuel source for the brain, central nervous system, and red blood cells.
Question 6: The dietary fiber content of a food is a form of carbohydrate that:
A) Is digested and absorbed in the small intestine
B) Is not digested by human enzymes but supports digestive health
C) Provides 9 calories per gram
D) Is a rich source of vitamin D
Answer: B
Rationale: Dietary fiber is a type of carbohydrate that cannot be broken down by human digestive
enzymes. It passes through the digestive tract largely intact and promotes bowel regularity, lowers
cholesterol, and helps manage blood sugar levels.
, Question 7: Which of the following foods would be considered the best source of complex
carbohydrates and fiber?
A) White bread
B) Whole oats
C) Fruit juice
D) Chicken breast
Answer: B
Rationale: Whole oats are a rich source of complex carbohydrates (starches) and dietary fiber (both
soluble and insoluble). Whole grains retain the bran, germ, and endosperm, providing more fiber and
nutrients compared to refined grains.
Question 8: A triglyceride is composed of:
A) Three fatty acids attached to a glycerol backbone
B) Three glycerols attached to a fatty acid chain
C) Two fatty acids and a phosphate group
D) A chain of amino acids
Answer: A
Rationale: Triglycerides are the most common form of fat in the body and in food. Their molecular
structure consists of three fatty acid molecules attached to a glycerol molecule.
Question 9: Saturated fatty acids are typically:
A) Liquid at room temperature and come from plant sources
