OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

In what form are proteins primarily stored in the body?

1. Amino acids

2. Simple sugars

3. Fatty acids

4. Polymers

The correct answer is: Amino acids

Proteins are primarily stored in the body in the form of amino acids. When proteins are consumed through diet, they are broken down during digestion into their constituent amino acids. These amino acids serve as the building blocks for new proteins, supporting various essential functions in the body, such as tissue repair, muscle building, and the production of enzymes and hormones. Amino acids can also be stored in the body and utilized as needed for protein synthesis or converted into other substances when required. This storage and reutilization process is crucial for maintaining the body's protein levels and overall metabolic functions. Other forms like simple sugars and fatty acids refer to carbohydrates and fats, respectively, which serve different roles in energy storage and metabolism, while polymers are larger molecules that do not accurately represent the primary form of protein storage in the body.