Protein is required for?

Appeared in: PGIMER Sangrur NO - 2023

Explanation

Proteins are essential macronutrients often called the 'building blocks' of the body.
Their primary role is the growth, repair, and maintenance of all body tissues, including muscles, skin, organs, and connective tissues like collagen.
The body constantly breaks down and rebuilds tissues, a process that requires a steady supply of amino acids from dietary protein.
Proteins also form critical components like enzymes, antibodies, and some hormones (e.g., insulin).

Option A: While high-protein diets can promote satiety and increase metabolism, which may aid in weight reduction, this is a secondary dietary effect, not a primary physiological requirement for protein.
Option B: The absorption of calcium from the intestine is primarily regulated by Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone, not protein. Although one amino acid, lysine, plays a minor role, the principal driver is Vitamin D.
Option D: Steroid hormones, such as cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone, are synthesized from cholesterol, which is a lipid (fat), not from protein.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Primary physiological function of proteins as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must assess a patient's nutritional status, especially protein intake, as it is crucial for wound healing, recovery from surgery, and fighting infection.
Signs of protein deficiency (protein-energy malnutrition) include edema (swelling), muscle wasting (sarcopenia), hair loss, and impaired immune function.
What if the patient has chronic kidney disease? In this case, protein intake is often restricted. The kidneys filter waste products from protein metabolism, and in renal failure, high protein intake can worsen kidney damage. The nurse's role is to educate the patient on their prescribed low-protein diet.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core subject of the question, which is the function of protein.
This is a factual recall question. Access your knowledge about the main roles of the three macronutrients: proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
Evaluate each option: Does protein primarily cause weight reduction? No, that's a complex dietary outcome.
Does protein primarily aid calcium absorption? No, that's Vitamin D's main role.
Does protein synthesize steroid hormones? No, that's cholesterol (a fat).
Does protein maintain body tissues? Yes, this is its fundamental role as the 'building block' of the body. This makes it the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QISB3HwhKqujrDYXXdedNB

E6 Nutrition Monika Sharma 3e p. 88-90

E6 Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry2023 (pp 26-793 of 813) p. 518-520

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 524-526

Practise the full PGIMER Sangrur NO - 2023

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.