National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) Practice Exam

In which building block of proteins can the body's unique functions be coded?

1. Amino Acid Sequence

2. Cell Membrane Structure

3. Polypeptide Chains

4. Nucleotide Bases

The correct answer is: Amino Acid Sequence

The amino acid sequence is crucial in determining the body's unique functions because proteins are composed of long chains of amino acids that fold into specific three-dimensional structures. Each type of protein has a unique sequence of amino acids, known as the primary structure, which dictates how the protein will fold and function. This sequence is determined by the genetic code and directly influences the protein's activity, stability, and interaction with other molecules in the body. In essence, the specific arrangement of amino acids in a protein allows for a diverse range of functions, such as catalyzing biochemical reactions as enzymes, providing structural support in tissues, and facilitating communication between cells. Each protein's unique structure and function are ultimately based on its specific amino acid sequence, making it the foundational building block that encodes the body's unique functions. Other options, such as cell membrane structure and polypeptide chains, are related to the functionality and formation of proteins but do not encapsulate the coding aspect of proteins. Nucleotide bases, while fundamental to genetic information, are involved in the coding of amino acid sequences rather than being a building block of proteins themselves. Thus, the amino acid sequence is definitively the correct answer, as it is the primary determinant of the function and activity of proteins in the