Question

ASSERTION: Carbohydrates are more suitable for the production of energy in the body than proteins and fats.
REASON: Carbohydrates can be stored in the tissues as glycogen for use in the production of energy, whenever necessary.
(a) Both assertion and reason are correct and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion
(b) Both assertion and reason are correct but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion
(c) Assertion is correct and the reason is incorrect
(d) Both assertion and reason are incorrect

Answer 1

Hint: Carbohydrate molecules contain more oxygen than fats and proteins and it requires only fewer molecules of oxygen for their oxidation. Carbohydrates are known to be stored as glycogen in tissues for producing energy whenever required.

Complete answer:
Carbohydrates are more suitable for the production of energy in the body than proteins and fats because carbohydrate molecules contain relatively more oxygen than fat and proteins and consequently, require fewer molecules of oxygen for their oxidation. Carbohydrates are also stored in the tissue as glycogen for use in the production of energy, when necessary. Glycogen is the stored fuel particularly in tissues such as skeletal muscles which then have to work with a supply of oxygen far lower than their immediate need.

Additional Information:
- Carbohydrate is a molecule consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms.
- Carbohydrates are classified into three subtypes: monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.
- Carbohydrates are naturally occurring sugars, starches, and fiber in food. All carbohydrates are made up of sugar molecules.
So, the correct answer is ‘Both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion’.

Note:
- Sugar molecules linked together form starches and fiber. In the body, starches and sugars are broken down in the digestive system to glucose.
- Fat usually refers to an ester of fatty acids or a mixture of such compounds. The term often refers specifically to triglycerides, which are the main components of vegetable oils and of fatty tissue in animals and humans.
- Proteins are essential nutrients for the human body. They are one of the building blocks of body tissue and can also serve as a fuel source. As a fuel, proteins provide as much energy density as carbohydrates.