Which element is necessary for growth and health and is found in proteins?

Which element is necessary for growth and health and is found in proteins?

• A. Oxygen
• B. Nitrogen
• C. Hydrogen
• D. Carbon

Answer: (B)

Nitrogen is the element essential for growth and health because proteins—the building blocks of body tissues, enzymes, and many critical functions—contain nitrogen in every amino acid. The amino group in amino acids carries nitrogen, so forming new proteins during growth requires a steady supply of nitrogen. Without enough nitrogen, protein synthesis slows, tissue repair is impaired, and growth falters. Oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon are also parts of proteins and many other molecules, but nitrogen’s role in the amino groups of amino acids makes it directly tied to creating new proteins and supporting growth. So nitrogen fits the requirement: it’s needed for growth and health and is found in proteins.

Nitrogen is the element essential for growth and health because proteins—the building blocks of body tissues, enzymes, and many critical functions—contain nitrogen in every amino acid. The amino group in amino acids carries nitrogen, so forming new proteins during growth requires a steady supply of nitrogen. Without enough nitrogen, protein synthesis slows, tissue repair is impaired, and growth falters. Oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon are also parts of proteins and many other molecules, but nitrogen’s role in the amino groups of amino acids makes it directly tied to creating new proteins and supporting growth. So nitrogen fits the requirement: it’s needed for growth and health and is found in proteins.