5. Suggest a reason why biosynthesis of amino acids and of proteins would eventually cease in an organism with carbohydrates as its only food source

Answer 1

Amino acids are the "building blocks" needed for the body to create proteins. Out of the 20 total amino acids in existence, 9 are considered "essential amino acids," which cannot be made by the body. This means they must be consumed from food. The best sources of these amino acids are from protein sources, specifically animal protein sources like meat, eggs, and poultry (though they can also be found in non-animal based foods). An organism that only eats carbohydrate-based foods may not consume adequate amounts of all 9 essential amino acids, which would eventually lead to an inability to synthesize proteins in the body.

For reference, the 9 essential amino acids are histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine.

Answer 2

Proteins, and the amino acids that compose them require an amino group. An amino group (NH2) requires nitrogen. Carbohydrates (CHO) lack nitrogen.