NANP Board Practice Exam

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Prepare for the NANP Board Exam. Study with detailed questions and explanations on key topics. Enhance your understanding and boost your confidence for the exam.

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What is a characteristic role of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) in metabolism?

Directly stimulating protein synthesis
Neutralizing toxins in liver
Synthesizing methionine
Transporting water-soluble substances

The correct answer is: Directly stimulating protein synthesis

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which include leucine, isoleucine, and valine, play a critical role in stimulating protein synthesis, particularly in skeletal muscle. Leucine, especially, is known to activate key pathways involved in muscle growth, such as the mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) pathway. This activation leads to an increase in the rate of protein synthesis, making BCAAs essential for recovery, muscle development, and overall energy metabolism during exercise and recovery periods. The other options, while relevant to metabolic processes, do not accurately represent the primary role of BCAAs. Neutralizing toxins in the liver relates more to other amino acids and compounds involved in detoxification, synthesizing methionine involves other biochemical pathways and amino acids, and transporting water-soluble substances is more closely associated with transport proteins rather than the specific function of BCAAs.