Question

Breakdown of ________ occurs when the body is starving, in order to produce energy.

• A. protein
• B. fat
• C. carbohydrates
• D. organic acids

Answer 1

The correct option is A protein

Breaking down of substances in order to produce energy for various metabolic activities is called respiration.
The most common substance that is broken down is carbohydrates. Fats are used as a respiratory substrate when sufficient carbohydrates is not available in the body. When the body lacks both carbohydrates and fats, proteins are used as a respiratory substrate. This is a rare mode of respiration and occurs only when the body is starving.