A _________ is a substance the body needs in order to grow and function properly.
• metabolism
• diet
• nutrient
• calorie
c
d
a,d
The answer is "nutrient".
To arrive at this answer, we can look at the definition provided and consider the options. The question states that a _________ is a substance the body needs in order to grow and function properly. Let's evaluate each option:
1. Metabolism: Metabolism refers to the chemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life. While metabolism is indeed important for the body's functioning, it is not a substance.
2. Diet: A diet refers to the kinds of food that a person regularly consumes. While diet is related to the concept of nutrients, it is not a substance itself.
3. Nutrient: A nutrient is a substance or compound that the body needs for growth, maintenance, and repair. Nutrients are obtained from food and provide essential components such as vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. This option matches the definition provided and is therefore correct.
4. Calorie: A calorie is a unit of energy. While calories are obtained from nutrients and are important in relation to diet and metabolism, they are not substances themselves.
Hence, the correct answer is "nutrient".