Certain nutrients are considered "essential" in the diets of some animals because

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Essential nutrients are those that an organism cannot synthesize on its own, and so must be obtained from its diet. Thus, option C is correct because it explains that animals are not able to synthesize these nutrients, but they are still required for their diets. Option A is incorrect because even if other animals can use these nutrients, it doesn't negate their essential nature for the animals in question. Option B is incorrect because while some essential nutrients may be subunits of important polymers, this is not the defining characteristic of an essential nutrient. Option D is incorrect because not all essential nutrients are coenzymes, although some may be. Option E is incorrect because while some foods may contain essential nutrients, the essential nature of a nutrient is not dependent on its presence in specific foods.

Certain Nutrients Are Considered "Essential" in the Diets of Some