Which term describes organic substances essential for normal metabolism?

Which term describes organic substances essential for normal metabolism?

• A. Vitamins
• B. Minerals
• C. Diagnostic Drugs
• D. Homeostasis

Answer: (A)

Vitamins are organic substances required in small amounts for proper metabolic processes. They often serve as coenzymes or precursors that enable enzymes to carry out vital reactions in the body, supporting energy production, synthesis of molecules, and overall metabolism. Because they contain carbon, vitamins are organic, and most must be obtained from the diet since the body doesn’t make enough on its own. Minerals are essential too, but they are inorganic elements. Diagnostic drugs are substances used for diagnosis or treatment, not nutrients required for normal metabolism. Homeostasis describes the body's steady state, not a substance. So the term that fits the description of organic substances essential for normal metabolism is vitamins.

Vitamins are organic substances required in small amounts for proper metabolic processes. They often serve as coenzymes or precursors that enable enzymes to carry out vital reactions in the body, supporting energy production, synthesis of molecules, and overall metabolism. Because they contain carbon, vitamins are organic, and most must be obtained from the diet since the body doesn’t make enough on its own.

Minerals are essential too, but they are inorganic elements. Diagnostic drugs are substances used for diagnosis or treatment, not nutrients required for normal metabolism. Homeostasis describes the body's steady state, not a substance. So the term that fits the description of organic substances essential for normal metabolism is vitamins.