Which macronutrient contains nitrogen as a basic component of its structure?

• A. Protein
• B. Carbohydrate
• C. Alcohol
• D. Fat (lipid)

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the basic macronutrients: carbohydrates, fats (lipids), proteins, and alcohol, and their chemical compositions.
2. Recall that carbohydrates and fats primarily contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, but do not contain nitrogen.
3. Recognize that alcohol is not a macronutrient and mainly contains carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen as well, without nitrogen.
4. Know that proteins are unique among macronutrients because they contain nitrogen atoms as part of their amino acid building blocks.
5. Conclude that since nitrogen is a fundamental component of amino acids, proteins are the macronutrient that contains nitrogen.