Which immediate cellular consequence would you predict from sustained inadequate dietary protein intake?

• A. Immediate and permanent replacement of all structural proteins by simple carbohydrates that take over mechanical roles within tissues without functional loss.
• B. An increase in the synthesis of non-protein nitrogenous compounds due to activation of compensatory pathways that convert lipids directly to nitrogen-containing bases.
• C. A dramatic increase in carbohydrate storage as glycogen because amino acids are converted preferentially into glycogen under conditions of protein shortage.
• D. A reduced rate of new protein synthesis and decreased production of nitrogen-containing molecules such as nucleotides, impeding growth and repair.

Answer: (D)