What is an example of a complete protein quizlet?

October 21, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Quizlet, an example of a complete protein is chicken, beef, or fish, as animal products are frequently used to illustrate this dietary concept. This means they contain all nine essential amino acids that the human body cannot produce on its own. While animal sources are the most common examples, several plant-based foods also qualify as complete proteins.

Quick Summary

A complete protein provides all nine essential amino acids necessary for human health. While most animal products like eggs and dairy are complete, several plant-based options like soy and quinoa also exist. Combining incomplete plant proteins, such as rice and beans, can create a complete amino acid profile throughout the day.

Key Points

Definition: A complete protein contains all nine essential amino acids that the human body cannot produce on its own and must obtain from food.
Animal Sources: Eggs, dairy, meat, poultry, and fish are classic examples of complete proteins and are commonly found in Quizlet explanations.
Plant-Based Sources: Quinoa, soy products (tofu, tempeh), buckwheat, and hemp seeds are excellent examples of plant-based complete proteins.
Complementary Proteins: Combining two or more incomplete plant proteins, like rice and beans, can provide a full essential amino acid profile over the course of the day.
Dietary Strategy: For a balanced diet, it is important to include a variety of protein sources to ensure all essential amino acids are acquired, regardless of whether they are complete or incomplete.
Key Difference: The main distinction between complete and incomplete proteins is the presence of all nine essential amino acids in sufficient amounts in a single food source.

Understanding Complete Proteins: A Quizlet-Based Approach

To understand what is an example of a complete protein as might be found in a Quizlet study set, it's crucial to first define the term. A complete protein is a food source that contains all nine of the essential amino acids in sufficient quantities. The body cannot produce these essential amino acids, so they must be obtained through diet. In many Quizlet flashcards, the most straightforward examples are animal-based, making them easy to remember. However, a more comprehensive view reveals both animal and plant-based sources, along with the concept of complementary proteins.

Animal-Based Complete Protein Examples

Most animal products are considered complete proteins because they naturally contain a high concentration of all nine essential amino acids. This makes them a reliable and common example in nutrition studies and flashcard applications like Quizlet.

Eggs: Contain a balance of essential amino acids.
Dairy Products: This category includes milk, cheese, and yogurt.
Meat, Poultry, and Fish: Classic examples of complete proteins commonly featured in Quizlet explanations.

Plant-Based Complete Protein Examples

While animal products are the most frequently mentioned examples, several plant foods also offer a complete amino acid profile. These are particularly important for vegans and vegetarians looking to ensure they get all necessary nutrients.

Quinoa: A well-known complete protein source also rich in fiber and minerals.
Soy Products: Foods derived from soybeans, such as tofu, tempeh, and edamame, are excellent complete proteins.
Buckwheat: Contains all essential amino acids.
Hemp Seeds: Highly nutritious and contain a complete set of essential amino acids.
Chia Seeds: Offer a complete protein profile along with fiber and omega-3s.

Complementary Proteins: Creating a Complete Set

Many plant foods are considered "incomplete" because they lack or are low in one or more essential amino acids. However, combining different incomplete protein sources can create a complete amino acid profile. You can find common complementary protein pairings and a comparison table of complete and incomplete proteins on {Link: Study.com https://study.com/learn/lesson/complete-protein-sources-examples.html} and {Link: Integris Health https://integrishealth.org/resources/on-your-health/2022/august/how-to-eat-complete-proteins-in-vegetarian-and-vegan-diets}.

Why Complete Proteins Matter for the Body

Proteins are fundamental building blocks for critical bodily functions, including tissue repair, immune support, and hormone production. Consuming all essential amino acids is key for these processes. A deficiency in even one essential amino acid can hinder the body's ability to create and repair proteins. For those on a plant-based diet, understanding plant-based complete proteins and complementary pairings is vital for nutrient intake. A balanced diet with various protein sources provides the necessary building blocks for health. For more detailed information on nutrition, authoritative sources like the Harvard Health nutrition guide are highly recommended.

Conclusion

In summary, asking "What is an example of a complete protein quizlet?" often refers to animal sources like chicken or milk. However, the definition includes plant-based options like quinoa and soy. Combining incomplete plant proteins, like rice and beans, also provides all essential amino acids throughout the day. A balanced diet with diverse protein sources supports optimal health.

Frequently Asked Questions

The nine essential amino acids are histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. They are considered "essential" because the human body cannot produce them and they must be obtained from food.

No, not all plant proteins are incomplete. While many are, there are several notable exceptions like quinoa, soy (including tofu and edamame), buckwheat, and hemp seeds that contain all nine essential amino acids and are considered complete proteins.

No, you do not need to eat complementary proteins in the same meal. The body can store amino acids and draw from a variety of sources consumed throughout the day to create complete proteins.

For vegans, examples of complete proteins include soy products like tofu and tempeh, as well as seeds such as quinoa, buckwheat, and hemp seeds.

Eggs are considered a complete protein because they provide all nine essential amino acids in the right proportions, making them an efficient source of high-quality protein.

Yes, combining rice and beans creates a complete protein. Rice is low in lysine, while beans are rich in it. Together, they provide all the necessary essential amino acids.

Essential amino acids are the nine amino acids that the body cannot produce and must be obtained through diet. Non-essential amino acids can be synthesized by the body and do not need to be consumed directly from food.