Barber Practice State Board Practice Exam

Which of the following is considered an inorganic substance?

1. Carbohydrates

2. Minerals

3. Proteins

4. Vitamins

The correct answer is: Minerals

Minerals are classified as inorganic substances because they are not derived from living organisms and do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds, which are characteristic of organic compounds. Minerals are naturally occurring elements found in the earth, and they play essential roles in various bodily functions, including bone health, nerve function, and fluid balance. In contrast, carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins are organic substances. Carbohydrates are organic compounds made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, and are primarily used by the body for energy. Proteins are made from amino acids, which are organic molecules that also contain carbon, and they play critical roles in building and repairing tissues. Vitamins are organic compounds necessary for various metabolic processes and, like proteins and carbohydrates, they typically contain carbon. Thus, in this context, minerals stand out as the only inorganic option.