Fatty Acids and Phospholipids Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What are the two categories of essential fatty acids?

Omega-1 and Omega-2

Omega-3 and Omega-6 (correct)

Omega-7 and Omega-8

Omega-4 and Omega-5

Eicosanoids derived from omega-6 fatty acids are known to have heart-healthy effects.

False

What is the function of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the brain?

DHA plays important roles in synaptic transmission during fetal development.

Eicosanoids are powerful hormones that control many other hormones and important body functions, such as the central ______ system.

nervous Signup and view all the answers

Match the following fatty acids with their characteristics:

Omega-3 = Heart-healthy effects Omega-6 = Increases blood pressure Nonessential fatty acids = Synthesized by the body Essential fatty acids = Must be obtained from food Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sources are known to provide omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids?

Fish and leafy vegetables Signup and view all the answers

Essential fatty acid deficiency is extremely common due to the lack of available sources in the diet.

False Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes phospholipids from triglycerides?

Phospholipids have two fatty-acid molecules and a phosphate group, making them diglycerides. Signup and view all the answers

What part of a phospholipid is hydrophilic?

Phosphate group Signup and view all the answers

Phospholipids are exclusively hydrophobic molecules.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is lecithin and where can it commonly be found?

Lecithin is a type of phospholipid and can be found in egg yolk, honey, and mustard. Signup and view all the answers

Cholesterol is primarily found in __________ tissue, with approximately 25 percent localized there.

brain Signup and view all the answers

Match the following substances with their functions:

Phospholipids = Form cell membranes Lecithin = Food emulsifier Cholesterol = Hormone precursor Plant sterols = Inhibit cholesterol absorption Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of plant sterols?

Inhibit cholesterol absorption Signup and view all the answers

The human body needs to consume cholesterol through diet.

False Signup and view all the answers

What proportion of fat in the liver is made up of lecithin?

66 percent Signup and view all the answers

Phospholipids can act as __________, which allows for the mixing of oil and water.

emulsifiers Signup and view all the answers

What affects the appearance and freshness of certain foods?

Food emulsifiers Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Fatty Acids

Fatty acids are crucial for proper functioning of all bodily systems.
The body can synthesize many fatty acids from food—known as nonessential fatty acids.
Essential fatty acids cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through diet.
Essential fatty acids fall into two categories: omega-3 and omega-6.
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are precursors to eicosanoids, which are powerful hormones with significant bodily functions.
Eicosanoids derived from omega-6 fatty acids increase blood pressure, immune response, and inflammation.
Eicosanoids derived from omega-3 fatty acids have heart-healthy effects.
A balanced dietary intake of omega-3 and omega-6 is essential for optimal health.
Excellent sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids include fish, flaxseed oil, hemp, walnuts, and leafy green vegetables.

Phospholipids

Phospholipids are similar to triglycerides, but contain a phosphate group and a nitrogen-containing group instead of a third fatty-acid chain.
This structure makes phospholipids water soluble.
Phospholipids are amphiphilic, meaning they have both hydrophobic (water-repelling) and hydrophilic (water-attracting) properties.
Phospholipids form the cell membrane, providing a protective barrier while allowing transport of fat and water.
Phospholipids act as ideal emulsifiers, keeping oil and water mixed.
Lecithin (phosphatidylcholine) is a popular food emulsifier found in egg yolk, honey, and mustard, responsible for the creamy texture of mayonnaise.
Lecithin is present in every cell of the body, comprising 28% of brain matter and 66% of the fat in the liver.
The body produces all the phospholipids it needs, making supplementation unnecessary.

Sterols

Sterols differ in structure from triglycerides and phospholipids, containing multiring structures instead of fatty acids.
Cholesterol is the most recognized sterol, playing a role in atherosclerosis.
Cholesterol, however, also has important functions, including cell membrane structure, vitamin D synthesis, and hormone production (glucocorticoids, progesterone, testosterone, estrogens).
Plant sterols resemble cholesterol in structure but inhibit cholesterol absorption in the human body, potentially lowering cholesterol levels.
The body synthesizes cholesterol.

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Description

Test your knowledge on fatty acids and phospholipids, crucial components for body functions. This quiz covers essential and nonessential fatty acids, their sources, and the role of eicosanoids. Evaluate your understanding of their significance in health.