Lipids and Fatty Acids Overview

What characterizes a saturated fatty acid?

Which statement about polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) is true?

What role does linolenic acid (18:3) play in relation to ω-3 fatty acids?

Which of the following fatty acids would be classified as short-chain?

What is the main feature of fatty acids' presence in the bloodstream?

Which of the following fatty acids cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through diet?

What type of fatty acids are primarily included in the group of nonessential fatty acids?

Which essential fatty acid is known as a precursor to eicosanoids and is found in peanut oil?

What is the primary role of essential fatty acids in cell membranes?

Which of the following sources is known for being high in ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids?

Lipids

Lipids are compounds that are relatively insoluble in water, but freely soluble in non-polar organic solvents (e.g., benzene, chloroform, ether, hot alcohol, acetone).
Fatty acids have the chemical formula RCOOH.
Fatty acids are water-insoluble "long-chain hydrocarbons".
They are mostly monocarboxylic (i.e., having one carboxyl group at the end of the chain) (—COOH).
Fatty acids are mostly aliphatic (i.e., not branched).
A few branched-chain fatty acids are present in animals and plants.
Fatty acids can be saturated (no double bonds) or unsaturated (containing one or more double bond).
Essential fatty acids cannot be synthesized by the body.
Nonessential fatty acids can be synthesized in the body.
Fatty acids occur mostly as esters in natural fats and oils in the plasma carried on PP.
Short-chain F.A. : less than 10 C
Long-chain F.A. : more than 10 C.

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA)

Definition: They are fatty acids containing more than one double bond.
In polyunsaturated F.A., each 2 double bonds are separated by a methylene group (-CH2-).
Classification: PUFAs are classified according to the position of the first double bond in relation to the ω carbon.
ω3 PUFAs have the 1st double bond at carbon 3 in relation to ω carbon.
Examples: Linolenic acid (18:3) and Cervenic acid (22:6).

This quiz covers the fundamentals of lipids and fatty acids, including their chemical structure, solubility, and classifications such as saturated and unsaturated fats. It also highlights essential and nonessential fatty acids, and their significance in biological systems. Test your knowledge on the different types of fatty acids and their properties!