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Questions and Answers
Which enzyme is responsible for adding two carbon atoms to elongate fatty acid chains?
Which enzyme is responsible for adding two carbon atoms to elongate fatty acid chains?
- Desaturase enzyme
- Fatty acid elongase system (correct)
- Lipase enzyme
- Acetyl-CoA carboxylase
In humans, up to which double bond position can the desaturation of fatty acids occur?
In humans, up to which double bond position can the desaturation of fatty acids occur?
- Δ5
- Δ6
- Δ9 (correct)
- Δ10
Why are linoleic and linolenic acids considered nutritionally essential fatty acids?
Why are linoleic and linolenic acids considered nutritionally essential fatty acids?
- Because desaturation to produce these acids occurs beyond Δ9 position
- Because they are the primary source of energy
- Because they are the only fatty acids synthesized in the human body
- Because these acids can't be synthesized in the body and must be supplied in the diet (correct)
Which of the following acids is synthesized to a limited extent from linolenic acid?
Which of the following acids is synthesized to a limited extent from linolenic acid?
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Where does the elongation of fatty acid chains take place within the cell?
Where does the elongation of fatty acid chains take place within the cell?
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Which of the following acids is NOT considered a nutritionally essential fatty acid?
Which of the following acids is NOT considered a nutritionally essential fatty acid?
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Study Notes
Synthesis of Long Chain Saturated and Unsaturated Fatty Acids
- Occurs through two processes: elongation of fatty acid chains and desaturation of fatty acid chains
- Both processes take place in the endoplasmic reticulum
Elongation of Fatty Acid Chains
- Adds two carbon atoms to the fatty acid chain
- Catalyzed by the fatty acid elongase system of enzymes
- Can occur multiple times, resulting in longer chain fatty acids
Desaturation of Fatty Acid Chains
- Adds a double bond to the fatty acid chain, converting saturated to unsaturated
- Catalyzed by desaturase enzyme in the endoplasmic reticulum
- Only occurs up to the Δ9 position, never beyond
Nutritionally Essential Fatty Acids (EFA)
- Linoleic acid and linolenic acid are the only unsaturated fatty acids that cannot be synthesized by the body and must be supplied in the diet
- Arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and DHA are not synthesized by the body but can be formed from linoleic and linolenic acids
- Oleic acid is an example of an unsaturated fatty acid with a Δ9 double bond (18:1;9 or Δ9 18:1)
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