Human desaturase enzyme system cannot introduce a double bond in a fatty acid beyond which carbon?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the limitations of the human desaturase enzyme system in introducing double bonds in fatty acids. It is specifically asking to identify the last carbon position in a fatty acid to which a double bond can be introduced.
Answer
Carbon 9
The final answer is Carbon 9.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is Carbon 9.
More Information
The human desaturase enzyme system cannot introduce double bonds beyond the ninth carbon in a fatty acid chain. This enzymatic limitation is why essential fatty acids, like omega-3 and omega-6, must be acquired through diet.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing the inability beyond carbon 9 as being related to carbons closer to the fatty acid's end. Note the distinction between carbon counting from the carboxyl end versus the omega end.
Sources
- Desaturation of Fatty Acids - ScienceDirect - sciencedirect.com
- Human desaturase enzyme system - Doubtnut - doubtnut.com
- Fatty Acid Synthesis - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
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