What are naturally occurring fatty acids?
Most naturally occurring fatty acids have an unbranched chain of carbon atoms, with a carboxyl group (–COOH) at one end, and a methyl group (–CH3) at the other end. The position of the carbon atoms in the backbone of a fatty acid are usually indicated by counting from 1 at the −COOH end.
What is the most naturally occurring fatty acids?
Among the most widely distributed fatty acids are the 16- and 18-carbon fatty acids, otherwise known as palmitic acid and stearic acid, respectively. Both palmitic and stearic acids occur in the lipids of the majority of organisms. In animals palmitic acid makes up as much as 30 percent of body fat.
Are naturally occurring fatty acids CIS?
Naturally occurring fatty acids are generally in the cis configuration. Two polyunsaturated fatty acids—linoleic and α-linolenic acids—are termed essential fatty acids because humans must obtain them from their diets.
What is a fatty acid quizlet?
fatty acid. a compound consisting of a chain of carbon atoms with an acid group at one end. glycerol. Three-carbon compound with three hydroxyl groups; component of fats and oils., Combines with fatty acids to make lipids.
Why are naturally occurring fatty acids CIS?
The capacity for humans to produce cis fatty acids is probably selected for because of their lower melting point which prevents arterial clogging. Cold blooded animals utilize cholesterol to increase membrane fluidity when their body temperature is low.
What is fatty acid in biology?
Fatty acids are the building blocks of the fat in our bodies and in the food we eat. During digestion, the body breaks down fats into fatty acids, which can then be absorbed into the blood. Fatty acid molecules are usually joined together in groups of three, forming a molecule called a triglyceride.
Why are naturally occurring fatty acids cis?
Why are natural fatty acids cis?
Near the double bond, the two hydrogen atoms stick out either on the same side or on the opposite sides of the chain. When the two hydrogen atoms stick out on the same side of the chain, the fatty acid is said to be in a cis configuration. The cis is the natural and the common configuration of unsaturated fatty acids.
What are fatty acids made of quizlet?
Fatty acids consist of a chain of carbon atoms with hydrogen atoms attached to each carbon atom (a hydrocarbon chain): a carboxyl group attached to one end of the fatty acid chain, and a methyl group at the other end (three hydrogens bonded to a carbon atom—also called the “omega” end of the fatty acid).
What makes a fatty acid saturated quizlet?
Fatty acids may vary in length (number of carbons) and in the number and locations of double bonds. If the fatty acid has no carbon-carbon double bonds, then the molecule is a saturated fatty acid, saturated with hydrogens at every possible position.
What is the configuration of naturally occurring unsaturated fatty acids?
The configuration of the double bonds in naturally-occurring unsaturated fatty acids is nearly always cis. A polyunsaturated fatty acid is one that contains more than one double bond. Linoleate is a prototypical polyunsaturated fatty acid that contains an unbranched chain of 18 carbon atoms.
Why do most naturally occurring fatty acids have cis double bonds in them quizlet?
Why do most naturally occurring fatty acids have cis double bonds in them? The double bond results in a bend in the molecule lowering the melting point of the molecule.
What are the three main types of fatty acids?
Alpha-linelenic acid (ALA),found in walnuts,flaxseeds,and olive oil
What are the dangers of trans fatty acids?
Trans fats raise your bad (LDL) cholesterol levels and lower your good (HDL) cholesterol levels. Eating trans fats increases your risk of developing heart disease and stroke. It’s also associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Are polyunsaturated fatty acids bad for You?
Polyunsaturated fats can help lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol. Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance that can cause clogged or blocked arteries (blood vessels). Having low LDL cholesterol reduces your risk for heart disease. Polyunsaturated fats include omega-3 and omega-6 fats.
What are some examples of fatty acids?
Butyric acid: CH3 (CH2)2COOH