Fatty Acids
Start with the big picture
Fatty acids can be grouped by chain length and saturation. Cis double bonds create bends in the chain, reducing close packing and lowering melting point, while trans fatty acids behave more like saturated fats. The Δ and ω/n-x systems describe double-bond positions from opposite ends of the molecule. Linoleic and α-linolenic acids are essential because humans cannot form the relevant ω-6 and ω-3 double bonds; they provide precursors for signaling molecules and other fatty acids. Metabolism spans mitochondrial and peroxisomal oxidation, specialized pathways for odd-chain and branched-chain fatty acids, and cytosolic synthesis. Transport, activation, and analytical indices connect these pathways to fatty-acid handling and properties.
What you'll learn
- Classify fatty acids by chain length and saturation status.
- Explain how cis and trans double bonds affect fatty-acid properties.
- Distinguish Δ-system and ω/n-x nomenclature.
- Identify essential fatty acids and their metabolic significance.
- Outline major fatty-acid oxidation and synthesis pathways.
Continue your study
Work through the complete notes and reinforce the topic with the study tools available in the full lesson.
