Fatty acids that the human body requires but cannot synthesize, which therefore must be obtained via the diet, are called fatty acids.

Multiple Select QuestionSelect all that applySelect all of the statements that correctly describe fatty acids.Multiple select question.Naturally occurring animal fats and vegetable oils are formed from fatty acids.Fatty acids have many nonpolar C-C and C-H bonds.Fatty acids contain a carboxylic acid (RCOOH), functional group.Almost all fatty acids are soluble in water.

What is the major product of fatty acid synthesis in humans?Group of answer choicesAcetoacetateTriacylglycerolPalmitateMalonyl CoALinoleic acid

The main function of fatty acids in the body is Question 60Select one: a. To assist in vitamin absorption b. To regulate body temperature c. To form the structure of biological membranes d. To provide a quick source of energy e. To synthesize hormones

Unsaturated fatty acids contain one or more bonds between carbon atoms in their long chains.

Fatty acids (FAs) are lipids that play important roles in cellular function, including energy storage and membrane structure.  Most polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are made in the body; however, omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid and omega-6 linoleic acid must be obtained from the diet.  These two PUFAs are precursors to other omega-3 and omega-6 long-chain FAs that are necessary for physiological processes such as neurological development, normal growth, and immune response.  Insufficient omega-3 and omega-6 long-chain FAs can lead to an increase in omega-9 fatty acids such as mead acid, and to essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD), which can cause infertility, decreased growth, and increased susceptibility to infection.Total FA levels in plasma and serum can be used to diagnose EFAD.  Plasma and serum samples from several individuals were hydrolyzed to release FAs from triacylglycerols and phospholipids.  Once isolated, the free FAs were converted to pentafluorobenzyl (PFB) derivatives and separated by gas chromatography (GC).  Total levels of each type of fatty acid were quantified by negative chemical ionization–mass spectrometry (NCI-MS) immediately after GC.  NCI is an ionization technique that creates negatively charged ions with little to no fragmentation.  The NCI-MS revealed that two of the peaks from GC had the same m/z ratio (Figure 1).  They were both confirmed to be forms of an unsaturated, unbranched 22-carbon FA called omega-9 docosenoic acid.Figure 1  Selected ion chromatogram of docosenoic acidResearchers have proposed that an elevated ratio of the triene omega-9 mead acid to the tetraene omega-6 arachidonic acid, known as the triene/tetraene (TT) ratio, can signify EFAD.  Using GC and NCI-MS, they measured the TT ratio, concentration of mead acid, and individual concentrations of omega-3 and omega-6 FAs in plasma and serum samples from three patients and compared their results to normal ranges.  An increased TT ratio and mead acid concentration and decreased omega-3 and omega-6 FA concentrations were observed in the patient samples compared to normal ranges.Adapted from E. Kish-Trier et al., "Quantitation of total fatty acids in plasma and serum by GC-NCI-MS." Clinical Mass Spectrometry. ©2016 Elsevier. Question 24Which of the following conclusions is NOT consistent with the results of the patient plasma and serum sample analysis described in the passage?A.The ratio of mead acid to arachidonic acid observed in the patient plasma and serum samples indicates EFAD.B.The concentration of arachidonic acid in the patient plasma and serum samples is higher than the normal range.C.The concentrations of alpha-linolenic and linoleic acids in the patient plasma and serum samples are lower than the normal range.D.The observed mead acid concentration is a result of the decreased omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid concentrations relative to the normal range.