Understanding Fatty Acids: Energy Sources And Chemical Structures

Understanding Fatty Acids: Energy Sources And Chemical Structures

Saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. (or) Unsaturated fatty acids
Answer:

Saturated fatty acids:

• Do not contain a double bond

Example:

1. Acetic acid – CH₃ – COOH
2. Propionic acid – CH₂ – CH₂ – COOH
3. Butyric acid – CH₃ (CH₂)₂ – COOH
4. Valeric acid-CH₃(CH₂)3-COOH

• They are reduced to a great extent by (3-oxidation.
• By it, it provides a good amount of energy.

Unsaturated fat acids:

• They contain one or more double bonds.
• They exhibit geometric isomerism depending on the orientation of the groups around the double bond.

1. If the atoms/acyl groups are present on the same side of the double bond it is a Cis configuration.
2. If the groups are present on the opposite side of the double bond – it is a trans configuration.

• Cis isomers are less stable.
• Commonly occurring isomers are Cis isomers
• The (β-oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids requires isomerizing and epimerase enzymes.

Types:

1. Monounsaturated fatty acids.

• Contains one double bond.
• Examples:

1. Palmitoleic acid – CH3(CH2)5CH = CH(CH2)7COOH
2. Oleic acid – CH3(CH2)7 CH = CH(CH2)7COOH

2. Polyunsaturated fatty acids.

• Contains two or more double bonds.
• Examples:

1. Linoleic acid – CH₃(CH₂)₄CH – CHCH₂CH = CH(CH₂)₇COOH
2. Linolenic acid CH₃CH₂CH = CHCH2CH = CHCH2CH = CH(CH₂)₇COOH
3. Arachidonic acid – CH₃(CH₂)4CH – CHCH₂CH = CHCH₂CH = CHCH₂CH
   = CH (CH2)3COOH