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Types of Fatty Acids

Structure of Fatty Acids

Length of Fatty Acids

Following are some of the different types of fatty acids based on the presence, or absence of double bonds and chain length.

Saturated and Unsaturated Fatty Acids

The key differences between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids are:

Features

Saturated Fatty Acids

Unsaturated Fatty Acids

Structure

Straight with only single bonds

Have bends due to the presence of double bonds

Saturation level

Saturated due to bonds filled by hydrogen atoms.

Unsaturated due to double bonds having empty ends.

Physical State at Room Temperature

Solid

Liquid

Food Sources

Meat, dairy, butter, etc.

Fish oil, avocados, nuts, etc.

Example

Palmitic acid, stearic acid, etc.

Oleic acid, omega-3, and omega-6, etc.

Even Chain and Odd Chain Fatty Acids

The key differences between even-chain and odd-chain fatty acids are:

Features

Even-Chain Fatty Acids

Odd-Chain Fatty Acids

Number of Carbon Atoms

Even number

Odd number

Structure

Straight

Straight

Metabolic Pathway

Beta-oxidation in mitochondria

Beta-oxidation in mitochondria

Found in

Dietary fats, oils, and the body’s adipose tissues

Dietary sources and other fatty acids stored in the body

Example

Palmitic acid, stearic acid, etc.

Pentadecanoic acid, heptadecanoic acid, etc.

Overview on Fatty Acids

Fatty acids are organic compounds that fall under the category of lipids, which are essential biomacromolecules in the living system. The fatty acid types are saturated, unsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Fatty acids play an important role in various physiological processes of the living organism, such as metabolism, formation, and maintenance of cell structure. In this article, we will study the structure, properties, function, and type of fatty acids in detail.

Table of Content

  • Fatty Acids – Definition and Meaning
  • Fatty Acids Formula
  • Essential Fatty Acids
  • Essential Fatty Acid Foods
  • Properties of Fatty Acids
  • Structure of Fatty Acids
  • Types of Fatty Acids
  • Length of Fatty Acids
  • Circulation of Fatty Acids
  • Fatty Acids Examples
  • Functions of Fatty Acids

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Fatty Acids – Definition and Meaning

Fatty Acids Definition: Fatty acid is an organic biomacromolecule comprising a hydrocarbon chain and a carboxyl group that is a fundamental building block of the living system....

Fatty Acids Formula

Fatty acids are carboxylic acids with a long hydrocarbon chain. Their general formula is CH3(CH2)nCOOH, where n represents the number of carbon atoms in the chain (typically between 12 and 20). This formula indicates a terminal methyl group (CH3), a chain of methylene groups (CH2), and a carboxylic acid group (COOH). The variation in “n” determines the specific type of fatty acid....

Essential Fatty Acids

Essential fatty acids are important types of polyunsaturated fatty aicds that our bodies need to function properly. We can not make them ourselves, so we have to get them from the food we eat. The two categories of essential fatty acid foods include omega-3 and omega-6, which are vital for proper body function....

Essential Fatty Acid Foods

Some foods which are high in essential fatty acids are:...

Properties of Fatty Acids

Some of the common properties of fatty acids are:...

Structure of Fatty Acids

Following are some of the aspects of the structure of fatty acids:...

Types of Fatty Acids

Following are some of the different types of fatty acids based on the presence, or absence of double bonds and chain length....

Length of Fatty Acids

Fatty acids can be short, medium or long based on the number of carbon atoms present in their structure. The typical length of fatty acids ranges from 4 to 24 carbon atoms....

Circulation of Fatty Acids

Fatty acids after absorption either bind with albumin (a plasma protein) or become a component of lipoprotein like triglyceride to get into the bloodstream. After that some of them are utilized in different physiological processes and the rest get stored in the fatty tissues (adipose tissues). The primary use of fatty acids is for cellular functioning and energy metabolism. When the demand for fatty acids becomes high the adipose tissues release back the stored fatty acids into the bloodstream by the help of a process of lipolysis....

Fatty Acids Examples

Some of the most common examples of fatty acids are:...

Functions of Fatty Acids

Some of the common functions of fatty acids are:...

Conclusion – Fatty Acids

Fatty acids are one of the important components of the living system. They are organic biomacromolecules that have positive and negative roles in the body of living organisms. They perform various important functions like energy storage, cell membrane synthesis, hormones synthesis, etc. Based on the presence or absence of double bonds and number of carbon atoms present, fatty acids are classified. Understanding some basic concepts on fatty acids can help in better maintenance of the body....

FAQs on Fatty Acid

What are Fatty Acids and Examples?...

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Structure of Fatty Acids

Length of Fatty Acids