LIPIDS :: PART 2

FATTY ACIDS

-          These are long chain organic compounds containing 4-30 carbons.

-          These have a single carboxyl group and a long tail of non-polar hydrocarbon.

                               

-          Fatty acids that occur in natural fats have a ‘mono carboxyl group’ with even number of carbon atoms.

-          These are usually straight chain derivatives.

-           Fatty acids with ring structure are called cyclic fatty acids.

-          Fatty acids are bounded to each other by ‘ester linkage’.

                                           

-          Fatty acids are used as energy reserves in humans and other animals.

-          Fatty acids are classified into two types: -

.       Saturated fatty acids

                                    

.      Unsaturated fatty acids