LIPIDS:: PART 3

SATURATED FATTY ACIDS

-          These are fatty acids in which only single bonds exist.

-          The general formula is CnH2n+1COOH.

-          These have even number of carbon atoms, fatty acids 

         with odd number of carbon atoms is less than 1%.

-          Fatty acids present in animals are palmitic acid and steric acids.
                                 

                                           

UNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS

-          These are fatty acids with double and triple bonds.

-          These are classified on the basis of number of double and triple bonds present.

o   Monoethenoid acids: - these have only one double bond, CnH2n-1COOH.

o   Diethinoid acids: - two double bonds, CnH2n-3COOH.

o   Triethenoid acids: - three double bonds, CnH2n-5COOH.

o   Tetraethenoid acids: - four double bonds, CnH2n-7COOH.

-          Monoethenoids are called monounsaturated fatty acids and rest are called polyunsaturated fatty acids.

                       

-          Some unsaturated fatty acids are not synthesised by our body and are called essential fatty acids. Example: - linoleic acid and linolenic acid.

                                     

-          These are found in vegetable oils and fish oil.