Question

What reactions in animal cells are required to generate long-chain saturated and unsaturated fatty acids from palmitate?

Short answer

Answer: The reactions involved in generating long-chain saturated and unsaturated fatty acids from palmitate in animal cells include the fatty acid elongation cycle to create long-chain saturated fatty acids and the desaturation process to generate long-chain unsaturated fatty acids. The elongation cycle consists of four main steps: condensation, reduction, dehydration, and reduction. The desaturation process involves enzymes called desaturases, such as delta-9 and delta-6 desaturases, which introduce double bonds into the fatty acid chain.

Step-by-step solution

Understand Palmitate and Long-Chain Fatty Acids

Palmitate, also known as palmitic acid, is a common saturated fatty acid with 16 carbons. It is found in animals and plants and serves as a precursor for the synthesis of long-chain fatty acids. A long-chain fatty acid has more than 16 carbons in its structure.

Elongation of Palmitate to Generate Long-Chain Saturated Fatty Acids

The first step in generating long-chain saturated fatty acids from palmitate is to elongate the palmitate molecule. In animal cells, this occurs through a series of reactions called the fatty acid elongation cycle. The elongation cycle consists of four main steps: 1. Condensation 2. Reduction 3. Dehydration 4. Reduction During these steps, the palmitate molecule is elongated by adding two carbon units at a time, creating long-chain saturated fatty acids.

Desaturation to Generate Long-Chain Unsaturated Fatty Acids

To generate long-chain unsaturated fatty acids, the saturated fatty acids need to undergo a desaturation process. Desaturation involves the introduction of double bonds into the fatty acid chain by specific enzymes called desaturases. The two most common desaturases in animal cells are delta-9 and delta-6 desaturases. These enzymes remove two hydrogen atoms from specific carbons in the fatty acid chain, creating a carbon-carbon double bond and generating unsaturated long-chain fatty acids. In conclusion, the synthesis of long-chain saturated and unsaturated fatty acids from palmitate in animal cells involves the elongation of the palmitate molecule through the fatty acid elongation cycle and the desaturation process for generating unsaturated fatty acids.