Question

Animals cannot synthesize linoleic acid (a precursor of arachidonic acid) and therefore must obtain this essential fatty acid from their diet. Explain why cultured animal cells can survive in the absence of linoleic acid.

Short answer

Eicosanoids are produced by animals using this important fatty acid. The animals will perish if they do not get these signalling chemicals. Cell-cell signalling is not a problem in cultured animals without linoleic acid, the cells can live.

Step-by-step solution

Introduction

Linoleic acid is a fatty acidthat is necessary. It's essential for development and growth. It has an18-carbon chainwith two double bonds in the cis form and is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid. As a triglyceride ester, it occurs naturally. It aids the body's metabolic rate, immunological system, and cholesterol levels in a healthy range.

Cultured animal cells survive without linolenic acid

Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acidthat the human body cannot manufacture from other dietary components. Animals cannot produce linoleic acid as a result of this. Linoleic acid is required by animals in order for their cells to communicate with one another. Arachidonic acid produceseicosanoids, which act as signalling molecules. Arachidonic acid or other polyunsaturated fatty acids that are compared to arachidonic acid can be oxidised enzymatically or non-enzymatically to create it.

Conclusion

Thus, in the absence of linoleic acid, some cultivated animal cellssurvive. Becauseserum-supplemented cell mediaalso contain necessary fatty acids, and linoleic acid is a precursor for endocrine hormone production, cell culture can grow effectively even without endocrine hormone.