Question

Which of the foliowing is a saturated fatty acid? (a) Oleic acid (b) Linoleic aod (c) Arachidonic acid (d) Palmitic acid

Short answer

Palmitic acid is a saturated fatty acid.

Step-by-step solution

Identify Characteristics of Saturated Fatty Acids

Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds between the carbon atoms of the fatty acid chain. All of the bonds are single bonds, which means the chain is 'saturated' with hydrogen atoms.

Examine the Options

To determine which one is a saturated fatty acid, examine the structure or common knowledge about each provided option:(a) Oleic acid is an omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acid, not saturated.(b) Linoleic acid is an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid, not saturated.(c) Arachidonic acid is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid, not saturated.(d) Palmitic acid is known to be a saturated fatty acid with no double bonds in its structure.

Select the Correct Option

Based on the information about the structure of saturated fatty acids, the correct option is (d) Palmitic acid, as it is a saturated fatty acid.

Key concepts

Palmitic Acid

In the context of identifying fatty acids, Palmitic acid is a prominent example of a saturated fat. It is a 16-carbon fatty acid, scientifically referred to as hexadecanoic acid. The molecular formula for Palmitic acid is C16H32O2. One of the fundamental characteristics of Palmitic acid that it is 'saturated' is due to the absence of double bonds between carbon atoms in its hydrocarbon chain. This full saturation with hydrogen atoms allows for a straight chain, which is a typical structure of saturated fatty acids.

Found commonly in animals and plants, Palmitic acid is present in palm oil, meat, butter, and cheese, making it one of the most common saturated fatty acids in our diet. In terms of health implications, saturated fats, including Palmitic acid, have been associated with higher levels of cholesterol in the blood, an important factor to consider for maintaining heart health.

Fatty Acid Structure

Fatty acids are composed of long hydrocarbon chains terminated by a carboxyl group \( -COOH \). The structure of fatty acids can vary in terms of chain length and the presence or absence of carbon-to-carbon double bonds. Saturated fatty acids, such as Palmitic acid, have chains with single bonds only, making them solid or semi-solid at room temperature due to the tight packing of their straight chains.

On the other hand, unsaturated fatty acids have at least one double bond, causing them to have kinks or bends in their structure. These kinks prevent tight packing, making unsaturated fats typically liquid at room temperature. The structure of fatty acids is not just a matter of physical state; it influences how the body processes and utilizes these molecules, for example, in the formation of cell membranes or energy release.

Unsaturated vs Saturated Fats

The primary distinction between unsaturated and saturated fats is the presence of double bonds. Saturated fats do not have any double bonds between their carbon atoms, while unsaturated fats have one or more double bonds. This structural difference has functional and nutritional consequences.

Unsaturated fats can be further categorized into monounsaturated fats, with a single double bond (such as Oleic acid), and polyunsaturated fats, with multiple double bonds (like Linoleic and Arachidonic acids). Unsaturated fats are generally considered beneficial for health as they can help lower bad cholesterol levels and increase good cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.

Conversely, a diet high in saturated fats, like Palmitic acid, can contribute to the build-up of cholesterol in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease. However, the body does require certain amounts of both types of fats for proper functioning, making it important to maintain a balanced intake.