Question

Higher animals cannot synthesize few fatty acids which are very essential for their growth and development. These fatty acids are typically

• A. Saturated
• B. Cyclic
• C. Unsaturated
• D. Branched

Answer 1

The correct option is C Unsaturated

Essential fatty acids are those which our body cannot synthesize but we need them for good health. Alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid are the two fatty acids which are essential for humans. These are long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Desaturase enzyme removes two hydrogen atoms from a fatty acid, creating a carbon-carbon double bond (unsaturation). Due to the absence of this enzyme in humans, they cannot synthesize the unsaturated essential fatty acids.