Fatty Acids Overview

This set of flashcards covers essential vocabulary related to fatty acids, including types, structures, compositions, and their functions in the body.

Saturated Fatty Acids

Fatty acids that contain only single bonds in the hydrocarbon chain.

Unsaturated Fatty Acids

Fatty acids with one or more double bonds; can be mono- or polyunsaturated.

Trans Fatty Acids

Unsaturated fats with hydrogen atoms on opposite sides of the double bond, making them straighter.

β-oxidation

The process by which fatty acids are oxidized to produce ATP.

Eicosanoids

Signaling molecules derived from fatty acids, including prostaglandins and leukotrienes.

Hydrocarbon Chain

The long, nonpolar, hydrophobic part of a fatty acid composed of carbon and hydrogen.

Carboxyl Group

The polar, hydrophilic head of a fatty acid represented as -COOH.

Palmitic Acid

A saturated fatty acid with the chemical formula CH₃–(CH₂)₁₄–COOH.

Oleic Acid

A monounsaturated fatty acid with the chemical formula CH₃–(CH₂)₇–CH=CH–(CH₂)₇–COOH.

Triacylglycerols

Energy storage form of fatty acids stored in adipose tissue.

Signaling Molecules

Substances made from fatty acids that play roles in signaling, such as eicosanoids.

Ketone Bodies

Products of fatty acid metabolism that are produced during fasting or starvation.