What is a fatty acid?
Q: What is a fatty acid?
A: A fatty acid is a carboxylic acid with a long unbranched hydrocarbon tail found in animals and plants.
Q: What are fatty acids used for in the body?
A: Fatty acids are an important source of body fuel that, when metabolized, yield large quantities of ATP.
Q: What types of cells prefer to use fatty acids for fuel?
A: Both heart and skeletal muscle are cell types that prefer to use fatty acids for fuel.
Q: What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?
A: Unsaturated fatty acids have reactive double bonds, while saturated fatty acids do not.
Q: Where are fatty acids derived from?
A: Fatty acids are derived from or contained in animal, vegetable fats, oils, or waxes.
Q: What is the usual chain length for natural fatty acids?
A: Natural fatty acids usually have a chain length of four to 28 carbon atoms, usually unbranched and even-numbered.
Q: What is the distinctive blend of chemicals found in mammalian skin?
A: The distinctive blend of fatty acids, lactic acid, and pyruvic acid found in mammalian skin allow animals with a keen sense of smell to identify individuals.
