Lecture 10: Intro to Fatty Acids and Triacylglycerols

Question 1

What is the standard nomenclature for fatty acids?

Answer 1

X:Y(∆^Z)

X = #C

Y = # double bonds

Z = positions of double bonds

Question 2

How are omega fatty acids named?

Answer 2

the methyl (terminal) C is called omega, and the double bonds are labeled according to their position relative to the methyl end

i. e. omega 3 fatty acids have a double bond between the 3rd and 4th C from the omega end
i. e. omega 6 fatty acids have a double bond between the 6th and 7th C from the omega end

Question 3

Name 3 saturated fatty acids and their standard nomenclature

Answer 3

myrisitc acid: 14:0

palmitic acid: 16:0

stearic acid: 18:0

Question 4

Name 4 unsaturated fatty acids and their standard nomenclature.

Answer 4

Palmitoleic acid: 16:1(∆⁹)

Oleic acid: 18:1(∆⁹)

Linoleic acid: 18:2(∆^9,12)

alpha-linoleic acid (ALA): 18:3(∆^9,12,15)

Question 5

Of the following unsaturated fatty acids, which are mono and which are polyunsaturated: linoleic, oleic, alpha-linoleic, palmitoleic acid

Answer 5

mono = palmitoleic and oleic

poly = linoleic and alpha-linoleic