Question:

Which of the following is an essential fatty acid for animals?

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The three primary classic essential fatty acids are Linoleic acid, Linolenic acid, and Arachidonic acid.
Among these, Linolenic (or Linoleic) acid is the primary dietary precursor for other long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids across species.
  • Linolenic acid
  • Gallic acid
  • Propionic acid
  • Arachidonic acid
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are fatty acids that cannot be synthesized by the animal body in sufficient quantities and therefore must be supplied through the diet.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

Let us evaluate the options:
1. Linolenic acid: Along with linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid) is widely classified as a primary essential fatty acid for animals, as they lack the desaturase enzymes required to insert double bonds beyond the \(\Delta^9\) carbon.
2. Gallic acid: This is a trihydroxybenzoic acid, a type of organic phenolic acid found in plants, and is not a fatty acid.
3. Propionic acid: This is a short-chain volatile fatty acid produced by rumen microbes and is not an essential fatty acid.
4. Arachidonic acid: While arachidonic acid is essential for obligate carnivores (such as cats), most other animals can synthesize it from linoleic acid. Thus, linolenic acid is considered the primary and universally essential fatty acid.

Step 4: Final Answer

The correct option is (A).
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