Question:
Which of the following is an essential fatty acid?
Which of the following is an essential fatty acid?
Show Hint
Humans require only two primary essential fatty acids in their diet:
1. Linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid, abundant in vegetable oils).
2. Alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid, abundant in flaxseed and green leafy plants).
1. Linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid, abundant in vegetable oils).
2. Alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid, abundant in flaxseed and green leafy plants).
Updated On: Aug 20, 2026
- Linoleic acid
- Arachidonic acid
- Stearic acid
- Palmitic acid
Show Solution
Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are polyunsaturated fatty acids that humans must obtain through their diet because the body lacks the specific desaturase enzymes (specifically \(\Delta\)-12 and \(\Delta\)-15 desaturases) required to synthesize them *de novo*.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- Linoleic Acid (LA, 18:2 n-6): An essential omega-6 fatty acid. It serves as the precursor for the synthesis of longer-chain omega-6 fatty acids like arachidonic acid.
- Arachidonic Acid (ARA, 20:4 n-6): Can be synthesized by the human body from dietary linoleic acid, making it conditionally essential but not strictly essential.
- Stearic Acid (18:0) and Palmitic Acid (16:0): Saturated fatty acids that can be easily synthesized by the body *de novo* from acetyl-CoA.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, the strictly essential fatty acid is Linoleic acid, corresponding to option (A).
Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are polyunsaturated fatty acids that humans must obtain through their diet because the body lacks the specific desaturase enzymes (specifically \(\Delta\)-12 and \(\Delta\)-15 desaturases) required to synthesize them *de novo*.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- Linoleic Acid (LA, 18:2 n-6): An essential omega-6 fatty acid. It serves as the precursor for the synthesis of longer-chain omega-6 fatty acids like arachidonic acid.
- Arachidonic Acid (ARA, 20:4 n-6): Can be synthesized by the human body from dietary linoleic acid, making it conditionally essential but not strictly essential.
- Stearic Acid (18:0) and Palmitic Acid (16:0): Saturated fatty acids that can be easily synthesized by the body *de novo* from acetyl-CoA.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, the strictly essential fatty acid is Linoleic acid, corresponding to option (A).
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