Which fatty acid is classified as omega-3?

Study for the Manor Preboards Module 2 Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions that include hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which fatty acid is classified as omega-3?

Explanation:
Fatty acids are classified by where the first double bond appears from the omega (methyl) end. If that first double bond sits at the third carbon from the omega end, the fatty acid is omega-3. Linolenic acid (alpha-linolenic acid) has its first double bond at that position and contains three double bonds, so it is an omega-3 fatty acid. By contrast, linoleic acid has its first double bond at the sixth carbon from the omega end (omega-6) and has two double bonds; oleic acid has one double bond and is omega-9; arachidonic acid is omega-6 with four double bonds. Therefore, linolenic acid is the omega-3 fatty acid.

Fatty acids are classified by where the first double bond appears from the omega (methyl) end. If that first double bond sits at the third carbon from the omega end, the fatty acid is omega-3. Linolenic acid (alpha-linolenic acid) has its first double bond at that position and contains three double bonds, so it is an omega-3 fatty acid. By contrast, linoleic acid has its first double bond at the sixth carbon from the omega end (omega-6) and has two double bonds; oleic acid has one double bond and is omega-9; arachidonic acid is omega-6 with four double bonds. Therefore, linolenic acid is the omega-3 fatty acid.

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