Fatty Acids Index  |   Outline  |   FAQ  |   Feedback


I. Frequently Asked Questions about Fatty Acid Metabolism

Importance of Fatty Acids Importance of Fatty Acids: Answer     Role of CoA Role of CoA: Answer     Essential Fatty Acids Essential Fatty Acids: Answer     Fatty Acid Structure Fatty Acid Structure: Answer     Fatty Acid Nomenclature Fatty Acid Nomenclature: Answer     Fatty Acyl Chain Growth Fatty Acyl Chain Growth: Answer     Fatty Acid Mobilization Fatty Acid Mobilization: Answer     Fatty Acid Activation Fatty Acid Activation: Answer     Transport into Mitochondria Transport into Mitochondria: Answer     Synthesis <I>vs.</I> Beta-Oxidation Synthesis <I>vs.</I> Beta-Oxidation: Answer     Ketone Bodies Ketone Bodies: Answer     Regulation of Ketone Body Production Regulation of Ketone Body Production: Answer     Previous Page Next Page

Essential Fatty Acids: Answer

Why are some fatty acids considered essential?

Certain fatty acids of the omega - 3 and omega - 6 classes are required for the synthesis of prostaglandins and other physiological regulators. Our systems cannot introduce double bonds into those positions because of the specificity of our desaturases. Hence, these fatty acids must come from dietary sources.

Top

Previous Page Next Page