Fatty acids can be classified based on the presence and position of double-bonds between C-atoms.

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|  | Arachidonic acid (AA) |  |

|  | Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) |  |

|  | Oleic acid |  |

|  | Linoleic acid |  |

|  | Palmitic acid |  |

|  | Elaidic acid |  |

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Not completely true. Note that a fatty acids can be either saturated (SFA) or have one (Mono unsaturated - MUFA) or more than one (polyunsaturated - PUFA) double bounds. So study the structure formulas of the fatty acids. Count the number of double bounds between the C-atoms……Note that the double bound (C=O) at the carboxyl-end of a fatty acid does not tell anything about saturation. This double bound is present in all fatty acids.

Not completely true. Only when a fat is unsaturated (PUFA, MUFA) you have to indicate the position of the double bound. So study the structure formulas of the fatty acids. Start counting at the CH3 end of the C-chain and the number of the first C-atom that contain the double bound indicate whether the fatty is a n-3, n-6 of n-9 fatty acid. In chemistry the position of the double bond is indicated by delta, counting from the carboxyl group.

Not completely true. Only when a fat is unsaturated (PUFA, MUFA) you have to indicate the configuration is of the C-atoms at either side of the double bound. So study the structure formulas of the fatty acids. The fatty acid has a cis-configuration if the adjacent carbon atoms are on the same side of the double bond. This causes the carbon chain to bend. If the C-atoms are to opposite sides of the double bounds the fatty acid has a trans-configuration. So by looking at the structure formula you can see what the configuration of the fatty acid is.

Right, now you know enough of fatty acid nomenclature to proceed with the case. Please continue.....

| Saturated versus unsaturated | Position C=C | Configuration
Dietary fats | SFA | MUFA | PUFA | N-3 | N-6 | N-9 | Cis | Trans
Arachidonic acid |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
DHA acid |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Oleic acid |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Linoleic acid |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Palmitic acid |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Elaidic acid |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

Now it is time to refresh your knowledge on fats and fatty acids.

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