Lipids and Their Types · Zoology

Essential fatty acids are those that:

Are readily synthesized in large amounts by the body
Cannot be synthesized by the body
Contain no double bonds
Are always saturated

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Correct answer: Cannot be synthesized by the body

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) cannot be synthesized by humans because we lack the desaturase enzymes needed to introduce double bonds beyond C9. The two primary EFAs are linoleic acid (omega-6, C18:2) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3, C18:3). They must be obtained from dietary sources such as vegetable oils, nuts, and fish.

Difficulty: Medium Question 15 of 20

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Essential fatty acids are those that:

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