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Multiple Choice
Which fatty acid contains its first double bond on the sixth carbon from the methyl (omega) end?
A
Linoleic acid (omega-6)
B
Arachidonic acid (omega-3)
C
Oleic acid (omega-9)
D
Alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of omega fatty acids. Omega fatty acids are named based on the position of the first double bond relative to the methyl (CH₃) end of the fatty acid chain. For example, omega-6 means the first double bond is located at the sixth carbon from the methyl end.
Step 2: Analyze the structure of each fatty acid provided in the options. Linoleic acid (omega-6), Arachidonic acid (omega-3), Oleic acid (omega-9), and Alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) all have distinct positions for their first double bond.
Step 3: Focus on Linoleic acid (omega-6). Linoleic acid is classified as an omega-6 fatty acid because its first double bond is located at the sixth carbon from the methyl end. This matches the criteria described in the problem.
Step 4: Compare Linoleic acid with the other options. Arachidonic acid and Alpha-linolenic acid are omega-3 fatty acids, meaning their first double bond is at the third carbon from the methyl end. Oleic acid is an omega-9 fatty acid, meaning its first double bond is at the ninth carbon from the methyl end.
Step 5: Conclude that Linoleic acid (omega-6) is the correct answer because its first double bond is located at the sixth carbon from the methyl end, as specified in the problem.