Question

1. Describe the position of the first double bond in an omega-3 fatty acid. (See Health Note "Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Fish Oils." in the textbook)

Give your answer as number of carbon counting from the methyl at which the first double bond occurs.

2.

Describe the position of the first double bond in an omega-6 fatty acid. (See Health Note "Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Fish Oils." in the textbook)

Give your answer as number of carbon counting from the methyl at which the first double bond occurs

Answer 1

Solution:

1) An omega-3 (-3) fatty acid is a fatty acid with multiple double bonds. In omega-3 fatty acids, the first double bond occurs on the third carbon atom. The position of first double bond is between the third and fourth carbon atoms from the end of the methyl carbon atom chain.

2) An omega-6 (-6) fatty acid is a fatty acid with multiple double bonds. In omega-6 fatty acids, the first double bond occurs on the sixth carbon atom. The position of first double bond is between the sixth and seventh carbon atoms from the end of the methyl carbon atom chain.