Question

2) Explain why nearly all fatty acids made in animals contain an even number of carbons. (Think synthesis; 2+3-4). [1 point] 3) Detail how excess sugar is converted to fat (triacylglycerol). You need to show how each part of the fat molecule is made from glucose; use the metabolism map and arrows to trace the appropriate paths. [2 points)

Answer 1

Fatty acids in biological system usually cotains an even number of carbon atoms,typically between 14 and24,although the 16 and 18 carbon fatty acids are the most abundant.

Almost all animal fatty acid sinthesis is done by assembling two 2C acetyl-CoA molecules together .Because the segments are each two carbons in length the resulting fatty acids has an even number of carbon atoms in it.

summery: when body sinthesis fatty acids,then 2-carbon acetyl CoA molecule are assembled together.So,as the segments are each two carbons in length. Thus the resulting fatty acids definitly will have an even number of caron atom in it. thats the most fatty acids have even number of carbon atoms if they are produced from biological systems.