zsírsavakra

Zsírsavak (fatty acids) are carboxylic acids with a long aliphatic chain, which is either saturated or unsaturated. They are the building blocks of fats and oils. The length of the carbon chain can vary, typically ranging from 4 to 28 carbon atoms. The degree of saturation refers to the presence of double bonds within the hydrocarbon chain. Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds, meaning each carbon atom is bonded to the maximum number of hydrogen atoms. Examples include palmitic acid and stearic acid. Unsaturated fatty acids contain one or more double bonds. Monounsaturated fatty acids have a single double bond, while polyunsaturated fatty acids have multiple double bonds. Oleic acid is a common monounsaturated fatty acid, and linoleic acid is a well-known polyunsaturated fatty acid.

Fatty acids play crucial roles in biological systems. They are a primary source of energy for many organisms, stored in the form of triglycerides. They also form the structural basis of cell membranes, existing as phospholipids and glycolipids. In addition, certain fatty acids, known as essential fatty acids, cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from the diet. These include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are vital for various physiological processes, including inflammation regulation and brain development. The properties of a fat or oil, such as its melting point and viscosity, are largely determined by the types of fatty acids they contain.