Question

Arachidonic acid is composed of how many carbon atoms in its chain?

• A. 20
• B. 18
• C. 16
• D. 12

Hint:

Memorize the carbon numbers for key fatty acids: Palmitic (16:0), Stearic (18:0), Oleic (18:1), Linoleic (18:2), and \textbf{Arachidonic (20:4)}.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Review the structure of fatty acids. They are categorized by carbon chain length and double bond count.
Step 2: Focus on Arachidonic acid, a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid. Its shorthand notation, 20:4(n-6), signifies:

A 20-carbon chain.
4 cis-double bonds.
The initial double bond is located at the 6th carbon from the omega end.It contains 20 carbon atoms.