Question

LO list characteristics that distinguish VFA from LCFA.

Option 1: Chain length, Water solubility, Energy yield, Membrane incorporation

Option 2: Double bond content, Digestion rate, Lipid storage, Enzymatic activity

Option 3: Molecular weight, Oxidation potential, Lipoprotein transport, Hormonal regulation

Option 4: Steric hindrance, Absorption efficiency, Beta-oxidation, Ketone body formation

Answer 1

The characteristics that distinguish LCFA from SCFA and MCFA include chain length, water solubility, energy yield, and membrane incorporation. LCFA tend to be less water-soluble, yield more energy when metabolized, and are significant in cell membrane structure and storage.

Step-by-step explanation:

The characteristics that distinguish very long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) from short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), or very short-chain fatty acids (VSCFA) and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) include the following: chain length, water solubility, energy yield, and membrane incorporation. Fatty acids have different chain lengths, typically between four and 24 carbons, and most contain an even number of carbon atoms. The longer chain lengths tend to be less water-soluble and have a higher melting point, leading to a more solid consistency at room temperature. They also yield more energy when metabolized, which is approximately 9 kcal/g for lipids as compared to 4 kcal/g for carbohydrates. These long chains are significant in cell membrane structures and storage, and they are typically present in the form of triglycerides in adipose tissue.