Chapter 8, Problem 8.48EP

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The number of omega-3 fatty acid residues in the given triacylglycerol molecules have to be predicted.

Concept introduction: The position of double bonds in unsaturated fatty acids is denoted by the Greek lowercase letter omega ($\omega$). The position of the double bond is specified relative to the methyl end or non-carboxyl end of the fatty acid carbon chain.

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The number of omega-6 fatty acid residues in the given triacylglycerol molecules have to be predicted.

Concept introduction: The position of double bonds in unsaturated fatty acids is denoted by the Greek lowercase letter omega ($\omega$). The position of the double bond is specified relative to the methyl end or non-carboxyl end of the fatty acid carbon chain.

(c)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The number of bad fatty acid residues in the given triacylglycerol molecules have to be predicted.

Concept introduction: In a dietary context, there are two different types of fats: good fat and bad fat. Saturated fats are known as “bad fat” and monounsaturated fats are called “good fat”. Polyunsaturated fats can be both “good fat” and “bad fat”.

(d)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The number of ${\Delta }^{9,12}$ fatty acid residues in the given triacylglycerol molecules have to be predicted.

Concept introduction: A shorthand system is used to specify the position of double bonds in unsaturated fatty acids. In this system, two numbers are separated by a colon. These two numbers indicates the number of carbon atoms and the number of carbon-carbon double bonds present respectively. The position of the double bonds is specified by the use of Greek capital letter delta ($\Delta$) followed by one or more superscript numbers.