In: Biology
What is the numbering scheme for naming fatty acids.
Answer=
The numbering scheme for naming fatty acids is as follows
The position of the carbon atoms in a fatty acid can be indicated from the COOH or carboxy end or from the CH3 or methyl end.
If indicated from the -COOH end,then the C1,C-2,C-3 ---etc notation is used.
If the position is counted from the other .CH3 end then the position is indicated by the notation.
The positions of the double bonds in the fatty acid chains can therefore be indicated in 2 ways,using the C-n or the notation.
The numbers in the lipid name are used to describe the fatty acid chains on the lipid.The numbers are generally presented in the format
number of carbons in the fatty acid chain: number of double bonds in the fatty acid chain
example-
16 : 0 would be 16 carbons in the fatty acid chain with zero double bonds or the numeric representation of palmitic acid.