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Fatty acids are generally made using a complex called fatty acid synthase. This complex grabs a 3 carbon molecule in the first step (Malonyl-CoA) and adds to it a 2 carbon molecule (Acetyl-CoA). In this ajoinment, one carbon is lost as carbon dioxide, leaving a four carbon unit at the end of the first round. The fatty acid continues to grow by adding additional Malonyl-CoA molecules, sacrificing one carbon to join with the parent chain in each round. Therefore, the chain grows by two carbon units, giving us the plethora of even numbered fatty acids. Additional reactions are required to add odd numbered units to the chain, so the path of least resistance generates more even numbered chains than odd numbered chains in nature. When fatty acids are broken down by B-oxidation (most common), the chain degrades two carbons at a time.

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16y ago
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15y ago

There aren't only even-numbered-carbon fatty acids. They just tend to generate glucose and an even numbered fatty acid. See link below.

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12y ago

No, these type fatty acids have an even number of carbon atoms. From 4 to 28.

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Q: Do fatty acids in the body contain an odd number of carbon atoms?
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How many carbon atoms do all fatty acids have?

They usually contain an even number of carbon atoms.


Inorganic acids in the body include?

Any of various acids that do not contain carbon atoms


Which type of fatty acids has two or more carbon double bonds?

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Natural fatty acids contain 10 and onwards even no of carbon atoms.


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It depends on the fatty acid how many carbons there are. The number can range from 4 to 28.


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Carboxylic acids with odd number carbon atoms are packed in crystals less efficiently than those that have even numbers.


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Fatty acids containing double bonds are unsaturated fatty acids as they still contain sp2 carbon atoms within them.


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