Question

The total energy obtained from the degradation of a fatty acid depends on the carbon chain length. True or False?

Answer 1

The given statement is true. The energy released from the complete oxidation of a fatty acid with n carbon atoms is dependent on the value of n.

For example if n<5 - Short chain fatty acids

6<n<12 - Medium chain fatty acids

13<n<21 - Long chain fatty acids

n> 22 - Very long chain fatty acids

The energy released by these fatty acids are different and thus the energy of oxidation of the fatty acid depends on the number of carbon atoms in the given chain.