Acidic function classical definition

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) can be defined by classic definition, which defines EFAs as the fatty acids that are required for proper functioning of cells, but the body cannot synthesize them and, therefore, must be supplied by diet. According to this definition, there are only two EFAs linolenic acid (LA, C18 2, n-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, C18 3, n-3). The functional definition of EFAs includes the fatty acids that can correct the symptoms produced by elimination of all EFAs from the diet. According to this definition, LA, gamma linolenic acid (GLA, C18 3, n-6), and arachidonic acid (AA, C20 4, n-6) are EFAs of n-6 family (1, 2). 

The acid-base concepts described in this section focus on bases that react with protons, the classical Br0nsted-Lowry definition of a base. There are other types of electron deficient molecules that function as acids, called Lewis acids. The following section will discuss the relative strength of Lewis acids. 

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