Functions of Fatty Acids in Physiology

Fatty acids having at least 16 carbons (C16) play an important structural role as the major components of cell membranes (see Chapter 4). 

Fatty acids comprise the principal long-term fuel reserve of the body in the form of triacylglycerols. 

These reserves are stored mainly in adipose and liver. 

Fatty acids stored as triacylglycerols are also generally C16. 

In addition to fats that are made available from dietary sources, cells can synthesize many fatty acids. 

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