Genetics fatty acid effect

Das UN, Rao KP. Effect of y-linolenic acid and prostaglandins El on gamma-radiation and chemical-induced genetic damage to the bone marrow cells of mice. Prostaglandins Leukot. Essen. Fatty Acids 2006 74 165-173. 

A number of factors other than diet can influence the fatty acid composition of the depot lipids of a given species. These include genetic and sex effects (16, 17). Physical environment also plays a role. For example, in sheep, colder temperatures result in softer body fats with lower melting points and higher iodine numbers (18). In general, diet has a more marked effect on fat quality than do breed or sex, especially in nonmminants, which are susceptible to alteration of tissue fatty acids by dietary modification. 

The answer is c. (Murray, pp 123-148. Scriver, pp 2367-2424. Sack, pp 159-175. Wilson, pp 287-317.) The most likely cause of the symptoms observed is carnitine deficiency. Under normal circumstances, long-chain fatty acids coming into muscle cells are activated as acyl coenzyme A and transported as acyl carnitine across the inner mitochondrial membrane into the matrix. A deficiency in carnitine, which is normally synthesized in the liver, can be genetic but it is also observed in preterm babies with liver problems and dialysis patients. Blockage of the transport of long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria not only deprives the patient of energy production, but also disrupts the structure of the muscle cell with the accumulation of lipid droplets. Oral dietary supplementation usually can effect a cure. Deficiencies in the carnitine acyltransferase enzymes I and II can cause similar symptoms. 

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