Fatty Acid Structure Molecule Models
SKU: 62114
Fatty acids are carboxylic aliphatic chains with a methyl group at one end and a carboxylic acid group at the other. They have a general formula of H(CH2)nCOOH. Aside from chain length, they differ in the number of cis & trans double bonds in the hydrocarbon chain.
This molecular model kit can build a triglyceride (triacylglycerol) structure such as triolein, tristearin or tripalmitin. Or, build up to three 19 carbon atom models of important saturated, mono-unsaturated and poly-unsaturated fatty acids found in corn oil, canola oil & fish oils. This includes alpha linolenic acid (omega-3), linoleic acid (omega-6) & oleic acid (omega-9), common dietary fats.
Most fatty acids are single aliphatic chains but our free 3D Molecular Model Builder build branched ones such as prostaglandin as well. Or, use to build less common one fatty acid chemical structures such as docosahexaenoic acid, an omega 3 fatty acid found in breast milk that is important to human infant brain development.
Note: If you need just a single model, our 3D Molecular Model Builder will list just the parts for that structure. It can also tell you what our various student organic chemistry model sets can build & whether they need extra parts.
Fatty acids are important components in many biological processes. They provide flexibility, fluidity, stability, and integrity to cell membranes as well as influence permeability and membrane-bound proteins and receptors functionality.
Fatty acids are a denser source of energy than carbohydrates. Saturated fatty acids (e.g. arachidic acid, lauric acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid) can pack tightly in adipose tissue for efficient chemical energy storage. They are used to generate ATP (adenosine triphosphate) energy through ß-oxidation in mitochondria.
Omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids have beneficial effects vital to human nutrition & most living organisms due to their impact on physiological functions. Omega 3 & omega 6 especially since we have no synthetic mechanisms to produce them. Fatty acids derivatives such as eicosanoids and phospholipids are important to cell signalling pathways including including inflammation, immune response, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and gene expression. They are also precursors for steroid hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone which regulate metabolism, stress response, electrolyte balance, reproductive function, and other physiological processes.
Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) such as arachidonic acid (ARA) are essential brain and nervous system development and function. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is found in neuronal membranes and is important for synaptic transmission and neuroplasticity.
Indigo Instruments has maintained a substantial inventory of genuine Molymod atoms & bonds for over 30 years. These parts are compatible with every molecular model kit we have sold since day 1. This level of quality may appear expensive but no parts support from other vendors costs even more.
