- A They yield more usable ATP per gram than any other dietary fatty acid
- B Humans cannot synthesize them and must obtain them from diet
- C They represent a relatively minor class of unsaturated fatty acids found in the human diet
- D They are biologically required mainly during the early childhood growth period
Correct answer: B. Humans cannot synthesize them and must obtain them from diet
Explanation: Essential fatty acids (omega-3 like ALA; omega-6 like linoleic acid) cannot be synthesized by humans because we lack the enzymes to introduce double bonds beyond C9. They must come from food.
Concept context
Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and enzyme kinetics. Essential foundation for understanding metabolism.