What is the basic structure of a fatty acid?

The basic structure of a fatty acid consists of a long chain of carbon atoms, which is typically linear, terminating at one end with a carboxyl group (-COOH) and at the other end with a methyl group (-CH3). The carboxyl group gives fatty acids their acidic properties and is crucial for their role in forming lipids. The carbon chain can vary in length and may contain single or double bonds between the carbon atoms, leading to the classification of fatty acids as saturated or unsaturated.

This structure allows fatty acids to serve as a significant source of energy and as building blocks for more complex lipids, such as triglycerides and phospholipids, which are essential for cellular structure and function. The presence of both the carboxyl and methyl groups is what distinguishes fatty acids from other biological molecules, contributing to their unique chemical behavior and physiological roles.