Human Biochemistry, Volume 1 - Murray R. 1993

Bioenergetics and Metabolism of Carbohydrates and Lipids
Metabolism of Unsaturated Fatty Acids and Eicosanoids
Introduction

Unlike plant Tissues, animal tissues have a very limited ability to convert saturated Fatty acids into unsaturated ones. Therefore, Animal diets must necessarily include certain polyunsaturated fatty acids found in plant-derived foods. These Essential Fatty Acids are precursors of eicosanoic (C20) fatty acids, which subsequently give rise to families of compounds collectively known as Eicosanoids. These include Prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and Leukotrienes.



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