VPB 112: General Veterinary Biochemistry (1+1)

HYDROXY FATTY ACID

• The central nervous system contains hydroxy fatty acid. e.g., cerebronic acid, the hydroxyl group is attached on the α- carbon atom. The other hydroxy fatty acid that occurs in nature is ricinoleic acid, the main fatty acid in castor oil.
• The hydroxyl group is attached to the C12. Hydroxy fatty acids are also formed in several tissues from arachidonic acid.
• Fatty acids that are normally present in mammalian tissues are generally straight chain type. Sebaceous gland produces branched chain fatty acids.