Question

Oleic, stearic, and palmitic acids are:
(A) Fatty acid
(B) Amino acid
(C) Nucleic acid
(D) Essential acid

Answer 1

Hint: Oleic, stearic and palmitic acids are composed of long alkyl or hydrocarbon chains consisting of double or single bonds (saturated or unsaturated compounds). These acids are carboxylic acids with one terminal carboxylic group and they are waxy or oily in their appearance.

Complete Step by Step Solution:
Essential acids are those acids that cannot be produced or synthesised by the body or in the biological system and need to be consumed through the diet we eat. But Oleic, stearic, and palmitic acids all synthesise in the biological system in a better amount than the amount consumed through diets. Thus, all the three acids in question are non-essential acids and not essential acids.

Nucleic acids are very essential polymers macromolecules for biological functions. There are mainly two nucleic acids, DNA, and RNA in cells which are used to send genetic information to cells. So, oleic, stearic, and palmitic are not nucleic acids. Also, these are not amino acids. Amino acids are composed of amino groups (building blocks). There are majorly 20 amino acids that provide essential nutrients in our body but out of all amino acids, oleic, stearic, and palmitic are not present.

Oleic, stearic, and palmitic acids (oily or waxy in appearance)are fatty acids that are produced or obtained by the hydrolysis of fats. Thus, all the three are non-essential fatty acids Chemical formula of Oleic acid is \[{{C}_{18}}{{H}_{34}}{{O}_{2}}\], the chemical formula of stearic acid is\[{{C}_{17}}{{H}_{35}}C{{O}_{2}}H\]and the chemical formula for palmitic acid is\[{{C}_{16}}{{H}_{32}}{{O}_{2}}\].
Thus, the correct option is A.

Note: It is important to note that Oleic acids are monounsaturated (one double bond, alkene) compounds while stearic and palmitic acids are saturated compounds. It has been noticed that cholesterol level in the body is raised to a high level by palmitic acid as compared to stearic acids and oleic acids are used to reduce cholesterol level. Palmitic acids are used to make soap and cosmetics and stearic acids are used in creams and shampoos.