UPSC Prelims 2004·GS1·science-and-technology·science and technology

Assertion (A): Fatty acids should be a part of the balanced human diet. Reason (R): The cells of the human body cannot synthesize any fatty acids.

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  1. ABoth A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
  2. BBoth A and R are individually true but R is not the correct explanation of A
  3. CA is true but R is falseCorrect
  4. DA is false but R is true

Explanation

Assertion (A) is true. Fatty acids are essential components of a balanced human diet. They provide energy, aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), protect organs, and are crucial for cell membrane structure and hormone production. Reason (R) is false. The human body can synthesize many fatty acids, particularly saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, from carbohydrates and proteins through a process called lipogenesis. However, it cannot synthesize *essential* fatty acids (like linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, which are omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, respectively) and these must be obtained from the diet. The statement says "cannot synthesize *any* fatty acids," which is incorrect. Since A is true and R is false, option C is the correct answer.
science-and-technology: Assertion (A): Fatty acids should be a part of the balanced human diet. Reason (R): The cells of the human body cannot s
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