Question

Arachidonic acid gives rise to
(a) Terpenes
(b) Prostaglandins
(c) Gangliosides
(d) Cerebrosides

Answer 1

Arachidonic acid belongs to the class of organic compounds known as fatty acids. Fatty acids are basically carboxylic compounds with long aliphatic chains attached to them which may be saturated or unsaturated.

Complete Step by Step Answer:
Arachidonic acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that is part of the phospholipids that make up the cell membranes of our cells. Arachidonic acid gives rise to prostaglandins in our body which are responsible for causing pain and inflammation. Pain is a very important feature of our nervous system because if we didn’t know there was pain somewhere in the body, we will never realize the fact that this specific part of the body is malfunctioning and needs immediate care. For example, if we didn’t get pain from a cut in our finger, we would be careless and even cut our finger more.

So, the correct option is ‘Prostaglandins’.

Additional information: Let us look at the other compounds mentioned in the options.
Terpenes: These are a large group of organic compounds that are produced by plants and insects. They have a strong odor that is used to defend themselves from predators. Eg: Terpineol
Gangliosides: Gangliosides are glycosphingolipids which are very common is the cell membrane of vertebrates and the central nervous system CNS.
Cerebrosides: These also belong to the group of glycosphingolipids and are known as mono glycosylceramides. They are found in animal muscle and nerve cell membranes.

Note:
- Arachidonic acid is not an essential fatty acid as it is formed in our body itself from linoleic acid.
- Arachidonic acid is mostly found in the brain, liver, and muscles of our body.
- Arachidonic acids is a 20 carbon compound with 4 cis-double bonds.