The Question is from neet-botany biomolecules-biology , and it was created by the author Mr. NARESH KUMAR K

Question

Which lipid acts as a precursor for both prostaglandins and leukotrienes?

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: C
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Eicosanoid synthesis
 **Related Topics**: Lipid metabolism, inflammation, inflammatory mediators
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of fatty acids and their derivatives.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
The question asks for the lipid precursor to both prostaglandins and leukotrienes.
**Method & Steps**:
1. Identify the class of molecules: Prostaglandins and leukotrienes are eicosanoids, which are signaling molecules derived from fatty acids.
2. Determine the precursor: Eicosanoids are synthesized from 20-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acids. The most common precursor is arachidonic acid.
3. Confirm the role: Arachidonic acid is metabolized through two main pathways: the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway, which produces prostaglandins, and the lipoxygenase (LOX) pathway, which produces leukotrienes.
 Result: Arachidonic acid is the precursor for both prostaglandins and leukotrienes.
 Verification: This is consistent with established biochemical pathways of eicosanoid biosynthesis.
## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid, but it's not a direct precursor to prostaglandins and leukotrienes. It is a precursor to arachidonic acid.
B :x: Palmitic acid is a saturated fatty acid and not involved in the synthesis of eicosanoids.
C ✓: Arachidonic acid is a 20-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acid that serves as the precursor for both prostaglandins and leukotrienes.  It's metabolized by COX and LOX enzymes to produce these signaling molecules.
D :x: Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid and is not involved in the synthesis of eicosanoids.
## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing arachidonic acid with other fatty acids:  Remembering that arachidonic acid is a 20-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acid is key to answering this question correctly.
  2.Focusing only on one pathway:  Understanding that arachidonic acid is a precursor to both prostaglandins (via COX) and leukotrienes (via LOX) is crucial.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Remember the 20-carbon rule:  Eicosanoids are derived from 20-carbon fatty acids.
  2.Associate arachidonic acid with inflammation:  Prostaglandins and leukotrienes are involved in inflammation, and arachidonic acid is their common precursor.

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

Linoleic acid

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

Palmitic acid

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

The correct Option is "Arachidonic acid"

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

Oleic acid

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