UPSC Prelims 2004 Q73: Science & Technology – Health & Diseases
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.
- (a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
- (b) Both A and R are individually true but R is not the correct explanation of A
- (c) A is true but R is false
- (d) A is false but R is true
Answer: (c) A is true but R is false
Explanation
Fatty acids in the human diet
| Part | Verdict |
|---|---|
| A. Fatty acids should be part of a balanced diet | True — essential fatty acids |
| R. Human cells cannot synthesise any fatty acids | False: cells make most fatty acids, but not the essential ones (linoleic and linolenic acids) |
A is true and R is false: the body synthesises many fatty acids but not the essential ones, which must come from food.
Answer: (c) A is true but R is false.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. R is false, so it cannot explain A.
- (b) Incorrect. R is not true, because many fatty acids are synthesised.
- (c) CORRECT. A is true, but R is false because only the essential fatty acids cannot be made.
- (d) Incorrect. A is true, as essential fatty acids are needed.
Key point
Essential fatty acids: linoleic (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic (omega-3).
Remember
Only essential fatty acids must come from the diet.
Common mistakes
- Believing that no fatty acid can be made by the body.
- Mixing essential amino acids with fatty acids.
- Forgetting that humans do make saturated fatty acids.
Exam tip
Essential means the body cannot make it, not that it makes none.
Sources
- NCERT Class XI Biology — Biomolecules
- National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR) — Nutrient Requirements and Recommended Dietary Allowances for Indians (dietary fats)