An essential fatty acids is

Options

A. Palmitic acid
B. Arachidonic acid
C. Stearic acid
D. Arachidic acid.

Answer

To answer the question "An essential fatty acid is," we need to identify which of the provided options is classified as an essential fatty acid. Here’s a step-by-step solution:

### Step 1: Understand the Definition of Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are fatty acids that the body cannot synthesize on its own and must be obtained through diet. They are crucial for various biological processes, including cell membrane formation and function.

**Hint:** Remember that essential fatty acids cannot be produced by the body and must be ingested.

### Step 2: Identify the Types of Essential Fatty Acids
There are two primary types of essential fatty acids:
1. Alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid)
2. Linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid)

Arachidonic acid is also important, but it is derived from linoleic acid and is not classified as an essential fatty acid itself.

**Hint:** Focus on the classification of fatty acids into essential and non-essential categories.

### Step 3: Analyze the Given Options
The options provided are:
1. Palmitic acid
2. Arachidonic acid
3. Stearic acid
4. Arachidic acid

Now, we need to evaluate each option:
- **Palmitic acid**: This is a saturated fatty acid and is not essential.
- **Arachidonic acid**: This is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid, but it is derived from linoleic acid, making it conditionally essential.
- **Stearic acid**: This is also a saturated fatty acid and is not essential.
- **Arachidic acid**: This is a saturated fatty acid and is not essential.

**Hint:** Look for the fatty acids that are classified as essential based on their dietary necessity.

### Step 4: Determine the Correct Answer
Among the options, **arachidonic acid** is the only one that is closely related to essential fatty acids, as it is derived from linoleic acid, which is essential. Therefore, it is the most appropriate answer in the context of this question.

**Hint:** Consider the relationship between fatty acids and their dietary sources when determining essentiality.

### Final Answer
The correct answer is **arachidonic acid**.