Step 1: Understanding arachidonic acid structure.
Arachidonic acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid belonging to the omega-6 family. It plays an important role in cell signaling and inflammation pathways.
Step 2: Carbon chain composition.
The carbon skeleton of arachidonic acid includes a long hydrocarbon chain where the functional carboxyl group is attached to an R group containing multiple carbon atoms.
Step 3: Identification of correct carbon count.
In arachidonic acid, the R group contains 19 carbon atoms contributing to its overall structure, making it a long-chain fatty acid.
Step 4: Analysis of options.
Options (1), (2), and (4) do not match the correct structural composition of arachidonic acid. Only option (3) correctly reflects the carbon count.
Step 5: Biological significance.
The long carbon chain of arachidonic acid contributes to its hydrophobic nature and its role in membrane phospholipids and signaling molecules.
Step 6: Final conclusion.
Thus, the correct answer is option (3).