Question

Match List-I with List-II

List-I (Fatty Acid)		List-II (Function)
A	Linolenic acid	I	Eye and brain health
B	Alpha Linolenic acid (ALA)	II	Heart health
C	Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)	III	Omega-6 fatty acid
D	Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)	IV	Essential fatty acid

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• (A) - (I), (B) - (II), (C) - (III), (D) - (IV)
• (A) - (IV), (B) - (II), (C) - (III), (D) - (I)
• (A) - (IV), (B) - (III), (C) - (I), (D) - (II)
• (A) - (IV), (B) - (III), (C) - (II), (D) - (I)

Hint:

To solve this quickly, associate DHA directly with "Eye and brain health" (D - I) and EPA with "Heart health" (C - II). This pairing immediately points to the correct option.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Lipids and fatty acids are essential components of fish nutrition and human health.
Fatty acids are broadly classified into saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).
Among PUFAs, the omega-3 (\(\omega\)-3) and omega-6 (\(\omega\)-6) families are biologically critical, acting as structural components of cell membranes and precursors to bioactive signaling molecules.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us match the given fatty acids with their primary classifications and physiological functions:
- (A) Linolenic acid: This is an eighteen-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acid. It is classified as an essential fatty acid (EFA) because it cannot be synthesized de novo by most animals and must be obtained through the diet. Thus, (A) matches with (IV).
- (B) Alpha Linoleic acid (ALA) [Note: Linoleic acid (LA) is historically the precursor of the omega-6 pathway]: In typical nutritional chemistry, Linoleic acid is the primary precursor of the omega-6 pathway. Thus, (B) matches with (III).
- (C) Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA): This is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid (\(20:5n\text{-}3\)) abundant in marine fish oils. It is highly recognized for its roles in cardiovascular health, reducing systemic inflammation, lowering blood pressure, and preventing plaque buildup in arteries. Thus, (C) matches with (II).
- (D) Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): This is a highly unsaturated omega-3 fatty acid (\(22:6n\text{-}3\)) that is a major structural component of the brain and retina. It is crucial for neurological development, cognitive function, and maintaining visual acuity. Thus, (D) matches with (I).
Combining these associations yields the sequence: (A) - (IV), (B) - (III), (C) - (II), (D) - (I).

Step 4: Final Answer:
The correct matching sequence is (A) - (IV), (B) - (III), (C) - (II), (D) - (I), which corresponds to Option (D).