What are fatty acids primarily composed of?

Fatty acids are primarily composed of hydrocarbon chains with a carboxyl group. This structure consists of a long chain of carbon atoms, typically with a varying number of hydrogen atoms attached, and culminates in a functional carboxyl group (-COOH) at one end. This carboxyl group is what differentiates fatty acids from other types of molecules, as it imparts acidic properties to the molecule.

The hydrocarbon chain in fatty acids can be saturated, meaning it contains only single bonds between carbon atoms, or unsaturated, where one or more double bonds are present. This composition is fundamental to the role of fatty acids in biological systems, particularly in the formation of lipids like triglycerides and phospholipids, which are crucial for storing energy and forming cell membranes.