Fatty Acid Tails

Definition

Fatty acid tails refer to the long chains of hydrocarbons found at one end of a fatty acid molecule. These tails are nonpolar and therefore hydrophobic (water-repelling).

Related terms

Lipids: A group of naturally occurring molecules that include fats, waxes, sterols, fat-soluble vitamins (such as vitamins A, D, E, and K), monoglycerides, diglycerides, triglycerides etc., all contain fatty acid tails.

Phospholipids: These are lipids containing a phosphate group. Their structure includes a hydrophilic head (including the phosphate group) and two hydrophobic fatty acid tails.

Hydrocarbon Chains: These are chains of carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms. They form the main part of the fatty acid tail.