A fatty acid is a type of organic molecule made up of long chains of carbon atoms, usually with a carboxylic acid group at one end. They are important building blocks of lipids, which are essential for various biological functions in living organisms. Fatty acids can be saturated, meaning they have no double bonds between carbon atoms, or unsaturated, which means they contain one or more double bonds. Fatty acids play a crucial role in energy storage, cell membrane structure, and signaling processes. They are found in many foods, including oils, nuts, and fish, and are vital for maintaining overall health. Essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, cannot be produced by the body and must be obtained through diet.