Fatty acyl refers to a long-chain hydrocarbon derived from fatty acids, which are carboxylic acids with long aliphatic tails. These molecules play a crucial role in various biological processes, including energy storage and membrane structure. Fatty acyl groups can be found in lipids, which are essential components of cell membranes and serve as energy sources. In biochemistry, fatty acyl groups are often involved in the formation of triglycerides and phospholipids. They can also participate in metabolic pathways, such as beta-oxidation, where fatty acids are broken down to produce energy. Understanding fatty acyl compounds is important for studying metabolism and cellular functions.