A researcher isolates a lipid from a plant tissue and identifies a specific fatty acid component. Upon chemical analysis, this fatty acid is found to contain exactly 16 carbon atoms, including the carboxyl carbon. Which of the following is the isolated fatty acid?

Step-by-step solution

According to NCERT, palmitic acid is a fatty acid that contains exactly 16 carbon atoms, including the carboxyl carbon. Arachidonic acid contains 20 carbon atoms, including the carboxyl carbon. Stearic acid is an 18-carbon fatty acid, which does not match the given description. Lecithin is a phospholipid found in cell membranes, not a simple fatty acid. Answer: Palmitic acid