Which of the following is a precursor for the synthesis of leukotrienes?

The synthesis of leukotrienes primarily involves arachidonic acid, which is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that serves as a key precursor for various bioactive lipid mediators, including leukotrienes. Arachidonic acid is derived from membrane phospholipids through the action of phospholipase A2 and can be further metabolized by lipoxygenases to form leukotrienes.

Leukotrienes play critical roles in inflammatory responses, immune system regulation, and various physiological processes, such as bronchoconstriction and increased vascular permeability. The specificity of leukotriene synthesis and its dependence on arachidonic acid highlights its importance in the context of pathophysiological conditions such as asthma, allergies, and inflammatory diseases.

Although docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and linoleic acid are all important fatty acids with significant biological roles, they are not directly involved in the synthesis of leukotrienes. Docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, for instance, serve as precursors for other types of bioactive mediators, such as resolvins and protectins, which are involved in anti-inflammatory processes, while linoleic acid primarily acts as a