Correct Option
Assertion (A) states that fatty acids should be a part of the balanced human diet. This statement is true. Fatty acids are integral to various physiological processes, including the formation of cell membranes, energy storage, and the synthesis of signaling molecules. Crucially, the human body cannot synthesize certain essential fatty acids, such as linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) and alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid), which must be acquired through diet.
Reason (R) states that the cells of the human body cannot synthesize any fatty acids. This statement is false. The human body possesses the metabolic pathways to synthesize many fatty acids, including saturated and some monounsaturated fatty acids, from dietary carbohydrates and proteins. Only a specific category of fatty acids, termed essential fatty acids, cannot be synthesized endogenously.
Given that Assertion (A) is true and Reason (R) is false, option (c) accurately reflects the situation.
Incorrect Options
Options (a) and (b) are incorrect because Reason (R) is a false statement.
Option (d) is incorrect because Assertion (A) is a true statement.