Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the structural difference between a saturated fat and an unsaturated fat?
A
Saturated fats are always liquid at room temperature, while unsaturated fats are always solid.
B
Saturated fats contain phosphate groups, whereas unsaturated fats do not.
C
Saturated fats have only single bonds between carbon atoms in their fatty acid chains, while unsaturated fats contain one or more double bonds.
D
Saturated fats have shorter fatty acid chains than unsaturated fats.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the structural composition of saturated and unsaturated fats. Saturated fats consist of fatty acid chains where all carbon atoms are connected by single bonds, resulting in a straight chain structure. Unsaturated fats, on the other hand, contain one or more double bonds between carbon atoms, which introduce kinks or bends in the chain.
Step 2: Analyze the physical properties of saturated and unsaturated fats. Saturated fats are typically solid at room temperature due to their straight chains, which allow them to pack tightly together. Unsaturated fats are usually liquid at room temperature because the kinks in their chains prevent tight packing.
Step 3: Evaluate the chemical composition of saturated and unsaturated fats. Saturated fats do not contain double bonds, while unsaturated fats have one or more double bonds. These double bonds can be in cis or trans configurations, affecting the molecule's shape and properties.
Step 4: Consider the incorrect options provided in the problem. For example, saturated fats do not contain phosphate groups, and the length of fatty acid chains is not a defining characteristic of saturated versus unsaturated fats.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct description of the structural difference is: Saturated fats have only single bonds between carbon atoms in their fatty acid chains, while unsaturated fats contain one or more double bonds.