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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best distinguishes a saturated fat from an unsaturated fat?
A
Saturated fats contain more oxygen atoms than unsaturated fats.
B
Unsaturated fats have longer fatty acid chains than saturated fats.
C
Saturated fats are always liquid at room temperature, while unsaturated fats are always solid.
D
Saturated fats have only single bonds between carbon atoms in their fatty acid chains, while unsaturated fats contain one or more double bonds.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the structural difference between saturated and unsaturated fats. Saturated fats have fatty acid chains where all carbon atoms are connected by single bonds, while unsaturated fats have one or more double bonds between carbon atoms in their fatty acid chains.
Step 2: Recognize the implications of these bonds. Single bonds in saturated fats allow the fatty acid chains to pack closely together, making them solid at room temperature. Double bonds in unsaturated fats create kinks in the chain, preventing tight packing and making them liquid at room temperature.
Step 3: Analyze the incorrect options provided in the question. For example, saturated fats do not contain more oxygen atoms than unsaturated fats, and the physical state at room temperature (solid or liquid) is not always consistent for all saturated or unsaturated fats.
Step 4: Focus on the correct answer. The presence of single bonds in saturated fats and double bonds in unsaturated fats is the key distinguishing feature. This structural difference affects their physical properties and biological functions.
Step 5: Conclude by emphasizing the importance of understanding the chemical structure of fatty acids in biochemistry, as it plays a critical role in their function and behavior in biological systems.