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Multiple Choice
Which type of fatty acid contains double bonds in its hydrocarbon side chain?
A
Trans fatty acids
B
Unsaturated fatty acids
C
Saturated fatty acids
D
Branched-chain fatty acids
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of fatty acids: Fatty acids are composed of a hydrocarbon chain and a carboxylic acid group (-COOH). The presence or absence of double bonds in the hydrocarbon chain determines whether a fatty acid is saturated or unsaturated.
Define saturated fatty acids: Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds in their hydrocarbon chain. All carbon atoms are fully saturated with hydrogen atoms, resulting in a straight chain structure.
Define unsaturated fatty acids: Unsaturated fatty acids contain one or more double bonds in their hydrocarbon chain. These double bonds introduce kinks or bends in the chain, affecting the physical properties of the fatty acid.
Clarify trans fatty acids: Trans fatty acids are a type of unsaturated fatty acid where the double bonds have a trans configuration, meaning the hydrogen atoms are on opposite sides of the double bond. This gives them a straighter structure compared to cis unsaturated fatty acids.
Explain why unsaturated fatty acids are the correct answer: Unsaturated fatty acids are characterized by the presence of double bonds in their hydrocarbon side chain, distinguishing them from saturated fatty acids, which lack double bonds, and branched-chain fatty acids, which have a different structural arrangement.