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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements concerning unsaturated fats is true?
A
They contain one or more double bonds in their hydrocarbon chains.
B
They are composed exclusively of saturated fatty acids.
C
They are typically solid at room temperature.
D
They increase the melting point of cell membranes.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of unsaturated fats: Unsaturated fats are characterized by the presence of one or more double bonds in their hydrocarbon chains. These double bonds create kinks in the chain, preventing tight packing and influencing their physical properties.
Compare unsaturated fats to saturated fats: Saturated fats lack double bonds in their hydrocarbon chains, allowing them to pack tightly together. This tight packing makes saturated fats solid at room temperature, unlike unsaturated fats, which are typically liquid due to their less dense structure.
Analyze the melting point of unsaturated fats: The double bonds in unsaturated fats lower the melting point compared to saturated fats. This is because the kinks caused by the double bonds reduce intermolecular interactions, making them less stable at higher temperatures.
Evaluate the impact of unsaturated fats on cell membranes: Unsaturated fats increase membrane fluidity rather than the melting point. The kinks in their structure prevent tight packing of lipid molecules, enhancing the dynamic nature of the membrane.
Identify the correct statement: Based on the structural and physical properties of unsaturated fats, the true statement is that they contain one or more double bonds in their hydrocarbon chains.