Multiple Choice
Which type of fatty acid has two or more double bonds within its carbon chain?
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10. Lipids
Fatty Acids
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Which of the following best describes the difference between a saturated and an unsaturated fatty acid?
A
Saturated fatty acids contain a carboxyl group, while unsaturated fatty acids do not.
B
Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds between carbon atoms, while unsaturated fatty acids contain one or more double bonds.
C
Saturated fatty acids are only found in plants, while unsaturated fatty acids are only found in animals.
D
Saturated fatty acids are always liquid at room temperature, while unsaturated fatty acids are always solid.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the structure of fatty acids. Fatty acids are long hydrocarbon chains with a terminal carboxyl group (-COOH). Both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids share this basic structure.
Step 2: Define saturated fatty acids. Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds between the carbon atoms in their hydrocarbon chain. This means all carbon atoms are fully 'saturated' with hydrogen atoms.
Step 3: Define unsaturated fatty acids. Unsaturated fatty acids contain one or more double bonds between carbon atoms in their hydrocarbon chain. These double bonds create kinks or bends in the chain, affecting their physical properties.
Step 4: Compare the physical properties of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Saturated fatty acids are typically solid at room temperature (e.g., butter), while unsaturated fatty acids are usually liquid (e.g., olive oil). This is due to the straight structure of saturated fatty acids allowing tight packing, whereas the kinks in unsaturated fatty acids prevent tight packing.
Step 5: Eliminate incorrect options based on the definitions and properties. For example, the statement 'Saturated fatty acids contain a carboxyl group, while unsaturated fatty acids do not' is incorrect because both types contain a carboxyl group. The correct answer is: 'Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds between carbon atoms, while unsaturated fatty acids contain one or more double bonds.'
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