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 difference between saturated and unsaturated fats?
A
Saturated fats are composed of glycerol only, while unsaturated fats are composed of fatty acids only.
B
Saturated fats are liquid at room temperature, while unsaturated fats are solid at room temperature.
C
Saturated fats have no double bonds between carbon atoms, while unsaturated fats contain one or more double bonds.
D
Saturated fats contain phosphate groups, while unsaturated fats do not.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the structural difference between saturated and unsaturated fats. Saturated fats have carbon atoms in their fatty acid chains that are fully saturated with hydrogen atoms, meaning there are no double bonds between the carbon atoms. Unsaturated fats, on the other hand, contain one or more double bonds in their fatty acid chains, which introduces kinks or bends in their structure.
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, with their bent chains caused by double bonds, are usually liquid at room temperature because they cannot pack as tightly.
Step 3: Evaluate the chemical composition of saturated and unsaturated fats. Both types of fats are composed of glycerol and fatty acids, but the presence or absence of double bonds in the fatty acid chains is the key distinguishing feature.
Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options based on the structural and physical properties discussed. For example, saturated fats do not contain phosphate groups, and both types of fats are composed of glycerol and fatty acids, not exclusively one or the other.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct description of the difference is: Saturated fats have no double bonds between carbon atoms, while unsaturated fats contain one or more double bonds. This aligns with the structural and chemical characteristics of these fats.