Multiple Choice
Which type of fatty acids are typically solid at room temperature?
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10. Lipids
Fatty Acids
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Which type of fat contains only single bonds between the carbon atoms in its fatty acid chains?
A
Monounsaturated fat
B
Polyunsaturated fat
C
Saturated fat
D
Trans fat
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the structure of fatty acids. Fatty acids are long hydrocarbon chains with a carboxyl group (-COOH) at one end. The bonds between the carbon atoms in the chain can be single or double bonds.
Step 2: Define saturated fats. Saturated fats are fatty acids that contain only single bonds between the carbon atoms in their hydrocarbon chains. This means the chain is 'saturated' with hydrogen atoms, as no double bonds are present.
Step 3: Compare saturated fats with other types of fats. Monounsaturated fats contain one double bond in their fatty acid chains, while polyunsaturated fats contain two or more double bonds. Trans fats are unsaturated fats that have been chemically altered to have a trans configuration around their double bonds.
Step 4: Recognize the key characteristic of saturated fats. The absence of double bonds in saturated fats makes their structure more rigid, allowing them to pack closely together. This is why saturated fats are typically solid at room temperature.
Step 5: Apply this knowledge to the question. Since the problem asks for the type of fat that contains only single bonds between the carbon atoms in its fatty acid chains, the correct answer is saturated fat.
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