Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements is true about trans fatty acids?
A
Trans fatty acids increase HDL ("good") cholesterol levels in the blood.
B
Trans fatty acids have hydrogen atoms on opposite sides of the double bond.
C
Trans fatty acids are naturally abundant in most plant oils.
D
Trans fatty acids contain only single bonds between carbon atoms.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of trans fatty acids: Trans fatty acids are unsaturated fatty acids that contain at least one double bond in their carbon chain. The key feature is that the hydrogen atoms attached to the carbons in the double bond are on opposite sides, giving the molecule a straighter shape compared to cis fatty acids.
Analyze the first statement: 'Trans fatty acids increase HDL ('good') cholesterol levels in the blood.' This is incorrect because trans fatty acids are known to increase LDL ('bad') cholesterol and decrease HDL ('good') cholesterol, which is harmful to cardiovascular health.
Evaluate the second statement: 'Trans fatty acids have hydrogen atoms on opposite sides of the double bond.' This is correct because the defining characteristic of trans fatty acids is the trans configuration of the double bond, where hydrogen atoms are on opposite sides.
Examine the third statement: 'Trans fatty acids are naturally abundant in most plant oils.' This is incorrect because trans fatty acids are not naturally abundant in plant oils. They are primarily formed during industrial processes like partial hydrogenation of oils.
Assess the fourth statement: 'Trans fatty acids contain only single bonds between carbon atoms.' This is incorrect because trans fatty acids are unsaturated, meaning they contain at least one double bond in their carbon chain.