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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements is true of trans-fatty acids?
A
They are produced exclusively by animal metabolism.
B
They increase the fluidity of cell membranes more than cis-fatty acids.
C
They have hydrogen atoms on opposite sides of the double bond, resulting in a straighter fatty acid chain.
D
They are naturally abundant in most plant oils.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of trans-fatty acids: Trans-fatty acids are unsaturated fatty acids that have hydrogen atoms on opposite sides of the double bond, which results in a straighter fatty acid chain compared to cis-fatty acids.
Compare trans-fatty acids to cis-fatty acids: Cis-fatty acids have hydrogen atoms on the same side of the double bond, causing a bend in the fatty acid chain. This structural difference affects their physical properties, such as fluidity.
Evaluate the statement about production: Trans-fatty acids are not produced exclusively by animal metabolism. They are often formed during industrial processes like partial hydrogenation of oils.
Assess the statement about fluidity: Trans-fatty acids do not increase the fluidity of cell membranes more than cis-fatty acids. The straighter structure of trans-fatty acids makes them pack more tightly, reducing fluidity.
Analyze the statement about natural abundance: Trans-fatty acids are not naturally abundant in most plant oils. They are primarily found in processed foods and some animal products due to industrial processing.