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Multiple Choice
What are fats that are solid at room temperature mostly made of?
A
Saturated fatty acids
B
Polyunsaturated fatty acids
C
Trans fatty acids
D
Unsaturated fatty acids
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of fatty acids: Fatty acids are long hydrocarbon chains with a carboxylic acid group at one end. They can be saturated or unsaturated based on the presence of double bonds.
Identify the characteristics of saturated fatty acids: Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds between carbon atoms, which allows them to pack closely together, making them solid at room temperature.
Consider the role of unsaturated fatty acids: Unsaturated fatty acids contain one or more double bonds, which introduce kinks in the chain, preventing tight packing and usually resulting in a liquid state at room temperature.
Examine trans fatty acids: Trans fatty acids are a type of unsaturated fat with trans double bonds, which can make them behave more like saturated fats, often being solid at room temperature.
Conclude which type of fatty acids are mostly solid at room temperature: Given the characteristics, saturated fatty acids and trans fatty acids are typically solid at room temperature due to their ability to pack closely together.