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Multiple Choice
What is the primary structural difference between a saturated fatty acid and an unsaturated fatty acid?
A
Saturated fatty acids are always liquid at room temperature, while unsaturated fatty acids are solid.
B
Saturated fatty acids have a longer carbon chain than unsaturated fatty acids.
C
Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds between carbon atoms, while unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double bonds.
D
Saturated fatty acids contain a carboxyl group, while unsaturated fatty acids do not.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the basic structure of a fatty acid, which consists of a long hydrocarbon chain and a terminal carboxyl group \( \text{(-COOH)} \).
Understand that the term 'saturated' refers to the presence of only single bonds between the carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon chain. This means that each carbon atom is bonded to as many hydrogen atoms as possible.
Recognize that 'unsaturated' fatty acids contain one or more double bonds \( \text{(C=C)} \) within the hydrocarbon chain. These double bonds introduce kinks in the chain, affecting the physical properties of the fatty acid.
Note that the presence of double bonds in unsaturated fatty acids prevents the molecules from packing closely together, which typically results in a liquid state at room temperature. In contrast, saturated fatty acids can pack tightly and are usually solid at room temperature.
Conclude that the primary structural difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids is the presence of double bonds in the hydrocarbon chain of unsaturated fatty acids, while saturated fatty acids have no double bonds.