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Multiple Choice
What type of fatty acid has a hydrogen atom at every possible place along its carbon chain?
A
Saturated fatty acid
B
Polyunsaturated fatty acid
C
Unsaturated fatty acid
D
Trans fatty acid
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of fatty acids: Fatty acids are carboxylic acids with long hydrocarbon chains. The presence or absence of double bonds in these chains determines the type of fatty acid.
Define saturated fatty acids: Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds between carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon chain. This means every carbon atom is bonded to the maximum number of hydrogen atoms possible.
Compare with unsaturated fatty acids: Unsaturated fatty acids contain one or more double bonds in the carbon chain, reducing the number of hydrogen atoms bonded to the carbon atoms.
Differentiate between types of unsaturated fatty acids: Polyunsaturated fatty acids have multiple double bonds, while monounsaturated fatty acids have only one double bond. Trans fatty acids are a type of unsaturated fatty acid where the hydrogen atoms are on opposite sides of the double bond.
Conclude the identification: A fatty acid with a hydrogen atom at every possible place along its carbon chain is a saturated fatty acid, as it lacks double bonds and is fully 'saturated' with hydrogen atoms.