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Multiple Choice
How many double bonds are found in a saturated fatty acid?
A
0
B
3
C
2
D
1
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the definition of a saturated fatty acid: Saturated fatty acids are types of fatty acids that have no double bonds between the individual carbon atoms of the fatty acid chain. They are saturated with hydrogen atoms.
Visualize the structure: A saturated fatty acid has a straight chain with single bonds between carbon atoms. Each carbon atom is bonded to as many hydrogen atoms as possible, resulting in no double bonds.
Compare with unsaturated fatty acids: Unsaturated fatty acids contain one or more double bonds in their carbon chain, which introduces kinks or bends in the structure.
Identify the key characteristic: The absence of double bonds is the defining feature of saturated fatty acids, distinguishing them from unsaturated fatty acids.
Conclude based on the definition: Since saturated fatty acids have no double bonds, the number of double bonds in a saturated fatty acid is zero.