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Fatty acids are either saturated or unsaturated. When a fatty acid is saturated it is literally saturated with hydrogen bonds. This only occurs when there are single bonds present. If there are double bonds present between the carbon atoms, less hyrdogen atoms are required and the fatty acid is said to be unsaturated. These unsaturated fats are easier to break down by the cells of your body because double bonds react more readily.

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Do unsaturated fatty acids have double bonds in their chemical structure?

Yes, unsaturated fatty acids have double bonds in their chemical structure.


Why do saturated fatty acids have structures while unsaturated fatty acids have bent structures?

Because unsaturated fatty acids have many double bonds and the atoms cannot rotate freely around those double bonds. In the saturated fatty acids, there are no double bonds (only single bonds) and so the atoms are free to rotate.


Fatty acids with double bonds between carbons are described to be?

Unsaturated fatty acids. These double bonds can be either monounsaturated (one double bond) or polyunsaturated (multiple double bonds). They are typically liquid at room temperature and are considered healthier fats compared to saturated fats.


What type of fatty acid has double bonds?

The two basic types of fatty acids are saturated and unsaturated. A fatty acid consists of a hydrocarbon chain and a carboxyl group: CH3(CH2)nCOOH Saturated fatty acids have only single bonds between the carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon chain ie the molecule is "saturated" with hydrogen atoms and no more can be added. Unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double bonds between the carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon chain. Fatty acids with a single double bond are called monounsaturated. Fatty acids with two or more double bonds are called polyunsaturated. See:http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/F/Fats.html


Why do saturated fatty acids have straight structure while unsaturated fatty acids have bent structure?

saturated fatty acids contain more carbon atoms Saturated fatty acids have single carbon-to-carbon bonds.

Related Questions

Do fatty acids have double bonds in their structure?

Yes, fatty acids can have double bonds in their structure. These double bonds can affect the physical properties and functions of the fatty acids.


Are fatty acids with double bonds saturated or not?

Fatty acids containing double bonds are unsaturated fatty acids as they still contain sp2 carbon atoms within them.


Do unsaturated fatty acids have double bonds in their chemical structure?

Yes, unsaturated fatty acids have double bonds in their chemical structure.


Are fatty acids saturated or unsaturated?

Fatty acids can be either saturated or unsaturated. Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds between carbon atoms, while unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double bonds.


What are unsaturated fatty acids?

Unsaturated fatty acids are fatty acids that have double bonds in their long carbon chains.


What type of fatty acid contains double bonds?

Unsaturated fatty acids contain double bonds.


What determines whether a fatty acid is saturated or unsaturated?

The presence of double bonds in the carbon chain of a fatty acid determines whether it is saturated or unsaturated. Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds, while unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double bonds.


Fatty acids containing at least one double or triple covalent bond is called?

Monounsaturated fatty acid = ONE double or triple covalent bond Polyunsaturated fatty acid = TWO OR MORE double and/or triple covalent bonds.


Why do saturated fatty acids have structures while unsaturated fatty acids have bent structures?

Because unsaturated fatty acids have many double bonds and the atoms cannot rotate freely around those double bonds. In the saturated fatty acids, there are no double bonds (only single bonds) and so the atoms are free to rotate.


What chemical characteristics of fatty acids determines their susceptibility to spoilage by oxygen?

Susceptibility to spoilage by oxygen of fatty acids is determined by the number of double bonds in the acid's carbon chain. Molecular oxygen can attack these bonds and break the chain, forming ketones. Incidentally, naturally-occuring cis-double bonds are more susceptible than the artificial trans-fatty acids.


Fatty acids with double bonds between carbons are described to be?

Unsaturated fatty acids. These double bonds can be either monounsaturated (one double bond) or polyunsaturated (multiple double bonds). They are typically liquid at room temperature and are considered healthier fats compared to saturated fats.


What is the main difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?

The main difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids is the presence of double bonds in unsaturated fatty acids. Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds in their carbon chains, while unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double bonds. This structural difference affects their physical properties and health implications.