Easy

An unsaturated fatty acid differs from a saturated one in that it

Correct answer: A. contains one or more carbon to carbon double bonds in its hydrocarbon chain

  • A. contains one or more carbon to carbon double bonds in its hydrocarbon chain
  • B. contains more hydrogen atoms per carbon
  • C. has no carboxyl group
  • D. cannot be used in respiration

Explanation

Each double bond puts a kink in the chain, so the molecules pack together less closely and the fat has a lower melting point, which is why plant oils are liquid while animal fats are solid at room temperature. Saturated means the chain carries the maximum possible hydrogen, so the unsaturated form has fewer hydrogens, not more. Diets high in saturated fat are linked with atherosclerosis.

Written and checked by , contributorLast updated
Report an error

The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.

Prefer email? support@testustad.com

About Lipids

Lipids include fats, oils, waxes, phospholipids and steroids, which are largely insoluble in water and soluble in organic solvents. Coverage includes glycerol and fatty acids, ester bond formation, saturated and unsaturated fats, triglyceride functions, and phospholipids in cell membranes.

Practise Biological Molecules

1,790 free Biological Molecules MCQs from Biology, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.

Discussion

Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.

No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.

Exams that ask Biology questions like this

Biology is on 8 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.

More Lipids questions