Which of the following is true of unsaturated fats? a. They are more common in animals than in plants. b. They have double bonds in their fatty acid chains. c. They generally solidify at room temperature. d. They contain more hydrogen than do saturated fats having the same number of carbon atoms.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key characteristics of unsaturated fats: Unsaturated fats have at least one double bond in their fatty acid chains, which affects their physical properties and chemical behavior.
2. Evaluate each option: Option (b) states that unsaturated fats have double bonds in their fatty acid chains, which is a defining characteristic of unsaturated fats.
3. Compare with other options: Option (a) is incorrect because unsaturated fats are more common in plants than in animals. Option (c) is incorrect as unsaturated fats generally remain liquid at room temperature due to the kinks in their chains caused by double bonds. Option (d) is incorrect because the presence of double bonds means unsaturated fats have fewer hydrogen atoms compared to saturated fats with the same number of carbon atoms.
4. Conclude the correct answer: Based on the evaluation, the correct statement about unsaturated fats is option (b).
5. Reinforce the concept: Remember, the presence of double bonds in unsaturated fats not only influences their state (liquid at room temperature) but also their nutritional and chemical properties compared to saturated fats.

Key Concepts

Unsaturated Fats

Unsaturated fats are types of fatty acids that contain one or more double bonds between carbon atoms in their hydrocarbon chains. This structure prevents the molecules from packing closely together, making them typically liquid at room temperature. They are primarily found in plant oils, nuts, and fish, and are considered healthier than saturated fats.

Fatty Acid Structure

Fatty acids are carboxylic acids with long hydrocarbon chains. The presence of double bonds in unsaturated fatty acids introduces kinks in the chain, affecting their physical properties and how they interact with other molecules. This structural difference is crucial for understanding the behavior of fats in biological systems.

Saturated vs. Unsaturated Fats

Saturated fats have no double bonds in their fatty acid chains, allowing them to pack tightly and remain solid at room temperature. In contrast, unsaturated fats, due to their double bonds, are generally liquid at room temperature. This distinction is important for dietary choices and understanding the health implications of different types of fats.