QQuestionBiochemistry
QuestionBiochemistry
"Question: Which best describes a saturated fatty acid?
A. It is a liquid at room temperature.
B. It is a solid at room temperature.
C. It contains double bonds between carbon atoms.
D. It contains triple bonds between carbon atoms."
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Answer
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Step 1:I'll solve this biochemistry problem step by step:
Step 2:: Understand the definition of a saturated fatty acid
- A saturated fatty acid is a type of fatty acid where all carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon chain are connected by single bonds - The term "saturated" means the carbon chain is completely "saturated" with hydrogen atoms - No double or triple bonds exist between carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon chain
Step 3:: Analyze the characteristics of saturated fatty acids
- Saturated fatty acids have a straight, rigid carbon chain - Due to the single bonds and straight structure, these molecules can pack closely together - This close packing results in a solid state at room temperature
Step 4:: Compare the characteristics with the given options
- Option A (liquid at room temperature): Incorrect - saturated fatty acids are solid - Option B (solid at room temperature): Correct ✓ - Option C (contains double bonds): Incorrect - saturated fatty acids have NO double bonds - Option D (contains triple bonds): Incorrect - saturated fatty acids have NO triple bonds
Final Answer
A saturated fatty acid is a solid at room temperature.
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