Biological Science
Biological Science
5th Edition
ISBN: 9780321743671
Author: Scott Freeman
Publisher: PEARSON
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Chapter 6, Problem 1TYK

How is the structure of saturated fats different from that of unsaturated fats?

a. All of the carbons in the hydrocarbon tails of saturated fats are bonded to one another with double bonds.

b. Saturated fats have three hydrocarbon tails bonded to the glycerol molecule instead of just two.

c. The hydrocarbon tails in a saturated fat have the maximum number of hydrogens possible.

d. Saturated fats have no oxygens present.

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Summary Introduction

Introduction:

Lipids are the polymeric biomolecules in the body. On the basis of structure, function, and location they are categorized as triglycerides, phospholipids, and steroids. Triglycerides are composed of one molecule of glycerol and 3 fatty acid chains. The fatty acid chain varies in length, which is responsible for various kinds of fats. On the basis of a number of carbon-carbon bonds, they are either saturated or unsaturated fats.

Answer to Problem 1TYK

Correct answer:

A maximum number of possible hydrogens are found in the hydrocarbon tails in a saturated fat.

Explanation of Solution

Justification/ Explanation for the correct answer:

Option (c) is given that the hydrocarbon tails in a saturated fatty acid have a maximum number of hydrogens possible. Carbon atoms in saturated fats are attached to each other by single bonds, which makes the lipids saturated as no more hydrogen atoms can add to the chain. Due to the presence of enough number of hydrogen atoms the fat is named as saturated fat. Hence, option (c) is correct.

Explanation for the incorrect answers:

Option (a) is given that all the carbons in the saturated fat hydrocarbon tail are bonded to one another with double bonds. In saturated fatty acids, all the carbons atoms are bonded to each other by single bonds. Whereas, the carbons in the hydrocarbon tail in the unsaturated fats are bonded with double bonds So, it is an incorrect option.

Option (b) is given that saturated fats have three hydrocarbon tails bonded to the glycerol molecule instead of just two. The tail of a saturated fat is straight and compact. It is composed of a single hydrocarbon chain. So, it is an incorrect option.

Option (d) is given that saturated fats have no oxygen present. Saturated fats are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms due to the presence of the carboxylic acid group. So, it is an incorrect option.

Hence, options (a), (b), and (d) are incorrect.

Conclusion

Therefore, it can be concluded that the carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon tail in a saturated fat have the maximum number of hydrogen possible. The carbon atoms in such fats are linked by single bond.

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