Fats: unsaturated/saturated

What is a fat?

A fat is a triglyceride (triacylglycerol) made of one glycerol molecule joined to three fatty acids by ester bonds.

What is a saturated fat?

A saturated fat is a fat made from saturated fatty acids, which have no carbon-carbon double bonds in their hydrocarbon chains.

What is an unsaturated fat?

An unsaturated fat is a fat made from unsaturated fatty acids, which have one or more carbon-carbon bonds.

Why are saturated fats called “saturated”?

Because their fatty acid chains contain the maximum possible number of hydrogen atoms and have no double bonds.

Why are many saturated fats solid at room termperature?

Their fatty acid chains are straight, so the molecules can pack tightly together.

Why are many unsaturated fats liquid at room temperature?

Their fatty acids often have cis double bonds, which create kinks in the chains and prevent tight packing.

What is a monounsaturated fatty acid?

A fatty acid with one double bond.

What is a polyunsaturated fatty acid?

A fatty acid with more than one double bond.

What is the main function of fats?

Energy storage.

What are two additional functions of adipose tissue (=rasvakudos)?

Cushioning organs and insulating the body.

In general, animal fats are usually more_____, while plant oils are usually more _____.

Animal fats are usually more saturated, while plant oils are usually more unsaturated.

What are trans fats?

Unsaturated fats with trans double bonds; they are harmful and linked to coronary heart diseases.