Final answer:
The amount of energy derived from a fatty acid depends on the length of the fatty acid chain, presence of double bonds, and whether it is saturated or unsaturated.
Step-by-step explanation:
The amount of energy derived from a given fatty acid is determined by all of the following factors: the length of the fatty acid chain, the presence of double bonds, and whether the fatty acid is saturated or unsaturated.
A longer fatty acid chain will typically yield more energy, as there are more carbon bonds to break. Fatty acids with double bonds can undergo a process called beta-oxidation, which generates more energy than fully saturated fatty acids. Additionally, unsaturated fatty acids tend to have a lower melting point and are more easily broken down for energy compared to saturated fatty acids.