Question

Naturally occurring unsaturated fatty acids typically contain double bonds primarily in which configuration?

1) cis
2) trans
3) highly branched
4) odd number of carbon atoms
5) omega-3 fatty acids

Answer 1

Naturally occurring unsaturated fatty acids primarily contain double bonds in the cis configuration, leading to a bent structure that makes them liquid at room temperature.

Step-by-step explanation:

Naturally occurring unsaturated fatty acids typically contain double bonds primarily in the cis configuration. Unsaturated fatty acids with cis double bonds have both hydrogen atoms on the same side of the carbon chain, causing a bend in the chain. This bent structure prevents the fatty acids from packing tightly and they typically exist as a liquid at room temperature. In comparison, trans fatty acids have hydrogen atoms on opposite sides of the carbon chain. However, naturally occurring fatty acids are generally found in the cis form rather than the trans form.