Fatty acids are primarily differentiated based on the presence and number of double bonds in their hydrocarbon chain.
Saturated vs. Unsaturated Fatty Acids
The key distinction lies in the presence or absence of double bonds between carbon atoms:
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Saturated Fatty Acids: These fatty acids have no double bonds. The carbon atoms are fully saturated with hydrogen atoms.
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Unsaturated Fatty Acids: These fatty acids contain one or more double bonds. The presence of a double bond means that a pair of hydrogen atoms is missing.
Types of Unsaturated Fatty Acids
Unsaturated fatty acids are further classified by the number of double bonds they contain:
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Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFAs): These fatty acids possess only one double bond in their structure. An example would be oleic acid, commonly found in olive oil.
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Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs): These fatty acids have two or more double bonds. Examples include linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3).
Summary Table
| Fatty Acid Type | Number of Double Bonds | Hydrogen Saturation | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturated | 0 | Fully Saturated | Palmitic Acid |
| Monounsaturated | 1 | Unsaturated | Oleic Acid |
| Polyunsaturated | 2 or more | Unsaturated | Linoleic Acid |
The number and position of these double bonds significantly affect the fatty acid's properties and its role in biological systems.
