Properties of Fatty Acids
Some of the common properties of fatty acids are:
- They have varied chain lengths.
- Short-chain fatty acids have around 6 or less carbon atoms, medium-chained fatty acids have between 6 to 12 carbon atoms, and long-chain fatty acids have around 12 or more carbon atoms.
- The degree of saturation depends on the presence and absence of double bonds between the carbon atoms.
- Saturated fatty acids lack double bonds and are solid at room temperature.
- Unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double bonds and are liquid at room temperature.
- Saturated fatty acids require more temperature to melt as compared to unsaturated fatty acids.
- If the fatty acids undergo hydrogenation they may show trans-configuration and are called trans fat.
- In the natural state, the unsaturated fatty acids mostly show cis-configuration.
- Saturated fatty acids are less reactive whereas unsaturated fatty acids are more reactive and can undergo oxidation.
Also Read: Difference Between Fats and Lipids
Overview on Fatty Acids
Fatty acids are organic compounds that fall under the category of lipids, which are essential biomacromolecules in the living system. The fatty acid types are saturated, unsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Fatty acids play an important role in various physiological processes of the living organism, such as metabolism, formation, and maintenance of cell structure. In this article, we will study the structure, properties, function, and type of fatty acids in detail.
Table of Content
- Fatty Acids – Definition and Meaning
- Fatty Acids Formula
- Essential Fatty Acids
- Essential Fatty Acid Foods
- Properties of Fatty Acids
- Structure of Fatty Acids
- Types of Fatty Acids
- Length of Fatty Acids
- Circulation of Fatty Acids
- Fatty Acids Examples
- Functions of Fatty Acids