Triacylglycerols, unsaturated/saturated fatty acids

Question

Which of the following statements are true? (Check all that apply.)

 

1) Triacylglycerol (triglycerides) are carboxylic acids.

 

2) Fats that contain more unsaturated fatty acid residues than saturated fatty acid residues are more likely to be liquid at toom temperature.

 

3) Triacylglycerols (triglycerides) are composed of fatty acid residues and glycerol.

 

4) Unsaturated fats have higher melting points than do saturated fats.

 

5) Unsaturated fats are more likely than saturated fats to be liquids at room temperature.

Answer 1

I agree with Randall K that (1) triglycerides probably should not be classified as carboxylic acids, because they are more correctly classed as esters.  However, I do not agree that all the other statements are true.  I believe that (4) is incorrect, as unsaturated fats have a LOWER melting point than saturated fats.  That's why they are liquid at room temperature whereas saturated fats tend to be solid.