Chemistry question

Question

Choose the incorrect statement about fatty acids from the following.

1. Fatty acids usually contain an even number of carbon atoms.
2. Membrane lipids contain mostly unsaturated fatty acids.
3. The melting point of fatty acids decreases with the increasing degree of unsaturation.
4. Naturally-occurring unsaturated long-chain fatty acids are usually in the trans configuration.
5. Fatty acids are the carboxylic acids isolated from lipids.

Answer 1

The incorrect answer is D. Naturally occurring fatty acids are usually in the cis configuration, not trans. This is a good thing to remember because trans fatty acids are unhealthy for your cardiovascular system, and are generally in very low abundance in natural foods.

Answer 2

The incorrect statement from the list would be...

Naturally-occurring unsaturated long-chain fatty acids are usually in the trans configuration.

Naturally occurring unsaturated fatty acids are generally in the cis configuration.

Answer 3

Great Day Rita!

Lots to explain in this question, but the final answer is trans fats are man made. They were created by a chemist who found they increase shelf life of foods , but unfortunately have a higher melting point making them less healthy for digestion . Naturally occurring fatty acids are in the cis configuration.

Please contact me if you have more questions.

Yours in learning!

Dale Swanson