Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
Fatty acids are carboxylic acid with a long aliphatic chain, which is either saturated or unsaturated. They serve as a source of energy and an important component of lipid molecules.
Saturated Fats: These are fats that contain only single bonds between carbon atoms. The term "saturated" refers to the maximum number of hydrogen atoms attached to each carbon atom.
Unsaturated Fats: These are fats that contain one or more double or triple bonds between carbon atoms.
Trans Fat: This is a type of dietary fat that's been linked to heart disease. It's created through an industrial process that adds hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils to make them more solid.