🍟 Chew On This: Fatty acids are like chains made of Lego blocks. Some have all same-size blocks (single bonds) and others have a mix of big and small blocks (double bonds). Now, let's decode the fatty acid saga!

Structure

• Unbranched chain of carbon atoms.
• Surrounded by hydrogen atoms = hydrocarbon chain.
• Has a carboxyl group (–COOH) at one end.
• Methyl group (–CH3) at the other end.
• Common lengths: 14 to 20 carbon atoms.

• Saturated Fatty Acids

  • Think of it as a "satisfied" chain, all filled up with hydrogens.
  • Only single bonds between its carbon atoms.
  • Packed with as much hydrogen as it can hold.

• Unsaturated Fatty Acids

  • They're the rebels, not completely filled with hydrogens.
  • Double bonds between some carbon atoms.
  • Monounsaturated: One double bond.
  • Polyunsaturated: More than one double bond.

🍔 Real-world Example: Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, while corn oil has lots of polyunsaturated fats.

• Cis-Fatty Acids
  • Hydrogen atoms are on the same side of the double-bonded carbons.
  • This causes a bend in the chain.
  • Typically liquid at room temperature (think oils).
• Trans-Fatty Acids
  • Hydrogens are on opposite sides of the double bond.
  • The chain remains straight.
  • Solid at room temperature.
  • Often found in margarine and processed foods.

🍩 Did You Know?: Trans fats are artificially made to turn liquids (like oils) into solids. But they aren't great for your health. The FDA even banned them!