Question

Typically, plant triglycerides are composed mostly of (Saturated/Unsaturated) fatty acid chains. This allows plant triglycerides to pack (loosely/densely) in a given space. There is a (greater/fewer) number of __________ interactions between the plant FA's compared to those of animal triglycerides, and this results in a (higher/lower) melting temperature for animal versus plant triglycerides. At room temperature, animal fats are ___________ and plant fats are ___________.

1) (Saturated, loosely, greater, higher, solid, liquid)
2) (Saturated, densely, greater, higher, solid, liquid)
3) (Unsaturated, loosely, greater, higher, solid, liquid)
4) (Unsaturated, densely, greater, higher, solid, liquid)

Answer 1

Plant triglycerides are mostly made up of unsaturated fatty acids, allowing them to pack loosely and remain liquid at room temperature, whereas animal triglycerides contain more saturated fatty acids, which pack tightly and are solid at room temperature.

Step-by-step explanation:

Typically, plant triglycerides are composed mostly of unsaturated fatty acid chains. This allows plant triglycerides to pack loosely in a given space. There is a greater number of cis interactions between the plant fatty acids (FAs) compared to those of animal triglycerides, and this results in a lower melting temperature for animal versus plant triglycerides. At room temperature, animal fats are solid, and plant fats are liquid. The correct answer to the student's question is option 3) (Unsaturated, loosely, greater, higher, solid, liquid).

Plant triglycerides are typically composed mostly of unsaturated fatty acid chains. This allows plant triglycerides to pack loosely in a given space. There is a greater number of interactions between the plant FA's compared to those of animal triglycerides, and this results in a lower melting temperature for animal versus plant triglycerides. At room temperature, animal fats are solid and plant fats are liquid.