Question

If all fatty acids are composed of an acid group and hydrocarbon chains/tails, how is it possible that there are different fatty acids? In what ways do fatty acids differ from one another?

Answer 1

Fatty acids vary by hydrocarbon chain length, saturation level, and chain branching. Saturated fatty acids have only single bonds, whereas unsaturated include monounsaturated and polyunsaturated with one or more double bonds.

Step-by-step explanation:

Fatty acids are components of several types of lipids. They differ from one another primarily in three ways: the length of their hydrocarbon chain, the degree of saturation, and whether the chain is branched or unbranched. The length can vary typically from 4 to 36 carbon atoms, with most common fatty acids containing between 12 and 18 carbon atoms. Fatty acids are also distinguished by the presence and number of carbon-to-carbon double bonds. Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds, while unsaturated fatty acids include monounsaturated fatty acids (one double bond) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (two or more double bonds).