Final answer:
The general types of fatty acids in lipids of fats or oils are saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and trans-fatty acids. Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds, whereas unsaturated ones, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated, have one or more double bonds.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fatty acids are key components of lipids in fats and oils and can be categorized based on the presence and number of carbon-to-carbon double bonds. The general types of fatty acids in lipids are: saturated fatty acids which contain no carbon-to-carbon double bonds, monounsaturated fatty acids with one carbon-to-carbon double bond, and polyunsaturated fatty acids that contain two or more carbon-to-carbon double bonds. In addition to these, trans-fatty acids are another type of fatty acid, in which the hydrogen atoms are on opposite sides of the double bond, altering the physical properties of the fat.
An example of a polyunsaturated fatty acid is alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3), which is essential in our diet. Saturated fatty acids, such as stearic acid, and unsaturated fatty acids, like oleic acid and linoleic acid, are also commonly occurring. Triglycerides, the main constituents of fats and oils, are esters composed of glycerol linked to three fatty acid units. The composition of fats and oils can vary but typically includes a mix of these different types of fatty acids.