Which statement describes saturated fatty acids?

• A. They pack tightly and are often solid at room temperature
• B. They remain liquid at room temperature
• C. They are comprised of glycerol with three unsaturated bonds
• D. They are never found in animal fats

Answer: (D)

Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds between carbon atoms, so their chains are straight and can pack tightly together. That tight packing raises their melting point, so these fats are typically solid at room temperature. In common foods, saturated fats are abundant in animal fats like butter and lard. The idea that they remain liquid at room temperature describes unsaturated fats, while the notion of glycerol with three unsaturated bonds doesn’t accurately describe saturated fats, which are not defined by glycerol having unsaturated bonds. And saturated fats can be found in animal fats, so saying they’re never found there isn’t correct.