Difference Between Saturated and Unsaturated Fatty Acids

When it comes to the discussion of unsaturated fat vs saturated fat, the most important question is that what really is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids? Furthermore, there is a lack of double bonds in saturated fatty acids between the individual carbon atoms. Moreover, when it comes to the unsaturated fatty acids, there is a minimum of one double bond in the fatty acid chain.

Definition of Saturated Fatty Acids

Saturated fatty acid refers to a type of fatty acid that has no linkages of unsaturated between carbon atoms. This type of fatty acid cannot absorb more hydrogen due to the lack of double bonds.  Moreover, these types of acids commonly exist in the fats of animals.

Definition of Unsaturated Fatty Acids

Unsaturated fatty acids refer to acids that are characterized by one or more double bonds. These acids are able to absorb additional hydrogen atoms, thereby showing the difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Moreover, the categorization of unsaturated fatty acids can take place into polyunsaturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids.

Difference between Saturated and Unsaturated Fatty Acids

Important difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids

Parameter	Saturated fatty acids	Unsaturated fatty acids
Meaning	These acids consist of a single chain of carbon atoms and there is no double bond here	These acids consist of carbon atoms and there are one or more double bonds here
Physical appearance	At room temperature they are solid	At room temperature they are liquid
Type of bond	Only a single bond hydrocarbon chain with no double bond	One or more double bonds hydrocarbon chain
Melting point	The melting point of saturated fatty acids is relatively higher	The melting point of unsaturated fatty acids is relatively lower
Type of chain	They have a straight chain	At double points, they have bend chains
Solubility in vitamins	They are soluble in vitamins	They are insoluble in vitamins
Sources for obtaining	Palm oil, coconut oil, and animal fats	Sunflower oil, walnuts, plant oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, flax, and fish oil

FAQs About Saturated and Unsaturated Fatty Acids

Question 1: Give any one difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?

Answer 1: One difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids can be on the basis of physical appearance. Most noteworthy, at room temperature, saturated fatty acids are solid while the unsaturated fatty acids are liquid.

Question 2: Give a three-item list of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?

Answer 2: A three-item list of saturated fatty acids is- caproic acid, propionic acid and valeric acid. Furthermore, a three-item list of unsaturated fatty acids is- linoleic acid, stearidonic acid, and cervonic acid.