Tabulate the differences between saturated 

and  unsaturated fatty acids.


Differences between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids are mentioned below:

Saturated fatty acids

All carbon atoms are linked by single bonds and bear hydrogen atoms.

The saturated fatty acids cannot take up more hydrogen, hence saturated.

The saturated fatty acids have higher melting points and are solid at normal temperature.

The saturated fatty acids are straight chains.

The saturated fatty acids are less abundant in living organisms.

The saturated fatty acids occur in most animal fats and increases blood cholesterol level.

Examples: Palmitic acid, Stearic acid.

Unsaturated fatty acids:

(i) At one or more places, carbon atoms are joined by double bonds and lack hydrogen atoms.

(ii) The unsaturated fatty acids can take up additional hydrogen, hence unsaturated.

(iii) The unsaturated fatty acids have lower melting points, and are liquid at normal temperature.

(iv) The unsaturated fatty acids have a bend or kink at each double bond.

(v) The unsaturated fatty acids are more abundant in living organisms.

(vi) The unsaturated fatty acids occur in most plant fats and lower blood cholesterol level.

Examples: Oleic acid, Linolenic acid.