The structure of a fatty acid involves a long _____________ chain with a ___________ group at one end of the molecule. The most common chain length of natural fatty acids is ________________ carbons long. When a double-bond is present in a natural fatty acid, the stereochemistry of the bond is in the _______ orientation so that a kink is generated in the hydrocarbon chain. This kink disrupts association of adjacent hydrocarbon chains by _____________________ tending to _____________ the melting point of the fatty acid or lipid.
ANSWER:
The structure of a fatty acid involves a long hydrocarbon chain with a acid group at one end of the molecule. The most common chain length of natural fatty acids is 17-19 carbons long. When a double-bond is present in a natural fatty acid, the stereochemistry of the bond is in the cis orientation so that a kink is generated in the hydrocarbon chain. This kink disrupts association of adjacent hydrocarbon chains by repulsion tending to decrease the melting point of the fatty acid or lipid.
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