Which of the following is the best explanation for why vegetable oil is a liquid at room temperature, while animal fats are solid?
A) Vegetable oil has fewer double bonds than animal fats.
B) Vegetable oil has longer fatty- acid tails than animal fats have.
C) Vegetable oil has more double bonds than animal fats.
D) Animal fats have no amphipathic character.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Vegetable oil has more double bonds than animal fats, which leads to a kinked shape in the fatty acid tails. This kinked shape prevents the fatty acid tails from packing together tightly, allowing the oil to remain liquid at room temperature. In contrast, animal fats have fewer double bonds and straighter fatty acid tails that can pack together tightly, leading to a solid state at room temperature.

Which of the Following Is the Best Explanation for Why