Unsaturated fatty acid

Definition

An unsaturated fatty acid is a type of fat molecule that contains one or more double bonds between its carbon atoms. These double bonds create kinks in the fatty acid chain, preventing it from packing tightly.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Unsaturated fatty acids are typically liquid at room temperature due to their structural kinks.
2. They can be classified into monounsaturated (one double bond) and polyunsaturated (multiple double bonds).
3. Microbes can modify unsaturated fatty acids to adapt to temperature changes, maintaining membrane fluidity.
4. The presence of unsaturated fatty acids affects the permeability and flexibility of microbial cell membranes.
5. In some bacteria, unsaturated fatty acids are crucial for the formation of biofilms, which play a role in microbial pathogenicity.

Review Questions

• What structural characteristic differentiates unsaturated fatty acids from saturated fatty acids?
• How do unsaturated fatty acids affect the physical state of lipids at room temperature?
• Why are unsaturated fatty acids important for maintaining membrane fluidity in microbes?

Related terms

Saturated Fatty Acid: A type of fat molecule with no double bonds between carbon atoms, allowing tight packing.

Phospholipid: A lipid containing a phosphate group in its molecule, forming the primary component of cell membranes.

Biofilm: A structured community of microbial cells enclosed in a self-produced polymeric matrix adhering to surfaces.