Answer to Question #67383 in Biochemistry for Diana

Question

how does unsaturation affect physical properties of fatty acids or membrane lipid which they are esterified

Answer 1

Unsaturation in fatty acids leads to decrease of melting points versus saturated fatty acids with the same number of carbon atoms. As we know, oils from vegetables contain many more unsaturated fatty acids and are therefore, liquids at room temperature. In contrast, animal oils contain more saturated fatty acids and are solid at room temperature.