How do saturated fats differ from unsaturated fats?

Saturated fats are characterized by having no double bonds between carbon atoms in their hydrocarbon chains, which means that every carbon atom is fully saturated with hydrogen atoms. This configuration allows them to pack closely together, making them solids at room temperature. The simplicity of the single bonds contributes to their higher melting point compared to unsaturated fats.

In contrast, unsaturated fats contain one or more double bonds in their hydrocarbon tails. These double bonds introduce kinks in the fatty acid chains, which prevent them from packing closely together, resulting in a liquid state at room temperature and a lower melting point. This structural aspect is crucial for understanding the differences in physical properties and health implications of these two types of fats.